On becoming an art critic

The art critic is one of the most sought aftermeaning d. The relation of the artwork to any of
persons in this creative field. For one, its always goodyour personal experiences or general experiences,
to have someone to bounce your ideas on, gainevents, messages e. The feeleings, moods caused by
qualified feedback or just for pre-sharing. On thethe work f. Alll possible representations of the work
other hand, critics sometimes reflect the views ofg. The possible rationale of the style, theme, choice
the public or potential client, and at times act as aetc. of the artist h. Possible reason and purpose for
yardstick to measure the presented work againstdoing the artwork
standards that he/she should be well familiar with.4. JUDGEMENT:
This career choice is a matter of skill - albeit trainedAfter careful observation, analysis, and interpretation
skill. The critic must be knowledgeable of elementsof an artwork, you now must make your own
such as the techniques, language, style, perspective,judgment. This is your personal evaluation based on
perception. At the same time he/she must be able toyour understanding and measurements. You must
see as the artists, and beyond the artist, to makealso evaluate the success of the work against the
sound and balanced judgement, after accurateaim, objective. Include: a. The value, intrinsic and
interpretations. In the end benefitting artists, whetherotherwise if any of the work (QUESTIONS INCLUDE:
performing of visual benefit and garner great financialIs it is a beautiful work of art; does it convey an
rewards. In brief critiquing art calls for four stages:important message, social, political, philosophical,
1. DESCRIPTION:historical, cultural, or otherwise; does it affect one's
In your own words tell a tale of what you see:view of the world; has it made insightful connections,
Include... a. The name of the artist who created thedoes it reaffirm a religious belief, etc.) b. The possible
artwork b. The kind of an artwork is it c. The namebenefit of the artwork c. The effectiveness of the
of the artwork d. Date of creation e. Name andcommunication of ideas, vision process d. The feeling
relate other major events in history that occurred ator principle that would have value e. Possible effects
the same time this artwork was created. f. List theon others, noticed, observed, predicted d. The value,
literal or recognised objects in the painting (trees,or lack of value or worth. Give reason such as poor
people, animals, mountains, rivers, etc.). g. Whateveruse of the elements of art? e. Critically evaluate
it is that you notice at first sight? Why? h. Theusage of subject matter and note whether it has
colours used, their hues, applications i. The recognisedbeen used in a way that's unappealing, unimaginative,
shapes, their structure, texture, edges, outline j. Theor repulsive or positively advantageous e. Test the
recognised lines and types k. The textures l. Theimapct on a scale or balance from poor to strong,
connotated time of day m. The overall visual effectweak to creative. f. Be a critical thinker, and be
or mood of the workequally frank. g. State grounds for your views, or
2. ANALYSE:expressed opinion, facts and otherwise h. Identify
Mentally process the different elements, chiefly theinteraction or connective nature i. Is there a focus
textures, shapes or forms, colours whether light/darkand does it work effectively j. Is the work personal
or bright/dull, types of lines, and sensory qualities.or general k. Explore your criticism of the work (s) as
Give diligent consideration to the most significant artmuch as you would any positive perceptions, and
principles applied. Describe how the artist uses themWITHOUT BIAS. l. Offer all sides, regardless of your
to organize and balance the elements, and thenpersonal opionions, likes, dislikes, preferencess m. BE
weigh the balance of outcome. Include: a. The artistPROFESSIONAL. BE FAIR Give your positive and
usage of colour b. The achieved effect, usage,negative perceptions. n. REMEMBER: The goose and
application of the elements, especially in achieving thethe gander, the cow and the bull even the male and
message or expressing vision c. The artist's usage ofthe female human have differences in taste
shapes d. The usage of lines: How critical or dominantSALARY OF AN ART CRITIC:
are they e. The role and significance of appliedMost art critics work on a part time basis, with some
texture, illusion of texture or actual texture f. Thebeing found in mainstream media. According to
usage of light, the created illusions or abstrascted useNational Arts Journalism Research "Only about a
of lights and shadows g. The usage of art anddozen art critics in mainstream news publications in
principles of design to achieve the overall visualAmerica earn over US$75,000 from their criticism.
effect or mood of the work. h. The artist's control orOver one-third of newspaper art critics (38 percent)
manipulation of design tools and success in obtainingand nearly two-thirds of alternative weekly critics (64
particular look or focus i. Is there a story, thought,percent) earn less than US$15,000 a year from art
vision borne outcriticism." In Jamaica, pricing can start from JA$5,000
3. INTERPRETATION:on the low end and JA$20,000 on the high end, and,
Here you must apply your training, experience,additionally is influenced by factors such as nature,
expertise and factual knowledge in translating in youryear, time needed, size, detail.
own thoughts and words the artwork set beforeThis article gives guidline to both upcoming art critics,
you. Include: a. The statement of the artist throughand artists who needs work to be critiqued and/or
the work b. Possible interpretations of the messageassessed.
and/or artwork c. Your own view or extracted