Introduction to Aesthetics
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This document outlines the 4 steps of art criticism: description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment. It provides guidance on gathering factual details about the artwork in the description step. The analysis step involves examining how art elements and principles are used. Interpretation considers the artist's intent and meaning. Judgment evaluates whether the artwork is successful and merits display or in a museum based on the prior steps. The document aims to teach a methodical process for critically examining and understanding an artwork.
Introduction to Aesthetics
- 1. Art Aesthetics & Criticism How to “Read” Art
- 2. 4 steps of art criticism • Description • Analysis • Interpretation • Judgment Paul Klee. Ad Parnassum. 1932. Oil on canvas. (39 x 49 in.).
- 3. step 1: description Gathering Facts... • What is the name of the artist? • What kind of artwork is it? • What is the name of the artwork? • When was it created? Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on canvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.). • Name some other major events in history that occurred at the same time as the artwork.
- 4. step 1: description • List the literal objects in the painting (trees, people, animals, mountains, rivers, etc.) • Consider the significant art elements that are present in the artwork and describe them. •Line •Texture Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on •Shape •Color canvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.). •Form •Value •Space
- 5. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).
- 6. step 2: analysis • How are the principles of art used to organize the art elements? • Rhythm • Pattern • Proportion • Variety • Movement • Balance • Emphasis • Unity Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on canvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.).
- 7. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).
- 8. step 3: interpretation • Based on what you have learned so far about the artwork, what do you think the artist is trying to say? • Why did the artist create this artwork? • What do you think it means? • What feelings do you have when Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on looking at this artwork? canvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.). • Do you think there are things in the artwork that represent other things - symbols?
- 9. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).
- 10. step 4: judgment • Do you like the artwork? • Do you think it is an important artwork? • Would you display it at home? • Is it “good” enough for a museum? • Justify your opinion! Explain yourHughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on opinion using observations from thecanvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.). previous three steps.
- 11. Aesthetic Qualities Which of the following Qualities did the artist give to the artwork? • Imitationalism (Literal Quality): focuses on a realistic representation. • Formalism (Formal Quality): Places emphasis on the arrangement of the elements of art using the principles of art. • Emotionalism (Expressive Qualities): Requires that an artwork must evoke a response of feelings, moods, or emotions in the viewer.
- 12. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).