HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR PAINTING OR DRAWING
First impressions are important. What is your first response when approaching any work of art? How do you respond emotionally...if you do at all? In the case of your own work, this is harder to judge, as you may have labored over a piece for some time and begin to lose objectivity or feel like you're getting "too close" to the work. When this happens it's a good idea to put your painting/drawing aside for a few days so you can view it with a "fresh eye."
Next, take some time to simply observe the art you've created. Don't make any judgments yet, just LOOK. Physically stand back, take your time, and just view the shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, texture, subject; become familiar with the image before you.
Using the Critique Checklist (a useful listing of what to look for while evaluating) one-by-one, carefully examine how the painting/drawing is constructed, the technique used, creativity level, and the "message" it is conveying. (It may be helpful to put your findings and thoughts in writing as you go along.)
Look for the strongest areas, the weakest areas, and note any unique or special qualities of the piece. As you use the checklist ask yourself these questions:
|
|
Where are the strongest passages...what did I do well and be repeated in my next painting/drawing?
|
|
|
Are there overworked or underworked areas?
|
|
|
Is there a spot where I tried to "cover" -- an error, weakness or inability to solve a visual problem? (Expose this, and work to master the skill so you don't repeat the same weak treatment.)
|
|
|
What do I need to do to make corrections improvements -- take a class, read a book on the subject, or find a training video?
|
|
|
Is the painting/drawing finished? Determine whether you can make corrections to weak areas you discovered, or stop on this piece, and improve with your next creation.
|
Lastly, to catch any lingering problems use the following BIG TIP:
|
|
- BIG TIP -
|
|
Take Another Look
|
|
|
|
Another way to check your drawing/painting is to view it from a different vantage point then reevaluate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following two methods are used to clarify, compensate and correct for our natural tendency to favor our left or right eye thereby causing distortion in our art work:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
Stand with your back to the work and view through a mirror (as you would when checking the back of your hair in a bathroom mirror.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.
|
Physically turn the picture upside down. If you are working from a photo, turn it upside down as well, then switch your eyes back and forth between your work and the photo to immediately spot errors to correct.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Both of these methods will enable you view everything as shapes and forms rather than your familiar subject. You can readily identify items that are out of alignment, color problems, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apparel, Gifts & Resources for Studio & Plein Air Artists
