When most people think of 'criticism," they think immediately of the word and its negative connotations. To criticize is to "find fault with," according to one definition in the Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. The other definition, however, is "to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly: to evaluate." The second definition of criticism is whence the activity art criticism is derived. To criticize an artwork (be it a movie, a play, a painting, or a photograph) is to examine both the form and the function of the piece closely and determine if the artwork accomplishes what the artist set out to do.

Select a photograph using the URLs provided in the "Resource" frame. While looking at the image think about the following questions. Take notes. When you have answered the questions, compose a formal 3-5 page essay that incorporates an introduction, each of the four elements listed below, and a conclusion. Consult the Paradigm Online Writing Assistant for assistance with your composition.

What kind of lines do you see? Are they straight, curvy, diagonal, etc.?
What kind of shapes do you see? Are they geometric, organic, etc.?
What kind of textures do you see? Are they rough, smooth, grainy, fuzzy, etc.?
What colors do you see? Are they bright, dull, flourescent, no color, etc.?
What kind of values do you see? Are they high contrast, low contrast, good dynamic range, etc.?
What kind of objects do you see? Are they people, architectural, natural, etc.?

What kind of balance is displayed? Is it asymetrical or symmetrical?
Is rhythym created through repetition? What is repeated? For example, lines, shapes, colors, objects, etc.
What is the focal point? What is the first thing you see?
What kind of space do you see? Is it deep, shallow, flat, etc.?
Where are the light areas of the image? Squint your eyes and look at the image.
Where are the dark areas of the image?

What is the purpose or meaning of the art work? Steps I and II provide clues.
Is the artist primarily concerned with imitating nature?
Is the artist primarily concerned with expressing feeling or emotion?
Is the artist primarily concerned with the elements and principles of art and design?
Does the title of the photograph provide clues to the meaning and/or purpose of this work?
The following themes are frequently used to discuss meaning in art: strength, beauty, love, madness, excitement, courage, horror, fear, hope, hate, anger, adventure, happiness, mystery, death, sadness, peace, lonliness, interest in the elements of art, interest in the principles of design

To what degree does the art work suceed in conveying an idea or feeling?
Is the meaning clear?
Are multiple meanings possible?
How could the artist convey his/her message better?
Your evaluation should be backed up with an argument. Why or why not the art work is successful.