questioning, examining, and thinking deeply about an art work, rather than accepting things at face value

looking closely at all the parts of the artwork to understand how it was made and what it means

use words to give an account or detailed explanation of something

The art of critique: analysing and interpreting artworks

Art and design

This teacher-led unit introduces key principles and four assessment objectives through various drawing activities in the studio and on-site. Pupils will explore diverse sources, inspired by themes from a museum or site visit.

Foundation workshops: selecting primary sources and recording observations

exploring different perspectives and interpretations

choosing artworks based only on personal taste

What purpose does critical thinking have when exploring art?

leads to deeper understanding and interpretation

observing colours, shapes, textures, and meaning

helps artists reflect on and identify how to improve their work

encourages creativity, exploration and innovative thinking

It helps organise your thoughts and feelings clearly.

It helps you memorise the artist’s name.

It helps you to only consider one aspect of the artwork.

Why are keywords and bullet points helpful when thinking and analysing a piece of art?

how the artwork makes you feel emotionally

use of lines, shapes, or colours that lead the viewer’s eye through the piece

the way the artist physically moved during creation

How might "movement" be described in an artwork’s composition?

Describe the mood created by the colours and their interaction.

Discuss the arrangement of elements and their balance.

Describe how smooth, rough, or bumpy the surface looks.

Express the feelings or mood the artwork evokes.

Focus on the direction and type of lines used in the piece.

Identify what is depicted, like people or objects.

Match the description with the method for describing a piece of art.

It develops your understanding of cultural values, traditions, symbols used.

It lets you know the artist’s career timeline.

It shows you the artist’s personal life.

How does cultural context enhance your understanding of an artwork?

Starter Quiz