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Critique Terms

Rules of Critique:

        ALWAYS EXPLAIN WHY. LIST WHAT YOU SEE. BE ENCOURAGING.
(Use the terms from the compositional guidelines, elements and principles of design, and other art terms)

 Elements And Principles of Design (Highlighted) and related terms.

  • Space: Depth/ Horizontal/ Vertical
  • Foreground, Middle Ground, Background
  • Positive Space/ Negative Space
  • Juxtaposition of Size
  • Shape/ Geometric/ Structure
  • Form/ Mass/ Volume/Weight
  • Texture
  • Rhythm/ Repetition
  • Unity / Order.
  • Contrast
  • Tones (Darks/ Lights/ Midtones.)
  • Colors (Hues) Warm, Cool, Neutral, Complimentary Saturation. Monochromatic
  • Light Source, Natural Light,
  • Shadows, Cast Shadows
  • Atmosphere
  • Movement/ Motion/ Energy/ Dynamic/ Direction/ Leading
  • Still/ Static
  • Perspective, Viewpoint


 Don’t use “Good” instead:

  • Resolved
  • Successful
  • Area of Strength
  • Element that Works Well
  • Intentional
  • Significant
  • Area of Interest
  • Draws our Attention
  • Comes together

Compositional Guidelines

  • Simplicity 
  • Rule of Thirds
  • Lines/ Leading Lines/ Implied Lines
  • Symmetrical/ Asymmetrical Balance
  • Framing
  • Mergers


Other Art Terms

  • Audience,
  • Focal Point
  • Subject matter.  Main Subject
  • In Focus/ Out of Focus/ Clear
  • Cropping
  • Evocative, Meaningful
  • Personal
  • Abstract vs Concrete
  • Symbolic/ Metaphorical
  • Formal/  Contrived/ Staged
  • Informal/ Spontaneous/ Natural/ Flowing


Don’t use “Bad” instead:

  • Unresolved
  • Area that Struggles
  • Doesn’t work well
  • Poses an Issue
  • Unintentional
  • Confusing
  • Needs Attention
  • Needs consideration
  • Out of place