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How to Conduct a Music Critique

Knowing the basic principles of conducting a good critique will make it possible for you to effectively analyze and discuss a work of art. Taking your time to get to know the painting and think about some of the most commonly asked questions in a critique will allow you to create an effective and thoughtful presentation. Remember that a critique does not deal solely with criticism. Be honest about your opinion of the painting and point out both the positive and negative elements of the work.

Look at the artwork and decide if anything stands out. If there is a specific aspect of the painting that you immediately notice, take note of it. This could be the use or lack of color, the background or some specific image. Write down only specific comments and give an explanation for why you have isolated this specific component. Spend some additional time looking at the painting and write down any additional thoughts that come to you.

Determine if the artist uses contrast to their advantage. Contrast creates lines, textures, shapes or size to define the painting and bring out specific aspects of the painting. Analyze the artwork to determine what the artist is trying to bring out. Take notes on whether you feel the artist succeeded in applying contrast to the painting.

Identify any repetition within the painting. Artists often use repetition to help create connections within the painting that allow them to lead the viewer through the work. The repetition can be in the form of colors, shapes, lines or even the relative size of an object. Discuss the elements used to create repetition and how well you feel they were employed.

Observe the artwork and try and determine if anything seems to be missing from the painting. Is there not enough color, does it feel like anything is missing? Give specific reasons for your opinions. Write down any emotional impact the artwork had upon you. If there was a specific feeling or emotion that the painting invoked in you, don't be afraid to discuss that. Determine what about the artwork created these emotions and include this information in your critique.

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