VA Gallery Review Form
VISUAL ARTS WRITTEN REVIEW FORM
This form must be completely filled out and legible to receive full credit.
Name: _________________________________________ Grade: _______________ Semester Class: _________________________ Teacher: _______________________ Date of gallery or show visit: ____________________________
Name and Address of Gallery or Museum or Performance Venue: Contact person and their position who can verify your attendance (print name):
Signature of contact person:
Title of Show (if there is one):
Name of Featured Artist(s)
Approximate number of pieces viewed:
General description of the show viewed (subject matter, style, etc.)
Specific artist for this review: Title of Piece: Media: Approximate Size (list height first) or length of perfomance:
General Instructions for Writing the Review - Pick a piece that has meaning or interest for you. Use the 4-step Critique Process on the back of this form as a guide only, all questions will not fit all art works. Take extensive notes while you are viewing the artwork. Don’t rely on your memory of the piece later.
Your review must be written in clear essay form and be at least 1.5 pages, TYPED in 12 pt font, 1.5 spaced. Organize your ideas using a strong introduction and closing statement. Proof read and use computer spell check. You may be required to submit corrections to receive a grade. Demonstrate knowledge of art vocabulary when discussing your selected piece. Late reviews follow department policy.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR YOUR REVIEW
Use these questions to guide your writing. Remember that all questions will not relate to every pieces.
Step 1: Describe exactly what you see Start with general statements about the format (horizontal or vertical) and the kind of subject matter you see (landscape, still life, portrait, genre scene, figurative, religious, historical, animal, abstraction, non-objective etc). Describe things generally, then give details. Use concrete, objective describing words, not opinion. Give enough descriptive information so the reader can picture what it looks like. Do not include so much detail that the reader gets confused. Describe where each thing is placed in the piece. If a figure, describe the pose.
Step 2: Analyze how the piece was made or put together How did the artist make this piece? What media is used and what techniques are used with the media? Is it carved, painted, assembled? If painted, describe the paint application and style. Which art elements are important here? Example: If line plays a major role, describe the type of lines used? If texture is a major element, is it implied or real? How is the paint applied—thick/thin, loose/tight? What special techniques are part of this artist’s style? What design elements are used in the piece? How did the artist organize their piece? What is the focal point, where did your eye go first? How has the artist created unity, balance, or harmony in the piece?
Step 3: Interpret the meaning of what you see All artists have intent in making their work. Based on what you see, what is the artist trying to show, say or present to us? What is the artist’s intent or concerns in making the piece? Not all pieces have symbolic or psychological meanings, just try to figure out why the artist might have made this. Use what you see to construct and support reasonable interpretations. Is there a mood, feeling, or specific time communicated to you through the subject matter and technique? Support your opinions.
Step 4: Evaluate the quality or beauty of this piece and explain why you chose it. Why did you select this piece to review? What exactly caught your eye or interest here? What does this piece make you think or feel? Based on what you have seen before and know about art, is the piece technically good? Be sure to support your opinions with specific things you see in the work of art and specific examples of other work you have seen. How does it relate to you personally, your interests or your art? This is your opinion but you should be able to make a strong argument for it.