Skip to main content

Artwork Critiques (basic)

  Hey, Guys!!

   Today I wanted to talk to you about artwork critiques and the most common fixes to making your artwork amazing!!

   I have a lot of artist call me or contact me to ask about their own artwork. They ask what they can work on to make it look better or ask simply about different techniques that they are using for the first few times.

  Now, I know that most artwork will not be the same, but I do have a few helpful hints to help your overall artwork succeed and look more dynamic. 

   First I would like to talk about Lights & Darks. These are very simple but very important things to keep in mind when doing any type of artwork: Pencil, painting, watercolor, pen & ink, charcoal, photography etc.

   Look at these two images and tell me what you see....

image 1:

image 2:

   First, both are great images, but one just looks better than the other. Why do you think that is? Can you see the difference? Image 1 is great but you can't really see any of the detail in the bird's feathers and it seem overall washed out. Image 2 looks much crisper, tighter. You can see the detail in the feathers, plus, the background seems a little farther away.

   If you can see the differences, you are already on your way to creating some awesome and dynamic artwork!!

   As you can see, Lights & Darks are very important to an image. They can truly make or brake the image. It's a very easy and simple way to turn your awesome art into a Master Piece!!

   Now, lets talk about Composition.

   Composition is another tool to use that can really up your art game. Of course, we can talk all day about composition but I want to focus our time on the basics. So, lets talk about the Rule of Thirds.

  Take these two images. Both are the same image but one is cropped differently. Now which do you think is the better image and why?

image 1:

image 2:

   Now, this one is a little tricky because both are using the Rule of Thirds, (Imagine cutting the image into three equal pieces Horizontally and then do the same Vertically) But one looks better than the other. Which looks better to you? Why? 

   In my opinion, the first image seem to busy and it feels to be a little heavy on the right side. I would say that the 2nd image is better because it seems more balanced. The two focal points are towards the middle of the frame and with the negative space around them makes it seem less busy. The first image seems busier because there isn't enough negative space to balance out everything thats going on.

   Another way to look at these two images is to try to figure out how each of them make you feel. The first is tight and confined, but the 2nd is lose and free. Can you see it? Can you feel it?

   Once you have mastered these 2 techniques, I know that your art will become much more dynamic in appearance. Try to think about how your subject will be laid out on your paper or canvas before you even start. Remember the Rule of Thirds and you really can't go wrong.

   For more info on the Rule of Thirds check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GcpP-n-94I
It's a great way to get to know what the Rule of Thirds is and how to use it in your artwork. 

   Did you like this blog on artwork critiques? Was it helpful? If you did like it and did find it helpful, please share it with your other art friends and your arts community. We are here to help each other so, if you have any questions, please write them in the comments below and I will answer them to the best of my ability. 

   Thanks again for stopping by and learning how to take your art to the next level!

   Until next time,

   Cheers!


P.S. If you would like a one-on-one art critique, I can be reached at DanielGilbreathFineArt@yahoo.com I would love to help you in any way I can. Thanks again!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Draw Human Head Outline

How to Draw Outlines of the human head Today we are going to be talking about outlines of the human head. Outlines are just guidelines that will help to structure out the image you want to paint, draw or create.   These fast structure sketches are just the framework for the final image. They are not to be taken very seriously, however, they are important to help your overall finished image. How many of you start off with an outline and find yourself spending more time on it than you think you should? How many of you worry if the outline is the right shape or size (proportion wize)? These are valid concerns but are ultimately not worth the stress.   Outlines are just the idea of your creation, not the finished work. Try not to spend so much time on them. Just get the idea out and on paper. When I was young, I asked my art teacher to help me with my outlining. If you are in need of help, I will tell you what my teacher told me. “Draw as many outlines as you can, as fast a