Self-Critique: Questions to Ask Yourself

As an artist, one of the most challenging tasks can be deciding when a piece is truly finished. It's easy to overwork your art or feel uncertain about its completion. Here are some questions to guide your self-critique process.

And Above All...

After you’ve been working on your piece for a while, it can be invaluable to step away from it. Giving yourself and the piece some time and distance can provide a fresh perspective. When you return to it, ask yourself the following:

1. Contrast: Are my light and darks enough of a contrast? Contrast creates depth and dimension, which can make your artwork more dynamic and engaging.

2. Visual Interest: Does each section or quadrant contain enough visual interest? Consider if there is something to capture the viewer’s attention in all parts of your piece.

3. Design Elements: Have I employed one or more of the elements of design? These elements include line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture.

4. Eye Movement: Is my eye led around the painting? In other words, can my eyes stare at the painting for long periods without getting bored? An engaging composition will naturally lead the viewer's eye throughout the piece.

This initial set of questions can help you evaluate the foundational aspects of your artwork. By focusing on these core elements, you can ensure that your piece has the necessary structure and interest to captivate your audience.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next month, where we will dive deeper into more specific elements and aspects to consider when evaluating the completion of your artwork.