----- Original Message -----
From: "the "Artsmentor"" <lseiler@ez-net.com>
Subject: Re: Critiquing Student's work- Leah
Dear Larry,
Thanks for responding, I have a few more thoughts.
> I guess I don't refer to it as "things to improve" though, as much as
> emphasize it takes doing 120 paintings to know something about painting.
> Its a process of paying dues.
That is a good thing to remind students. Art making is a skill that needs
practice. As many of us have been saying in the nature/nurture thread, we
need to put an end to the notion that we're born with it, or we're not.
> If part of our job is "art appreciation"...I don't believe in making
> everything easy. If they find something hard that I know would take the
> impassioned and dedicated artist years to work thru, I don't pacify them.
I'm glad you say this. I find that I struggle to teach my 3-5 grade
students that art is "fun" because of the challenges it presents, like a
puzzle to be solved. It seems that some feel if it's not easy, it's not
enjoyable. I strive to change their minds, and take pride in the success
they feel when they effectively meet a challenge.
if their experience has
> helped them appreciate and know better what it would take to become an
> artist? If their painting turns out in the end to botch, but they can
stand
> in front of a museum's artist's work and in awe...shaking their head
slowly
> with mouth dropped put into words why the work affects them as so
> great....that is success!
Yes, this is one of the most important aspects of art education. Through
critique, students can learn to critically look at art work, and know why
great work IS great.
. . . Its one thing for me to say their work is good, and I'm sure they
> appreciate that. Its another to hear other artists say such. . . The
kids worked all quarter long, and
> actually "feared" what other artists
> says more to me about the times they live in, . . . > I want the idea that
improvements are possible, which a critique supports.
> If you read between the lines of what comes off as sappy encouragements by
> many of the artists, you'll hear their admonishments that the students are
> "well on their way"...which infers the time it will take to actually
become
> accomplished.
You are right, and the on-line critiques were a great boost to the students
which will help motivate them to continue to paint. I asked the questions
because the grueling critiques I experienced in graduate school are still so
fresh in my mind. I was pretty sure those kinds of critiques would not be
good for h.s. students, so I wondered how others were conducting critiques.
I do, however, think the best critiques for your students' paintings were
those that specifically addressed what was effective.
