Weekly Painting or Drawing Critique

Working artists may be familiar with the potential helpfulness of getting feedback on work in progress. Artists may also be familiar with the potential utility of an accountability structure, such as a show deadline, or a class, to help keep an art practice going.

In this class, students will bring in a painting or drawing they are working on to present to and discuss with the class, and receive informed, constructive feedback. Background information for each presentation will be discussed, and technical advice and conceptual frameworks to consider will be shared. Basis for discussion will be in individual practice and in consideration of art historical precedent.

Discussing artwork can be difficult, given the depth of exploration and personal involvement often involved in making a work of art. Even professional practicing artists sometimes have difficulty expressing constructive criticism. To add to this, the wide variety of styles often considered in drawing and painting can make considering and establishing criteria flexible, and sometimes challenging.

In this class we will work to offer genuine responses, encouragement, and constructive criticism politely and honestly, to create a supportive learning environment. Individual perspectives, including artistic preference and experience of each participant will be welcomed and considered.

Prerequisite: In order to get the most out of this class participants will have some experience making artwork outside of a class structure, as well as some classroom training such as the CLL Beginning Drawing, Drawing: Light & Shade, Beginning Painting, or similar classes. This class may be useful for amateur, professional, and aspiring professional artists.