Most people say I am way to critical. What defines art in my opinion is miles away from what I define as GOOD art. My art classes hated going on trips to art fairs or art museums because I could always find something wrong with it. However, once I find someone I like, for example Thomas Kinkade, I am usually quite easy on their art work from then on. In fact, sometimes he can do no wrong, and everything he puts out is good to me. But that is just usually not the case.
Sometimes I can be critical... a little!...but most often I feel that what is "wrong" with a piece of artwork is what interests me most. Ever seen that painting in your dentist's office?...A perfect vase of perfect flowers, and even the signature seems to be eerily perfect? They always...I'm not going to say frighten me, but they definitely strike me as odd!
As I've stated before, however, I've never been one for perfection. My most favorite thing is to visit a loft gallery in the city, or possibly venture to an art show. In these places, I can find very original artwork. The colors are vivid, and I can almost "feel" the artist's emotions as I look at their creation.
To the person above, I think Kinkade is a wonderful artist indeed! Perhaps I just do not cherish his work as much because I know that I could never be up to the task of a painting similar to one of his! (I'm much more for emotion and splattering on colors, myself! )
Amy
I don't consider myself an art connoisseur, so I am usually very generous in my opinions, because of how impressed I am that the artist could come up with such a piece, and I couldn't. Art was never my 'cup of tea' in school, and I struggled through the few classes that I had to take. I was very pleased when I learned my daughter is actually quite good at art, and that her work was being noticed and commented on at school. I would love to help her along with her artwork, and so I'll probably continue to be generous in my opinions of her work as well.
I am normally candid, if that is what the person is looking for, but if it is someone struggling or really trying then I focus on their good points with hints of how to improve. I guess I want to share with them things that others who are not artists may not see or not have the ability to explain. As for the ones that need no coaching I am very generous and only because it is richly deserved.
JB, I think that is the best way to be. Critique a work fully only if you know the person is looking for that sort of information, always be sensitive to the person's feelings, and be positive. It always gets on my nerves when people that know a lot (or think they do) critique a learners work and totally rip it apart with harsh words. I've had teachers that are brutal, but I've also had teachers that tell me exactly what I need to know constructively, and I don't feel bruised at all. (Although sometimes I think its good for me to have my pride wounded on occasion )
As for myself as an art critic, I find that it's so easy to just say "that looks good" or "good job," and I'm trying to break that habit in general. I think it is very important to be specific both in praise and constructive criticism, because you learn more. And if you're not going to praise or criticize, then it is beneficial to even just talk about elements of the artwork, such as reasons behind artistic choices. But I do realize that there is a time and place for both generalities and specifics.