What are art critiques? What is the purpose of an art critique and why do artists have art critiques? You will learn all the answers to the questions, and understand more about what art critiques are in this blog post.

Art Critiques

Have you ever shared your art and wondered what people really think?

Often artists create artwork, and have an idea in mind about what is the message of the artwork or what they want the artwork to communicate to the viewer.

But sometimes that message isn't always clear. If you can look at a piece of artwork and see other things that the artist might not have thought about or wanted them to think about.

This is just one reason to have an art critique so that you are understanding the message of your artwork and ensuring that that message is clear and communicated to the viewer.

What Is an Art Critique?

A structured process of giving and receiving feedback on artwork.
Can be formal (in a classroom or gallery) or informal (with peers or online).
May focus on technique, composition, message, or emotional impact.
Involves observation, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation.

Oftentimes, we think of an art critique in school and that's where a lot of art critiques take place in an educational setting like high school or college or university but it's important to have art critiques outside of school too.

Usually, when school is done, you have less art critiques, but as an artist, you can get a group of friends or peers together and run your own art critiques which can be just as valuable. You can run art critiques in person or you can meet up online to share your work as well.

You might also want to attend different artist residencies where you could have art critiques with different artists who are attending the same residency as you.

It can be very valuable to get feedback on your artwork because this feedback can lead to new ideas, and it can allow you to create better artwork as an artist.

What Is the Purpose of an Art Critique?

To help the artist see their work from different perspectives.
To encourage reflection and critical thinking.
To offer constructive feedback that supports creative growth.
To develop visual literacy—learning to talk about and understand art.

As someone who is participating in an art critique, this can also be a valuable experience, because they might be inspired by seeing different artwork or through the different conversations that happened during an art critique.

The Value Art Critiques Bring to Artists

Encourages Growth and Skill Development

Helps artists refine technique, composition, and materials.
Identifies what’s working and what could improve.

Builds Confidence

Learning to explain your work and accept feedback builds resilience.
Teaches artists how to separate personal identity from artistic critique.

Fosters Communication and Language Around Art

Teaches vocabulary and ways to discuss art more clearly.
Encourages listening and respectful conversation.

Deepens Understanding of Artistic Intent

Pushes artists to clarify their message or concept.
Invites thoughtful reflection and intention-setting.

Prepares for the Real World of Art

Mirrors the kind of feedback artists receive from jurors, gallerists, and collectors.
Builds a healthy relationship with revision and creative iteration.

Who Can Benefit from Critiques?

Students (elementary to university)
Emerging and professional artists
Art teachers and educators
Portfolio applicants and working artists

Tips for Giving and Receiving a Good Critique

Give more than just compliments -try to think of questions to ask, or feedback that could improve the artwork
Be specific, kind, and honest.
Focus on the art, not the artist.
Keep an open mind—feedback is not a personal attack.
Share what the artwork reminds you of - this could help the artist find new inspiration
Ask questions like:
“What were you trying to express?”
“What part do you feel most successful about?”

Conclusion:

When participating in art critique, it kind of feel very personal and feel like people don't like your artwork, and therefore do not like you as an artist or a person but it's very important as an artist to disconnect from that feeling and see the value of an art critique that it will help you improve your artwork and help you become a better artist.

Let me know what you like about art critiques in the comments below!