Negative Feedback

[Donald Maier]

Pretty much everywhere here we have a place to make comments. On the Artwork, Videos, certainly the Forum posts and so on. For the most part, the comments I read are usually positive and reenforcing. If you don't have anything nice to say... well you know how that goes.

A recent post I read was criticizing this practice looking for a place to get a critique. I referred this person to the ART CRITIQUE post on the Forum Page here. Maybe in the future I can come up with something better.

But the question bugs me. Is this just a place for positive comments? Is it inappropriate to give any negative feedback? Assuming that the comment is made to be a constructive one and not petty designed to hurt someone's feelings. I would like to hear from some of you who have an opinion on this. Are negative comments unwelcome here? Should we just say nice things and save the critique for the Critique Page, only when "asked" for? Should we offer helpful suggestions when we have them, even if the person did not ask for such comments? Isn't this a place to help each other grow? I don't know. What do you want it to be? I get criticism all the time. I have pretty thick skin though.

I'll tell you what I think, but you go first. What's your opinion.

[Kittie Rue Deemer]

Donald, my painting mentor says that when giving critique it's good to use the sandwich method.  Say something nice, then the critique, and finish positive.  Not all of us are practiced in receiving critique, and those of us who really are interested in improving don't have much patience for the "I love your colors" crowd.  I think there's also a difference between hobby painters and career painters in how they both give and receive critique.   JMHO.  

[Marsha Hamby Savage]

Don,

I think a critique should be asked for. If someone posts something they think is wonderful, and has not asked for a critique, I would not say anything other than "thanks for showing us your work." If they ask for constructive criticism, then give it in as nice a way as possible. I really do not like forums where everyone just pats people on the back with nothing constructive said.

I also belong to a critique group that says ... do not tell an artist what you would do in a painting. We only ask questions of the artist about ... what was your vision, what were you trying to accomplish, is there anything that bothers you, is there a part of it that you are particularly proud of, etc. We want to get the artist to learn to critique their own work.

For a beginner, I can understand saying something is not working that is a particular part of art theory, such as perspective, design, proportions, etc.

 

[Lindy Du Toit]

Dear Don,

I welcome all "constructive comments".... I do not call them negative comments.  Not all paintings appeal to everyone, you will always get those people who have a different taste in art to what you paint.  I learn a lot from these constructive comments.  In fact, I tried a painting last week, utilizing one of these constructive comments, and it worked for me.... I now see what that person was talking about.  So learn from the comments, and grow as an artist.  Of course one gets those who are just downright nasty, but they are few and far between and one learns to ignore these when they come along.  Thanks Don for asking our opinion.  I hope mine is helpful. Regards, Lindy

[Karen Watland]

You could have a button that one can select for "Critiques Accepted"  that the artist can apply to each painting submitted. Sometimes people prefer critiques on particular paintings and not others. This would stop any unwanted critiques and allow those that wish them to receive them. Critical does mean finding fault. Praise would be a good part of any art critique, but isn't as helpful to those that want to learn how they can improve by hearing how others "see" their painting. It takes experience of this kind of exposure and maybe a certain personality to be able to accept even constructive criticism. What one does with the information is up to them and can always be taken lightly, or even ignored if they wish.

It would be good to have a list of guidelines on the site for critiquing.

You are welcome to critique my opinion :).

[Donald Maier]

A critic of a broadway show would tell the public if it is good or bad, sighting specifics to back up his statements. It could be rave reviews or totally panned. I think a critique should be honest, and helpful, but also tactful. Not to be a Simon Cowl and say things to hurt the feelings. Constructive criticism is how we learn and grow. Artists need to develop thick skin, too. 

Karen Watland said:

You could have a button that one can select for "Critiques Accepted"  that the artist can apply to each painting submitted. Sometimes people prefer critiques on particular paintings and not others. This would stop any unwanted critiques and allow those that wish them to receive them. Critical does mean finding fault. Praise would be a good part of any art critique, but isn't as helpful to those that want to learn how they can improve by hearing how others "see" their painting. It takes experience of this kind of exposure and maybe a certain personality to be able to accept even constructive criticism. What one does with the information is up to them and can always be taken lightly, or even ignored if they wish.

It would be good to have a list of guidelines on the site for critiquing.

You are welcome to critique my opinion :).

[Kittie Rue Deemer]

I agree, Marsha.  Well-said.  Sometimes I need to be told point-blank because I simply don't have the experience or background to make the leap from "this bothers me" to "this is what bothers me and here's what I think I'll do".  My mentor employs the questioning method and it works well until we get to the place where my ignorance is.  That's when I have to back up and learn a little more book learning stuff....  2 steps forward; 1 step back....  It's a dance, that's for sure. 

Marsha Hamby Savage said:

Don,

I really do not like forums where everyone just pats people on the back with nothing constructive said.

I also belong to a critique group that says ... do not tell an artist what you would do in a painting. We only ask questions of the artist about ... what was your vision, what were you trying to accomplish, is there anything that bothers you, is there a part of it that you are particularly proud of, etc. We want to get the artist to learn to critique their own work.

For a beginner, I can understand saying something is not working that is a particular part of art theory, such as perspective, design, proportions, etc.

 

[Suzanne Elliott]

I agree with the "give critique if asked for" and like the idea of a button placed by each work that indicates this.  Some artists just don't have thick skins and can't accept any critique other than positive remarks.  I am one who wants critique on certain pieces that aren't working - other eyes and minds then become very appreciated and valuable.  Good topic!

[Kittie Rue Deemer]

There is a critique section.  We could just post paintings there that we would like feedback on.  I rarely post anything that I just want to receive praise on... But that's me, personally.  My problem is that I approach life as if everyone has the same desire to excel that I have, which means I'm always critiquing for improvement, myself first and everything else second. :-0

My husband tells me to "lighten up", so if I ever give unwanted feedback, just pop me on the head and tell me 'hush'.  :-)

[Capt Elaine]

Well since most of the artists here are professionals.. and perhaps showing paintings here in hopes of SELLING them, in no way would a presume to critique anyone's work on this site... unless they asked for it, and even then I don't feel qualified to tell a professional what is 'wrong' with their painting... I know what I like, and what I don't like, if I like a painting I will give a positive, nice work comment, if I don't like it... I won't say anything.  I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or be the cause of someone NOT buying a painting because of a critical comment I made.  Just my opinion...worth what you paid for it :-)

[Kittie Rue Deemer]

I didn't know this was a selling site, that changes everything....  Is that true?  That people post here hoping to sell?  I thought it was like the Wet Canvas forum, for growth and camaraderie among artists....  So sorry for misunderstanding.  

[elisabeth refn]

well

since I have not been selected for several local shows lately

I must be doing some thing wrong or un appealing

and suggestions from other plein air painters

might just give me redirection, encouragement , hope?

So yes, 

[Armand Cabrera]

 You shoould just continue the critque pages where people can post work to be critqued by others. Most people just want ass pats. Most aren't professional in their work ethic or attitude and will never be professional artists. As for professionals why would a professional artist tlisten to the opinion of an amateur. Do you really think someone like Richard Schmid can be given advice by Lola Artfan? Inability to paint as well as the pro excludes the person from critiquing them. Their opinion is equal to their abilities as an artist. Otherwise it would show in their work.