I just opened a new online shop at ArtWanted.com. www.ArtWanted.com/Zebracorn
One of the many places to explore is the critique section. I am also a member of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators. They also have a critique section.
It often happens in online communities that people will look at the posts and artwork and make no comment. This often offends the poster and hurts their feelings. I have learned to take it in stride. There is no law saying that I have to reply to your post if I choose not to.
However, I feel the need to explain why I seldom if ever post a critique of someone’s art.
First: Who am I to tell someone that their art needs improving? We are all artists and our work is ours and no one else’s. Who am I to tell someone if their work is good or bad or if it will sell or not?
Second: I feel uncomfortable telling people that their work sucks and they should burn the work they showed us and go into another profession; or perhaps their work would be improved if they used the painting for a spill mat for a baby.
Third: Many people really don’t want a critique. They want a pat on the back and a smiley sticker. They want to hear only good things about their art. Any constructive criticism, no matter how mild, would bring vindictiveness and flaming to you and your work.
Fourth: The work may be excellent but not to my taste. I don’t like Picasso or Norman Rockwell. What would I have said if they had put their work up for me to critique? (as if)
I used to run a gallery where hopeful new artists brought me their atrocities in hopes of getting a show. I found myself having to tell people how to improve their work so it will be accepted in our and other galleries. Although I was as kind as I could be, I still hurt feelings.
I feel that people who ask that their work be critiqued are insecure new artists who haven’t found their voices yet. This is okay. But I still am uncomfortable telling someone that they should change their art in order to suit me.
I no longer ask people what they think of my art. Usually, if someone has an opinion they will give it to me anyway. If I am not happy with a piece I have done it doesn’t matter if other people love it, and vice versa.
So I will continue to look at the art of those asking for critiques and not respond. It’s not that I’m not interested; I just think it is most often better to say nothing.
I won’t critique: don’t ask me
I just opened a new online shop at ArtWanted.com. www.ArtWanted.com/Zebracorn
One of the many places to explore is the critique section. I am also a member of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators. They also have a critique section.
It often happens in online communities that people will look at the posts and artwork and make no comment. This often offends the poster and hurts their feelings. I have learned to take it in stride. There is no law saying that I have to reply to your post if I choose not to.
However, I feel the need to explain why I seldom if ever post a critique of someone’s art.
First: Who am I to tell someone that their art needs improving? We are all artists and our work is ours and no one else’s. Who am I to tell someone if their work is good or bad or if it will sell or not?
Second: I feel uncomfortable telling people that their work sucks and they should burn the work they showed us and go into another profession; or perhaps their work would be improved if they used the painting for a spill mat for a baby.
Third: Many people really don’t want a critique. They want a pat on the back and a smiley sticker. They want to hear only good things about their art. Any constructive criticism, no matter how mild, would bring vindictiveness and flaming to you and your work.
Fourth: The work may be excellent but not to my taste. I don’t like Picasso or Norman Rockwell. What would I have said if they had put their work up for me to critique? (as if)
I used to run a gallery where hopeful new artists brought me their atrocities in hopes of getting a show. I found myself having to tell people how to improve their work so it will be accepted in our and other galleries. Although I was as kind as I could be, I still hurt feelings.
I feel that people who ask that their work be critiqued are insecure new artists who haven’t found their voices yet. This is okay. But I still am uncomfortable telling someone that they should change their art in order to suit me.
I no longer ask people what they think of my art. Usually, if someone has an opinion they will give it to me anyway. If I am not happy with a piece I have done it doesn’t matter if other people love it, and vice versa.
So I will continue to look at the art of those asking for critiques and not respond. It’s not that I’m not interested; I just think it is most often better to say nothing.