6.4: Communicating Feedback Effectively
- Page ID
- 341424
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The critique process serves as a vital tool for artistic development and learning. Feedback in art critiques is essential for learning and growth. This section focuses on how to give feedback that is clear, helpful, and respectful. Our goal is to make critiques beneficial for everyone involved.
Critical Aspects of Giving Feedback:
• Clear Communication: Good feedback starts with being transparent and using specific descriptions and art terms when discussing the artwork presented. This helps
the artist understand exactly what you are pointing out, whether it is about the color, the shapes, or how the piece is put together.
• Constructive Criticism: Feedback should help the artist improve their knowledge and skills about their work. Mention what works well and what could be improved.
Offer specific advice on how to make the artwork stronger. Remember to talk about the art, not the artist, to keep the critique focused and professional.
• Being Respectful: How you say something is as important as what you say. Be kind and empathetic, recognizing the effort behind the artwork. Consider the artist's background and intentions. Encouraging artists to share their thoughts can make the critique more meaningful and helpful.
• Dialogue and Growth: Encouraging conversation is critical. When artists explain their work and respond to feedback, the critique becomes more complex. This dialogue makes the critique a two way exchange, enriching the feedback experience for both the giver and the receiver.75
"Giving Feedback" AI generated image, AIgenerated image, DALL-E 4.0, 2024, by Kristen R. Kennedy
Constructive Critique Comments
Effective feedback is crucial in art education. Clear, constructive, and respectful critiques can inspire artists to grow and improve. This section guides you in giving feedback that positively supports learning and development.
Guidelines for balancing positive and constructive critique comments:
1. Start with Positive Feedback (Highlight Strengths): Begin the critique by identifying and discussing the artwork's strengths. This could involve praising the artist's use of color, texture, composition, or emotional expression. Highlighting what works well boosts the artist's confidence and sets a positive tone for the critique.
2. Maintain a Supportive Tone (Encouraging Language): Recognize the effort and intention behind the artwork. Frame your constructive comments in a way that shows you understand the artist's goals and are offering feedback to help them achieve those goals. Use language that is encouraging and supportive. Phrases like "Have you considered...?" or "What if you tried...?" invite exploration and experimentation without diminishing the artist's current achievements.
3. Encourage Dialogue (Ask Questions): Encourage the artist to share their thoughts, intentions, and any challenges they face. This provides valuable context for your critique and makes the artist feel more engaged and respected. Pose questions that prompt the artist to reflect on their work and the feedback. This can help them think critically about their artistic choices and how they might apply your suggestions.
4. Leave on a Positive Note (Reiterate Strengths): Conclude the critique by reiterating some of the artwork's key strengths. This ensures that the artist feels motivated and positive about their work and potential for growth. Express confidence in the artist's ability to incorporate the feedback and continue developing their skills. A simple statement of encouragement can significantly impact the artist's motivation and self-esteem.
By following these guidelines, you can provide balanced and effective feedback that respects and acknowledges the artist's current achievements and guides them toward their potential for improvement.76
Objectivity and Subjectivity in Art Critique
In art critique, we often discuss two ways of looking at art: objectivity and subjectivity. Here is a more straightforward explanation of what these terms mean:
Objectivity is when you try to look at art without letting your personal feelings or biases get in the way. It is like being a judge who focuses just on the facts:
• Skills and Techniques: Checking if the artwork is made well, using skills correctly.
• Art Rules: Looking at how the art uses colors, shapes, and layout according to art principles.
• Art History: Consider where the artwork fits art styles or historical movements.
Subjectivity is when personal feelings, opinions, and experiences influence how you see art. It is like seeing art through your lens:
• Personal Feelings: How art makes you feel or what it makes you think about.
• Background and Culture: Your experiences or culture might affect your understanding of art.
• Artist's Message: Trying to figure out what the artist wanted to say with their work, which can be
different for everyone.
Looking at art usually involves a mix of both objective and subjective views. Good art critique can appreciate the artist's skill and the formal aspects of the work (objectivity) while also exploring personal reactions and meanings (subjectivity). When talking about art, it is helpful to recognize both the technical side of how it has been made and the personal side of how it speaks to each of us differently.
Critical Aspects in Art Critique:
• Being Open: It is essential to know your preferences and biases and be open to different ways of seeing art.
• Listening to Others: Hearing different opinions can help you see art in new ways, mixing objective facts with personal feelings.77
Constructive Feedback vs. Destructive Criticism
In the context of an art critique, constructive and destructive feedback serve distinctly different purposes and have markedly different impacts on the artist receiving the feedback. Understanding the differences between these two types of feedback is crucial for fostering a supportive, productive environment that encourages growth and creativity.
Constructive Feedback: Feedback provides positive, actionable advice that helps artists improve their work.
It is characterized by:
• Specificity: Rather than vague comments, constructive feedback focuses on specific aspects of the artwork, offering clear examples of what works and suggestions for improvement.
• Balance: It includes positive reinforcement of what is effective in the artwork and polite suggestions for areas of improvement, ensuring the artist feels valued and understood.
• Respect and Empathy: Constructive feedback is delivered with respect and empathy, acknowledging the effort and intention behind the artist's work
• Focus on Growth: The primary goal of constructive feedback is to support the artist's development, encouraging them to explore new techniques, perspectives, and ideas.
Destructive Feedback: On the other hand, it can be damaging and discouraging. It is characterized by:
• Negativity: Destructive feedback often focuses solely on the negative aspects of an artwork without offering any positive reinforcement or suggestions for improvement.
• Vagueness: It tends to be vague and does not provide specific examples or ways to improve, leaving the artist confused about how to proceed.
• Disrespectful Tone: Delivered with a tone that can be harsh, dismissive, or condescending, destructive feedback fails to acknowledge the artist's effort or potential for growth.
• Discouragement: Instead of fostering growth, destructive feedback can demoralize artists, potentially stifling their creativity and willingness to take risks.
In short, constructive feedback is excellent for helping artists develop and feel supported, while destructive feedback can stop their growth and hurt their confidence. Giving good feedback means finding a balance between honest critiques and offering encouragement.78