FELDMAN'S MODEL OF ART CRITICISM

What is Feldman’s model?

A systematic four-step process for analyzing and describing ANY artwork. Used by museums, critics, and educators worldwide.

Why should we learn Feldman’s Model of Art Crticism?

• Provides structured vocabulary for discussing art

• Works for paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, etc.

• Moves from objective observation to subjective interpretation

• Trains critical thinking skills

What are the 4 Steps of the model?

Step 1: Description
Step 2: Analysis
Step 3: Interpretation
Step 4: Judgement

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Purpose: Objective observation—describe what is literally present, without interpretation or judgment.

Step 1: Description

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Questions to Answer:

• What medium is used? (oil paint, watercolor, bronze, marble, photography, mixed media, etc.)

• What is depicted? (people, landscape, objects, abstract forms, etc.)

• What colors are present?

• What shapes and forms do you see?

• What is the composition? (centered, diagonal, scattered, etc.)

• What are the dimensions/size?

• What textures are visible?

Step 1: Description

IDENTIFY THE STEP - EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION:

"This painting is an oil on canvas approximately 4 feet by 6 feet. It depicts a woman in a white dress seated at a table with a tea cup. The background is a simple domestic interior with warm beige and cream tones. The woman's face is rendered in detail with careful attention to light and shadow. The composition is asymmetrical, with the figure placed slightly off-center. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, creating a soft texture."

Step 1: Description

Questions to Answer: Step 1: Description

• What medium is used? (oil paint, watercolor, bronze, marble, photography, mixed media, etc.)

• What is depicted? (people, landscape, objects, abstract forms, etc.)

• What colors are present?

• What shapes and forms do you see?

• What is the composition? (centered, diagonal, scattered, etc.)

• What are the dimensions/size?

• What textures are visible?

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Asks, “How is it organized?”

Step 2: Analysis

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Purpose: Examine how the artist used Elements and Principles of Art to organize the work.

Step 2: Analysis

IDENTIFY THE STEP -
Elements to Analyze:

• Line: What types? Straight, curved, implied? What emotional effect?

• Color: What palette? Warm or cool? Bright or muted? Complementary or analogous?

• Value: High contrast or subtle gradations? Where is the darkest? Lightest?

• Shape/Form: Geometric or organic? How do they interact?

• Space: Positive/negative balance? Foreground/middle/background depth?

• Texture: Visual or actual? Rough or smooth? Uniform or varied?

Step 2: Analysis

What are the Elements to Analyze in Step 2: Analysis?

• Line: What types? Straight, curved, implied? What emotional effect?

• Color: What palette? Warm or cool? Bright or muted? Complementary or analogous?

• Value: High contrast or subtle gradations? Where is the darkest? Lightest?

• Shape/Form: Geometric or organic? How do they interact?

• Space: Positive/negative balance? Foreground/middle/background depth?

• Texture: Visual or actual? Rough or smooth? Uniform or varied?

What are the principles to analyze in Step 2: Analysis?

• Balance: Symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial? How is weight distributed?

• Emphasis: Where is the focal point? How is it created?

• Contrast: What contrasts exist? (value, color, texture, size, shape)

• Movement: How does the eye move through the composition?

• Rhythm: Is there repetition? Does it create movement?

• Pattern: Are there repeating elements?

• Proportion: What is the size relationship between parts?

• Unity: Do the elements work together cohesively?

IDENTIFY THE STEP - EXAMPLE ANALYSIS:

"The artist uses warm tones—cream, tan, and soft gold—throughout the composition, creating a peaceful, intimate mood. The figure is painted with high value contrast (light dress against warm background), which creates emphasis and draws the viewer's eye to the woman's face. Asymmetrical balance is achieved by placing the figure off-center; the empty table space on the right balances the visual weight of the woman on the left. The smooth, controlled brushwork creates visual texture that suggests refinement. Diagonal lines in the table's edge and the woman's arm create subtle movement, leading the eye through the composition. The overall effect is harmonious and unified."

Step 2: Analysis

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Asks, “What does it mean?”

Step 3: Interpretation

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Purpose: Explain the meaning, message, mood, or theme of the artwork. What is the artist trying to communicate?

Step 3: Interpretation

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Questions to Answer:

• What is the subject matter?

• What mood or atmosphere is created? (somber, joyful, tense, peaceful, etc.)

• What emotions does it evoke?

• What is the artist trying to communicate?

• What message or theme is being explored?

• What is significant about the choices made in Steps 1 & 2?

• What does the title suggest?

• What cultural or historical context might apply?

Step 3: Interpretation

IDENTIFY THE STEP -This is where you make:

• Educated guesses about meaning

• Connections to theme or subject

• Inferences about artist's intent

• Analysis of symbolism

Step 3: Interpretation

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Asks, “What do you see?”

Step 1: Description

IDENTIFY THE STEP - EXAMPLE INTERPRETATION:

"This intimate portrait suggests a moment of quiet solitude and reflection. The woman's contemplative expression, combined with the soft, warm palette and domestic setting, conveys a sense of psychological depth—we are invited into a private moment. The asymmetrical composition and the woman's off-center placement suggest she is lost in thought, not fully engaged with the viewer. The refined brushwork and careful attention to light suggest the artist values capturing not just the subject's appearance, but her inner emotional state. The tea cup may symbolize warmth, comfort, or ritual. Overall, the work celebrates the quiet dignity of ordinary domestic life and the rich inner worlds of ordinary people."

Step 3: Interpretation

What are the questions to Answer in Step 3: Interpretation?

• What is the subject matter?

• What mood or atmosphere is created? (somber, joyful, tense, peaceful, etc.)

• What emotions does it evoke?

• What is the artist trying to communicate?

• What message or theme is being explored?

• What is significant about the choices made in Steps 1 & 2?

• What does the title suggest?

• What cultural or historical context might apply?

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Purpose: Make an informed evaluation of the artwork's artistic merit and significance. Use specific criteria.

Step 4: Judgement

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Questions to Answer:

• Is it successful? Why or why not?

• How does it compare to other works?

• Does it achieve its apparent goals?

• Is it original or derivative?

• What is its cultural, historical, or artistic significance?

• Would you recommend it? Why?

• What makes it a good/great work of art?

Step 4: Judgement

IDENTIFY THE STEP - Evaluation Criteria:

• Technical skill: Mastery of medium

• Innovation: Originality, creative use of materials

• Emotional impact: Ability to move the viewer

• Conceptual strength: Depth of idea/message

• Cultural significance: Impact on society/art history

• Craftsmanship: Quality of execution

Step 4: Judgement

Asks the question, “What is its value/significance?”

Step 4: Judgement

IDENTIFY THE STEP - EXAMPLE JUDGMENT:

"This is a successful and significant work of art. The artist demonstrates exceptional technical skill—the rendering of light and fabric is masterful, and the careful composition shows sophisticated understanding of visual balance. The work is particularly significant because it elevates domestic life and female interiority to serious artistic subjects at a time when such themes were often dismissed. The painting successfully communicates a rich psychological narrative through subtle visual means, inviting viewers to recognize the complexity and dignity in everyday moments. While the style is not revolutionary, the artist's empathetic approach to portraiture and mastery of color and light make this a work worthy of museum collection and continued study."

Step 4: Judgement

Important: State your criteria first,.. Your judgment should be informed by the previous three steps.

then judge.

Migration, tradition, cultural diversity, diaspora (e.g., Ruston Banal's Magdarame)

Cultural Connections

Imagination, spirituality, myths, legends, surreal imagery (e.g., Brenda Fajardo's Tarot Series, Kublai Millan's sculptures)

Dreams and Visions

Rituals, festivals, traditions, community celebrations (e.g., Dayaw and Dungog Festival, Aze Ong's wearable art0

Ceremony and Society

Political structures, oppression, corruption, inequality (e.g., Cesar Legaspi's Gadgets, Lazaro Soriano's Jack en Poy)

Power

Family, daily routines, memories, household scenes (e.g., Imelda Cajipe Endaya's Bintana ni Momoy)

Domestic Life

Text, symbols, typography, language as visual element (e.g., Imelda Cajipe Endaya's Ninuno Series)

Writing

Personality, social status, beliefs, cultural values (e.g., Vicente Manansala's Inang Bayan)

Portraits and Identity

Landscapes, animals, environmental issues, conservation (e.g., Environmental installations)

The Natural World

City life, modernization, architecture, transportation (e.g., Vicente Manansala's Jeepneys)

The Urban Experience

War, oppression, historical trauma, struggle for justice (e.g., Egai Talusan Fernandez's Remembering 1081)

Conflict and Resistance

Identity, gender, beauty, suffering, dignity (e.g., Hernando R. Ocampo's The Contrast)

The Body

Belonging, migration, home, nostalgia (e.g., Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan's Project Be-longing)

Place and Location