Please i need help, Im trying so hard on this and i just cant do it. Im suppose to look at the painting Magdalene with Smoking Flame by Georges de la Tour, and use the art criticism approach to explain why this piece of art is a success or failure in the art world. I know the 4 steps of art criticism are description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment. My book explains the steps. But i mean they make you look for hues in the picture, and how the principles and elements of the picture work together. Im NOT good at this stuff, I don't know how to analize a picture... I cant tell the different hues of it.. or how to use these different steps!

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&source=hp&q=4+steps+of+art+criticism+are+description%2C+analysis%2C+interpretation%2C+and+judgment.&btnK=Google+Search&oq=&aq=&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=

Start with the first link here (it will bring up a PDF file) and see if that helps. There are other links here that should be helpful, too.

Give it a try and let us know what you come up with.

I have all the elements down, im just struggling on analysis, like where i have to describe how the elements of art, and principles of art are used. I have no idea how they're used.

I know the elements of art are like different colors and hues and such, and i wrote down like the curvy lines in her dress, etc.

You also need to focus on the way the painter used light in this. Notice what's in full light, and notice what is in the shadows.

What is she looking at? What is she holding in her hand? Do they complement each other? (complement is another word for balance) What do you think she is thinking?

Turn your imagination loose. Lighten up! Remember that artworks are to be interpreted by the rest of us, and not everyone will see the same things.

Alright thank you,

Yeah Its just hard to understand art sometimes,
but ill let you know if i need more help, but i think i got it from here! :)

You're welcome. Let us know what you come up with.

Ok i basically finished it, but i need to know what the painting means, and what the mood of the painting is.

Now i think the painting means how shes thinking about her existence, and the skull represents death, but i don't know what the flame represents.
As for the mood, im not sure, maybe confused? lonely ?

I understand that analyzing a painting using the art criticism approach can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with the techniques involved. However, I'll try my best to guide you through the process step by step using the painting "Magdalene with Smoking Flame" by Georges de la Tour as an example.

Step 1: Description
In this step, you need to carefully observe the painting and describe what you see. Start by noting the elements and principles of art used in the painting. For example, look for the colors, shapes, lines, texture, balance, and composition. In "Magdalene with Smoking Flame," you may see a woman, light and shadow, a candle flame, drapery, and a dark background.

Step 2: Analysis
In the analysis step, you need to delve deeper into how the artist has used the elements and principles of art. Examine how the colors, shapes, lines, and other visual elements contribute to the overall effect of the artwork. You could consider the use of light and shadow to create a dramatic mood, the placement and balance of objects in the composition, and the texture and brushwork used by the artist.

For "Magdalene with Smoking Flame," you might note how the warm, glowing light of the candle counterbalances the cool darkness of the background, or how the soft, smooth texture of the drapery contrasts with the sharp, flickering forms of the flame.

Step 3: Interpretation
In the interpretation step, you begin to form ideas or meanings behind the artwork based on your observations. Think about what story, emotion, or message the artist might be conveying. Consider the historical context, symbolism, or cultural significance that could be associated with the artwork.

In the case of "Magdalene with Smoking Flame," you could interpret the painting as a representation of solitude, spiritual contemplation, or the transient nature of life. The figure of Mary Magdalene, traditionally associated with repentance and contemplation, could be seen as engrossed in her thoughts while the flame represents the fleeting nature of existence.

Step 4: Judgment
In the judgment step, you express your personal evaluation of the artwork based on the previous three steps. This is your subjective opinion, so there's no right or wrong answer. Consider whether you believe the painting is a success or failure in the art world and provide reasons to support your judgment. This could be based on the effectiveness of the artist's technique, the impact of the artwork, or its ability to communicate its intended meaning.

For "Magdalene with Smoking Flame," you might judge it as a success due to the artist's skillful use of light and shadow, the powerful portrayal of emotion, and the evocative atmosphere created.

Remember, art criticism takes practice, and there are no definitive answers. It's all about your personal observations, interpretations, and opinions. I hope this breakdown of the steps helps you analyze the painting more confidently and navigate your assignment with greater ease.