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Abbie Shores

11 Years Ago

Critique V Pat On Back - Difference In Asking

non official posting


My job here is hard enough some days, without people asking for a pat on the back and being surprised when they do not get it.

Here is my run down on thread titles and what to expect from them

Feedback wanted -

Thread starter - You will get feedback good AND bad. Be prepared. If you do not want that, please rephrase your subject title
Responder - Up to you what you do with this one as long as you are not plain rude

Critique wanted -

Thread starter - PLEASE try and add the images title so we can refer later and not end up with 100's of posts titled Critique wanted. This also gives good and bad responses but also you will tend to get good advice from very skilled and professional artist, both of paint or camera work. ONLY PUT THIS IF YOU WANT CRITIQUE
Responder - Give good honest critique. Anyone can give a critique based on what they do know about the subject shown

What do you think -

Thread Starter - Think about WHAT? The weather? The cost of fuel? This is a silly subject title and should be treated as such. If you use this title then use a really good description in the actual body of the post.
Responder - Just tell them what you think. (remember the rules of the site)

Tell me what you like about this piece

Thread starter - Use this if you are feeling somewhat battered already and just want to know nice things
Responders - If you have a critique, bad comment or anything negative, stay OUT of these threads. There is NOTHING wrong with someone wanting a pat on the back sometimes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If people do not like what other people say in a thread, it is not your place to tell them. As you can see from the above examples, if someone asks for a response to a question, then they should be able to take the answer to that question. If the responder is plain rude then I will deal!

We do not expect rudeness from members to other members but, we also do not expect people to ask for things they do not want.

Reply Order

Post Reply
 

Abbie Shores

11 Years Ago

Patrick

A lot of people have made changes because of peoples inputs. It has surprised me how many :)

 

JC Findley

11 Years Ago

I actually listen to critiques very seriously even if they are unsolicited depending on IF I respect the critiquer.

SO, tell me what you like about this one!

Sell Art Online

 

Angelina Tamez

11 Years Ago

May I plug my group Beth? Work definitely improves from critique.

Raw Critique....it's exactly what it sounds like.

http://fineartamerica.com/groups/raw-critique.html?tab=overview

 

Beth wrote: "A lot of people have made changes because of peoples' inputs."

Perhaps, but who's to say any of that input, along with the specific changes that were made, was, in the final analysis, necessarily beneficial to the piece? After all, not one of those alleged benefactors who've recommended the artist accept their prescription for change has even seen the work in question in the flesh, before or after the changes.

 

No masterpiece of artwork was ever created by committee; democracy may be great, but it fails miserably when it shapes the actual work of art.

Had I so little confidence in my ability, and in my skills as an artist, that I thought I couldn't trust my own 'eye' to do the work without help, I'd be a sorry excuse for an artist.

If you're one who thinks you need someone else's opinion of your own creation in order to complete the job - or at least, 'feel good' about it - you should first consider the source of that opinion.

Remember this: If you're uploading your own copyright-protected imagery to this POD web site and profiting from the sales of reproductions made here, then you should consider yourself a professional artist, and you should adopt the business acumen that accompanies this distinction.

 

Abbie Shores

11 Years Ago

Patrick

It is not up to you, or me, how people want to paint their pictures or portray their photography and, if they are new and would like help, then that is good.

If they just want to hear they are good because they hear nothing but negatives from family and friends.... that's good also.

NOT our problem or choice.

They just need to know what to expect when making a post. Hence mine.

 

Abbie Shores

11 Years Ago

Yes indeed Jeffrey :)))

 

Mike Savad

11 Years Ago

i just want to add that if someone asks for feedback or a critique - this isn't an excuse to berate or belittle the artist. you give your thoughts about the piece and why you don't like it. i've seen too often that certain people will use this as an excuse to add a snarky comment but not actually help the person in any way shape or form.

oh and jc my critique for that doll thing - i think it would look better if the eyes were more wall-eyes, both in two directions, but not too much. i can't decide if she should be looking at me, or in two directions at once.


---Mike Savad

 

JC Findley

11 Years Ago

Bethhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I asked people to tell me what they liked about it and Mike critiqued it!!!!!!

heh

 

Mike Savad

11 Years Ago

trouble makers... since i stopped reading after - i take critiques seriously, then i'm pretty sure i read - mike critique this, i think it was subliminal.

---Mike Savad

 

Quoting myself: "...I agree with Beth's judgment in announcing this ruling."

Everything else I posted here constitutes my professional opinion; it is the basis of opinion that is the underlying premise of this thread.

Jeffrey wrote: "This is not a true statement, agreed Beth?" in response to my statement: "After all, not one of those alleged benefactors who've recommended the artist accept their prescription for change has even seen the work in question in the flesh, before or after the changes;" by 'in the flesh,' I meant the original artwork, not a reproduction.

To say otherwise would be to tell a lie.

 

JC Findley

11 Years Ago

I am just messing of course Mike. People are more than welcome to critique away on me. FWIW I only pay attention to them if;

1. It is something new that I am trying and not sure if I like it or not sure what I am doing.

2. The critique points out something I hadn't noticed before.

 

Kip DeVore

11 Years Ago


I think it's creepy, JC.

 

Deborah Hall Barry

11 Years Ago

I think it's creepy too, but that's what I love about it! :)

 

Minnie Lippiatt

11 Years Ago

Ditto Mike S!!!! Yeah JC if you were trying to freak us out,,, you definally got me. I think you should of put a warning before I scroll down next time LOL.

 

JC Findley

11 Years Ago

Mission accomplished. Of course, when my wife told me the doll could NOT come inside the house it was pretty much successful at that very moment.

 

Joy McKenzie

11 Years Ago

Applauds Mike Savad's comment at 3:18! I agree...as you know :)

JC, I would like to see more of the doll's hair and clothes. And if it's supposed to be an old doll...the dirt on her face looks more contrived than real...aged. She's creepy yes...I like how one eye is slightly lower in the socket than the other. It works. I just don't want to wake up and see her in my room...real or in print! lol

 

JC Findley

11 Years Ago

The dirt is EXACTLY how I found her face down in an abandoned farmhouse. Nothing contrived at all.

You can read her story here.

:o)
Sell Art OnlineArt Prints

 

Arlene Carmel

11 Years Ago

I am an emerging photographer who has benefited from the honest critique offered by other professional photographer and artist members of FAA. I feel that I am getting so much more than having my own web site for the fee I paid. I have been privileged to see the works of and participate in discussions with artists of all mediums and at all levels of their careers.

I have made changes to captures upon suggestion that have enhanced an image but not changed the essence of the piece. There are threads that I have read and gone back to over and over again. I know my work has improved and am more than pleased that there are professional artist who take the time to communicate with many of us who have the talent/eye. I have benefited from constructive critique offered by successful artists who are educated in the field as well as those who are self taught. I am pleased that Beth has laid out the rules for all to see. Rudeness just does not belong in any forum and that includes FAA. This is not reality TV.

Patrick, you are a highly respected artist with talent that transcends most mortals. I love your work; more than that, I am in awe. Please know that I have confidence in my ability and trust my "eye". I simply look to others who are willing to offer a bit of advice when asked for.

JC, I'm not sure there is anything about that doll that I do like, although composition, color and lighting are done well. It is just really,really creepy. I have to agree with Joy. You know I am a fan of you work...... your doll will probably sell well during Halloween though. :-)

 

JC Findley

11 Years Ago

I honestly don't expect to sell any of "Red's" images on here. She is really something I did purely for the fun and creepiness of it. Now, I do think I may be able to find the right venue in NYC where she will sell, but this site probably is not it.

 

Amanda Jones

11 Years Ago

JC, I really like the doll's crazy hair! Oddly enough..

Angelina, I just joined Raw Critique, and my first experiences in it have been great! I'm looking forward to using the group more as I further develop my skills and personal style!

Arlene, I totally agree! I don't have the time or money to go to take photography or art classes, and while I've done study on my own, I'm always looking to improve!

Patrick, the above does not mean that I will always take everyone's advice about my photos, but I will consider everyone's critiques of my photos and make changes that I feel will improve the picture, my skills, or my style. Thus, it remains completely a work of my artistic sense. Furthermore, should not every person in any field be constantly seeking to improve? Perhaps that is my own personal opinion, but I never want to stop learning!

 

Marc Clamage

11 Years Ago

I am admittedly sometimes harsh in my critiques but then I never provide them unsolicited and frankly, if I didn't think the artist had potential I wouldn't make any comment at all. So if I come down on you like a ton of bricks it means I actually like your work. Please note that I never ask for criticism, because I have a massive ego that you can do nothing either to rein in or appeal to, so don't bother trying.

 

Joy McKenzie

11 Years Ago

I really like your other two 'Red's, JC. That wild hair is amazing, and 'Wanna Go Upstairs and Play' emphasizes her little devilish grin :)

 

Re: Critique vs. Pat on Back - Difference In Asking (resuming the discussion suggested by the topic heading)

"To say of a picture, as is often said in its praise, that it shows great and earnest labour, is to say that it is incomplete and unfit for view." - James McNeill Whistler

"You should not say it is not good. You should say you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe." - James McNeill Whistler

Arlene, you addressed this comment to me: "Please know that I have confidence in my ability and trust my eye," and I believe you. But to have the courage of your convictions means that you do not feel compelled to ask others (especially those who, you have convinced yourself, have better judgment than you) to second guess your own decisions regarding the art you've created on your own. How will you ever know when to stop asking for approval, to stop amending and revising...to stop second guessing yourself? (By the way, Arlene, thank you very much for the compliments!)

The only critics whose judgment I trust implicitly are the buyers who have acquired my work just as it is presented to them.

Whenever I fail to sell one of my original works of art - given a reasonable amount of time and exposure, of course - I'll pull it out of the market for awhile; eventually it will sell - I just have to figure out how to get it in front of the right person.

Timing and delivery are everything.

Amanda. I've stated in other threads that I consider myself more a 'journeyman' than a bona fide artist because I continue to strive to improve my skills, learn new techniques and utilize new materials in order to better express and communicate the creative ideas I wish to convey; I grapple with the artist I wish to become, but I do not need to improve my artistic sensibilities as they are intrinsically as much a part of who I am right now as are my thoughts on this topic; it could not be otherwise.

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Abbie Shores

11 Years Ago

Yes, I agree with you all and none of you.

:)

 

Mike Savad

8 Years Ago

it shall always remain a mystery.... and a guessing game.

---Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

 

Susan Maxwell Schmidt

8 Years Ago

Somebody call me?

Oh, and your image needs to be made surrealist and creepy JC, then it would be awesome! I could do wonderfully evil things with that image }:>

 

Art By Ela

8 Years Ago

but then, naming a doll as creepy and slutty, is it a critique?
maybe, if someone is setting a mood, and asking if it worked.

 

Anne Barberi

8 Years Ago

Lol........now I'm reminded why I stay out of discussions....too funny!!

 

Danl Art

8 Years Ago

"nice things can be said from anyone, but you won't get any idea of how anyone really feels about it...."

A camel is a horse put together by a committee.

 

Mike Savad

8 Years Ago

that would make more sense if you had said zebra.


---Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

 

Abbie Shores

8 Years Ago

Not sure, Mike...seem a lot of horses that look like camels in art

 

Mike Savad

8 Years Ago

zebra's are striped horses. they look the same. unicorns are the same. all the same animals.

camels and llama's are related they look alike. giraffe's have a similar look with other odd qualities.

---Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

 

Abbie Shores

8 Years Ago

Hrrrrrmppphhhh

Vincent I agree with Mike that there was not one reason for that remark

 

Abbie Shores

7 Years Ago

Bump cos I love JCs redhead

 

Matthias Hauser

7 Years Ago

JC, she loves your cute doll too:

Zombie mouth and teeth Art Prints

 

Abbie Shores

7 Years Ago

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

Dan Turner

7 Years Ago

Matthias, I find your zombie image far more objectionable than any full frontal nudity or sex act, both of which are prohibited here.


Dan Turner
Dan Turner's Seven Keys to Selling Art Online

 

K L Kingston

7 Years Ago

Matthias: Is it Zombie or Meth mouth? Yuck!

 

Robert Frank Gabriel

7 Years Ago

the only feedback i want is: just bought your image...

 

Matthias Hauser

7 Years Ago

Abbie: Sorry... ;-)

Dan: Me too! I'm european :-)

K L Kingston: I had the chance to be the stills photographer for a short film (zombie comedy). If you want to see more pics feel free: http://www.hauserfoto.com/blog/2015/8/zombie-film-brain-freeze-fotos-vom-set

 

Ricardo De Almeida

7 Years Ago

Je n'aime pas les critiques.


 

Abbie Shores

6 Years Ago

Just a reminder

 

Marlene Burns

6 Years Ago

I just read a great quote regarding critiques:

This isn't a bakery. I do not sugarcoat anything.
If you want my opinion then that's what you will get.
BUT, don't be mad when it's not what you want to hear.

 

Roy Erickson

6 Years Ago

I don't remember if I've ever asked here - and I probably won't start now. Years ago, however, I belonged to a watercolor group that met once a month - you were required to bring a new work or one you were working on for critique. Not elephant hide - rhinoceros hide is learned - honesty was the rule. the first rule was that you had to be invited to the group, and the second rule - if you cried they would ask you not to return. The lunch was usually very good.

 

Dan Turner

6 Years Ago

"...if you cried they would ask you not to return."

I love it! Good rule. No artist's experience is complete until they've been involved in honest critiques of their work. Sometimes you get beat up (seemingly), but honest critiques are the fast track to improving both art and confidence.


Dan Turner
Dan Turner's Seven Keys to Selling Art Online

 

Danl Art

6 Years Ago

I would rather have someone tell me that my work sucks then to have someone say nice things....at least I can believe the former.

Dan...."No artist's experience is complete until they've been involved in honest critiques of their work..."

If I put a one inch black line on a blank canvas....I really don't need a critique....I know where I wanted that line to be and why....No one else can tell me otherwise..... yes, critiques can be an asset for beginners....not for those who know what they are doing.

 

Tod Baudoin

6 Years Ago

I can really care less what​ anyone thinks.

 

Abbie Shores

4 Years Ago

bump

 

Tibor Tivadar Kui

4 Years Ago

"There is NOTHING wrong with someone wanting a pat on the back sometimes. "....that's a great comfort.

 

Mike Savad

4 Years Ago

there isn't anything wrong with it, but if that is what you were expecting to hear when they said - i want a critique, and then they get comfy waiting to hear compliments... and they get something entirely different... often we have to ask -- are you sure you want a critique? some people cry. most get mad.


----Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

 

Tibor Tivadar Kui

4 Years Ago

To be honest...I consider art subjective in such an extent, that I don't give a dime on art critique...and the history of art tells us that some great artists were destroyed by critique at their time.

 

This discussion is closed.