Some philosophies say that art is a way to imitate what you see.  Accuracy and honesty in art are highly valued.  A work of art might be judged good if it met many of the criteria listed below:

First Impression:

The work looks real.

Design:

• The proportions of parts, colors and other elements seem natural and lifelike.
• The work is planned around pattern, rhythms and forms you see in nature or the human-made environment.

Subject/Theme

• The subject or theme seems to be based on a real event or something the artist observed.
• The subject or theme is more realistic than abstract.
• It is honestly shown, not idealized.

Materials

• You can see some of the natural qualities of the materials.
• The materials and techniques go with the mood rather than being the first things you notice.

Functional or Decorative Art

• The use or function of the art can be seen in the form or design.  (Form follows function.)
• Decorations are few or based on nature.

 

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