AP Art History

Advanced Placement Art History exploring global artistic traditions and cultural contexts.

Foundations of Art HistoryGlobal Artistic TraditionsInterpreting Art in Context
Analyzing Artistic MovementsArt and IdentityConservation and Ethics in Art
Curating an Art ExhibitionArt Critique and Visual AnalysisConnecting Art to Modern Issues
Visual Analysis Skills for the AP ExamApproaching Free Response Questions
Foundations of Art H...Global Artistic Trad...Interpreting Art in ...Analyzing Artistic M...Art and IdentityConservation and Eth...Curating an Art Exhi...Art Critique and Vis...Connecting Art to Mo...Visual Analysis Skil...Approaching Free Res...
Practical Applications

Art Critique and Visual Analysis

How to Critique Art Like a Pro

Critiquing art means looking carefully and sharing your thoughts with respect and clarity.

Steps for Visual Analysis

  1. Describe: What do you see? List details without judgment.
  2. Analyze: How do the elements of art work together?
  3. Interpret: What meaning or message might the artist convey?
  4. Judge: What is your opinion about the work?

Life Skills

These steps build observation, reasoning, and communication—useful in any field that values critical thinking!

Examples

  • Writing an essay about the composition and mood of Vincent van Gogh’s 'Starry Night.'

  • Discussing the use of color and space in Yayoi Kusama’s installations.

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Connecting Art to Modern Issues