 Cooler than Warm, 11x14 inches, Pastel, ©Lynn Goldstein $650 Do you like receiving criticism? I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that your answer is no. None of us likes to be criticized. Years ago, my son asked me what my least favorite thing about college was. I told him critiques. You see, my professors were scandalously brutal. At times, artwork that was labored over for countless hours was destroyed (literally) in front of the class. YIKES! I don't know what changed, but as I have gotten older, I listen very carefully when someone has a negative thing to say about my artwork, teaching, even my personality. As a result, I have come to realize that a tip for being a better artist, and even a better person, is to listen intently when someone gives me the gift of criticism. How do you accept when someone is telling you something you may not want to hear? Take a look at the following ideas to help you do just that: 1. Try your best to simply listen without thinking of a defense or taking offense When we are not trying to come up with a response, we are better able to hear what is being said, and more likely to take something away that is positive. 2. Consider the source When I was younger I heard all criticism and tried to give each opinion equal consideration. I was trying to be fair in my assessments. This approach just led to confusion and self-doubt. I have learned that there is limited time (and energy) to do that, so I am judicious about whose opinions will be considered useful. 3. Ask for exactly what you want to know This works great when wanting to ascertain if your artwork is where you want it to be. For example, rather than asking, "Do you like this, or what do you think?" be specific. Instead ask, "Is there something that you would do in this section of the artwork that will make it stronger?" Since hearing potentially negative things about ourselves and our art can be so difficult, I am wondering if you have insights on how to take that constructive criticism and use it for art or self- improvement? Please share your tips in the comments below.  Spotlight, 14x11 inches, pastel, ©Lynn Goldstein $650  Plein Air with Benefits, 9 x 12, pastel, ©Lynn Goldstein
3 Comments
11/13/2018 06:17:17 pm
I’ve found that in giving and receiving criticism, it’s easier to swallow when offered as a sandwich. What I mean is, a positive comment about the work first, then the constructive criticism, followed up with another positive statement. Also, I try not to “defend” my work because that shuts the other person down and you may miss out on some important insights. 11/13/2018 07:25:58 pm
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Yes, the "Sandwich" approach is a good one. My son studied psychology in school and he told me about that way of handling things several years ago Thanks for the reminder! Yep, always good not to defend. As long as someone isn't making a blanket statement like, "Well, I just don't like it," you will usually find a kernel that is helpful in what is being said. Onward and upward for us both. : )
mcoffeesnob
11/16/2018 07:16:07 am
I too study psych so while I'm interested in the topic, like how you tempt us to click by letting us know there's more pretty artwork to view!! Leave a Reply. |
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