Chapter 7 read

In chapter seven, the section on critiques was particularly descriptive.  Having had critiques in the past, I feel that a lot of this information was a more intimidating version of real life.  In past critiques, artwork was definitely analyzed to the core, however I can't say I have ever set apart the piece into quadrants or really thought about what would look better aesthetically in the top left hand corner of a painting or drawing.  Personally, I feel that a pinch of objective criticism is important in a critique but ultimately subjective criticism grinds the piece of artwork down to its core and reveals the deeper, more important aspect of art... the meaning.  

Aside from the critique portion of the read, I felt that the recommendations for developing a long-term project were actually solid helpful hints.  Half of the battle for me is that I am not always able to come up with a really thought out concept.  I think that by following a few of these steps I will be able to actually come up with a lot of great ideas instead of limiting myself to one general concept and then stopping at that.  Ultimately, the "edit out nonessentials, and amplify essentials" reminder will help to clarify any nonsense that begins to accumulate into my head.