Art Prof Clara Lieu critiques an art school portfolio by high school student Ritu, providing a detailed critique of the overall portfolio, followed by critiques for each individual artwork.
Prof Lieu highlights what aspects of the entire portfolio and artworks are working well, and recommends concrete strategies for how to make progress.
Featured Artist
Ritu
“This summer, I began experimenting with oil painting, even though previously I have only used colored pencils. The paintings I’ve submitted are among my first attempts with oil, so they may not be perfect.
While I aim to sell my art in the future, for now, I draw as a hobby. The pieces I’m submitting are part of supplemental portfolios for various colleges I’m applying to. Although I’m applying for finance, not art, I hope my portfolio impresses the art department and strengthens my application.
I’m planning to add two more pieces to my portfolio but am unsure about what kind of drawings (maybe something abstract or a landscape) and medium.
I’m considering a still life but want to avoid oil since I already have several oil pieces, and I’m hesitant to use charcoal because I wouldn’t be able to incorporate color.
My process often starts with distorting photos to convey a message. Many of my drawings reflect my culture, especially from photos I took while visiting India.
Sometimes I draw from old family photos or take new ones, then alter them in some way to create something unique.”
