"DeeZ 5 C's" by DeeZ (D L Honeycutt)

DeeZ (D L Honeycutt) › Journal › DeeZ 5 C's

Tags:

The 5 Cs of High Quality Art & Photography

I had promised my co-host, Karen, in the Quality Art & Photography Group some time ago that I would write up an article on what I fondly refer to as the 5 Cs of High Quality Fine Art/Photography that I use to critique my own work as well as the work that is submitted to our group and the criteria I use to select featured work in our Showcase Gallery. So here goes…

If you’ve ever invested in diamonds then you know that savvy buyers know there are 4 Cs used to rate the quality of a diamond: Color, Cut, Carat and Clarity. Similarly, based on my art school background, working as professional commercial artist specializing in advertising design, exhibiting my work and amassing a collection of fine art over the last 15 years that has increased in appraised value by 800%, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are 5 Cs I also consistently consider to evaluate/purchase/submit/accept art/photography as well, as follows:

1. Composition
2. Creativity
3. Contrast/Color
4. Clarity
5. Commercial Appeal/Application

Not saying I’m an expert as we all know that art is in the end in the eye of the beholder, which always is subject to what appeals to the beholder/buyer.

This is what I look at and for and you’ll also find that these 5 Cs also fall in line with the criteria used in most Juried Art Competitions.

Composition Considerations/Checklist
1. What type of work is it?
a. Traditional Art
b. Photography
c. Digital
d. Mixed Medium
e. Graphic Design

2. What Style of work is it? E.g.
a. Realism
b. Surrealism
c. Impressionistic
d. Journalistic
e. Illustrative etc.

3. What is the artist trying to convey/present/represent?

4. What is the initial impact/impression? Is it real, surreal, abstract,
a. Is there a main focal point/subject/point of interest or is it a representational/non-representational abstract? Where does your eye go first?
b. What do you feel/think when you view it?
c. Based on the type and style of work, is it well presented/executed? For example, when viewing traditional art or a photograph I’ll look to see if the rule of thirds were applied, does it allow the eye to rest or flow easily throughout the work.

Creativity Considerations/Checklist

1. What did you feel/think when you view it?

2. Does the work indicate that a certain level of skill or artistry is required to create it?

3. Does it inspire you?

4. What initial impact did it have when you first saw it? Wow, awe, impressed, dazzled, puzzlement, ugh? <grin>

5. Do you secretly wish you’d done it? (If so that’s a good sign!)

Color/Contrast Considerations/Checklist

1. Is it intended to be in color, selectively colored, B&W, Sepia or monochrome?

2. If it is a color photograph, are the colors under or over-saturated?

3. Is there pixel noise/distortion?

4. If it is B&W, Sepia or Monochromatic photograph, do the tonal values enhance or detract from the composition?

5. Is the image too dark, too light or just right in contrast?

6. Is the white balance right or off/blown?

7. For fine art, it’s a matter of personal taste, the medium used and whether the tints and shades used are aesthetically pleasing in relationship to the composition.

Clarity Considerations/Checklist

1. For photographs, be it a macro or not, the focal point/subject/main point of interest of any composition should be clear and in focus.

2. It’s important compositionally as well that images with horizons in a composition are level, this is true as well in landscape paintings whether they are realistic, impressionistic or surrealistic. And as I write this looking around the room at Peter Max, Marc Chagall, Jean Claude Picot, Marko, Joanne Margosian, Beatrice Sasik and Dali even, all of these fine works of art have this aspect correct in perspective…and their stuff definitely sells <grin>.

Commercial Appeal/Application

1. If the work was done purely for your enjoyment, your family’s or friends with no thought to selling it then that’s fine, then this “C” will be meaningless to you as an artist and as a buyer/procurer and is not one that is likely to receive the 5Cs Award.

2. If however, you are interested in exhibiting or otherwise selling your works via Redbubble or any other venue then you’ll want to give serious consideration to Commercial Appeal or Commercial usage/application of your work when composing it and creating it and consider the following:

3. Who is your target audience/buyer/market?

4. Would this work be appealing to that audience/buyer/market?

5. How or in what manner could this work be used?

a. For example, if your target audience is individual collectors, galleries, exhibits, art shows etc. then your work should be created and composed with that in mind. Not sure what that would be? Do a little research, go to your local galleries, art shows and exhibits, attend a few art auctions (those are loads of fun anyway, even if you are not able to buy work, it’s a great way to find out what buyers want and will spend money on! I can assure you, it will be a fluke if you walk into one of these venues and see any fine art and photography works up for sell or selling that are of bugs, macro or not, people who are not famous or of historical significance, journalistic type works etc. as those subjects have very limited appeal to collectors/buyers of fine art and photography as they are too common and too personal. Looking at my own collection, the only fine art I have purchased that contain people are: Nude I by Tarkay, Purgatory No. 15 by Dali, Grace VII and Grace VIII by Peter Nixon and four works by Emil Bellet…why? I bought them because I could relate to them compositionally, as the faces in these works are not personal and identifiable as an individual. Tarkay never paints any woman with her eyes open as it is “too personal.” The women in Emile Bellet’s works do not have any discernible facial features. Even the Angel in Dali’s work has no discernible facial features. The reason for this is, it makes the work appealing to the widest audience possible. You don’t look at their works and go that’s somebody else’s son, daughter, Mother, Brother, Grandkid, etc. These types of images are better suited for other groups.

Now if your target market or audience is more commercialized such as those that buy or mass produce products that contain images for resell, you need to consider again what content/subjects and types of works appeal to the buyers of mass reproduced products such as: Greeting Cards, Calendars, Coffee Cups, T-Shirts etc. Not sure what that is…again go out and look in stores that sell these types of products and look at the images they’ve used…pick up some magazines, flyers, billboards and view some online publications to get a really good idea of what images appeal to publishers and focus on producing work that would be appealing to those markets/buyers.

I hope you have found this helpful as it is intended to be and will share your own thoughts, experience and tips in reply.*_

P.S. If you see the following banner on any work from me, you’ll know right away, it’s a 5 C’s work of excellence and eligible for submission to the DeeZ 5Cs Awards Showcase group HERE!

Thank you 101,000 Times! »

Maree Cardinale

Well done, very well written… and comprising at least two important Cs when it comes to article writing. Concise and clear. :)
Thank you Darlene.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thanks Maree! Two more C’s for my list =D
Anivad - Davin...

Very well written article and most interesting comparison of diamonds, regarding the value of art. It certainly made me think more about what I am doing….
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Davina, I’m so glad you found it interesting!
Virginian Phot...

Well done! Thank you.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Judy! =D
Sherri Nic...

Darlene so well done, So professional, every word is done so intelligently and certainly are things that you wrote , are educational and needless to say Brillant..I honestly mean that..thank you for the insight you have given me..we can learn something each day…and this was a nice lesson from a lovely lady and host ..art school how wonderfull.. Darlene..congratulations on a wonderful writing
Sherri:):) and thank you for your comments on my New Creations!! :))
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thanks Sherri! Your comments on New Creations is what inspired me to share this with you =D Great minds think alike =D
Sherri Nic...

D, it was really wonderful and thank you for sharing!!!
lol..your sweet
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Your welcome! Thank you for taking time out to read it =D
Leon Heyns

Very informative and thanks for sharing these great guidelines to photography.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Leon! Glad you found them of interest =D
Angela L Walker

Very grateful for the time you put into making this valuable information available to fellow artists! Thank you so very much!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Angela! =D
Angela Burman

Really enjoyed reading this article Darlene. Everybody can learn something from it. Thank you very much for sharing it with us x
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Angela, I’m glad you found it useful! =D
Joy Rensch

This is an excellent and very informative article Darlene. I really appreciate the time you took to put this together for us.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Joy, glad you found it of interest =D
CrismanArt

Love the idea and high standard, Darlene! Thank you so much! Compliments from Christiane
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thanks so much for taking time to read this. Glad you found it interesting =D
Qnita

Thank you for the info! WOW, now I really feel honoured that my “Skaamjan” received your beautiful c5 banner!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thanks Qnita, so glad you enjoyed this!
RGHunt

Very interesting article. Not coming from a art background I can see how this is very important. Thank you for writing this peice.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure. Glad you found it interesting =D
crystalline

Amazing, you made my day, thank you very much for giving me the wonderful ‘the 5 Cs’! It means a lot to me! Congratulation to all the artists!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You’re welcome!
NatureGreeting...

Well done!!!!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you! =D
Valerie Anne K...

Aww thxz sweetheART love the 5 C’s ;~} Valz
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thanks Val!
Maree Clarkson

This is really great input Darlene, and I feel honoured that my image Flowers, always! has met with all your criteria to receive an Award, thank you very much!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Maree!
Elizabeth Kendall

This is very usefull info Dee. I feel very honoured that my image From behind the rock has met with all your criteria to receive an Award. Thank you very much!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Elizabeth!
eoconnor

WOW INFORMATIVE ARTICLE AND WELL WORTH READING .I WILL NTAKE THIS TO HEART WHEN CREATING AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE AWARD FOR CRAYOLOA SUNSET I AM SO HONOURED lIZ)))
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Guendalyn

thaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkssssssssssssssssssss youyyyyyyyyyyy!!! wonderful article !!!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! =D
Thomas Eggert

Thanks D for the wonderful description of what your banner award is about…T:o)
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure T, thanks for reading it!
Doty

WOW his info is wonderful to have. Thank you for sharing it. :)
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you, I’m glad you found it of interest!
Lanis Rossi

Excellent, Well Done!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you Lanis!
leavesnbloom

Thankyou – this is just the type of article that I’ve always been wanting to read. I will learn so much by seeing who you award the banner to, studying their work and striving to produce the best I can.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

I’m so glad you found it of interest. =D
riata66

Fantastic article and thank you for the award on “Ghost Horses”…
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! =D
Christine Smith

Very informative and professional Darlene. Thanks for sharing this post and for the award.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You’re welcome!
Lynne Morris

Great article, well written Darlene.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you!
EvaMarIza

Thank you for the award- what an honour:))
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure
Cynthia Broomf...

Great Info, Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You’re welcome =D
john forrant

Darlene, Thanks for this great article. And thanks for giving my work the 5Cs stamp of approval. You have complemented me on a lot of my work but this the is first you gave the 5c to. That makes this special.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Your welcome John, that piece hit all 5 Cs!
Larry Trupp

Good Morning Darlene
I am truly honored an proud to receive
your prestigous 5C award on my La Salle River image
This is sooo meaninful to me…Thanks ever so much my Dear
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! =D
JolanteHesse

Hi Darlene, this information is incredible helpful, thank you so very much for the explanation. I am relatively new to the art world and this is truly priceless!
Regards
Jolante
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! Glad you found it useful!
ienemien

Thanks so much Darlene, for the Award for my Sheep in Glorius morninglight .

I made this photo in the light of the misty sun, the colors are real and I only use some contrast and made the strong colors softer. So happy to see it in your 5C group!! I like it to walk and stroll trough the forest with my little doggie.
Bye ien
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Rosehaven

Fabulous reading Darlene & wonderfully written .Thank you so very much for the Banner !
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! =D
almaalice

I have just looked at Elizabeth Kendalls site and seen her banner, being curious I followed it up. Thank you so much for all the pointers in this article, I really appreciate them and will work towards your perfection. Alma
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thanks for the kind and thoughtful feedback!
Ulla Jensen

Very thorough write up, Darlene…..you are clearly a top professional ! xx
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you!
mom23girls

So well done! There are some aspects I had never considered. Thank you so much!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Hugh Fathers

A most interesting article, makes me extremely proud to have found one of your 5Deez awards on a piece of my work. Thank you very much . . .
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Jamie Lee

Fantastic approach and great explanation. I’m happy to have received a 5c’s =)
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you!
Janis Zroback

I’m thrilled to have received this award…thank you so much…
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
bevmorgan

This is extremely helpful and very well written, Darlene. Thank you so much for this and the award. I truly appreciate it and you for all your work in presenting it and explaining the criteria.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure, so glad you found it interesting =D
Anthony Comella

Thank you – we never stop learning!!. Thank you young lady for the award!!…………..Tony
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Tony!
Constance Widen

Darlene I am overwhelmed at receiving this prestigious award, thank you very, very much! oxox
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Constance!
Elisabeta Hermann

Dear Darlene,
Thank you very, very much for this wonderful and informative article.
I think that all of us have many things to lean from here.
I feel much, much HONORED and very PROUD for receiving several of your beautiful and immeasurably valuable BANNERS, these FANTASTIC AWARDS, on my works.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.
Elisabeta
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Elisabeta! Your works are fabulous and wall worthy!
Igor Shrayer

Thank you very much Darlene for receiving this award and for sharing this very helpful article with us!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Cathy Gilday

Wow, many thanks for this award Darlene, I am so thrilled. I read this article and found it so interesting. Many thanks for investing your time and effort into posting it for our benefit. Cathy.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Your welcome =D
Elfriede Fulda

This is such interesting information well composed, I am proud to have received 5Stars, thank you. Thank you for all that you do as well Darlene !
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure
Aase

Great and interesting work, thank you Darlene:-)
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You’re most welcome!
Cindy Schnackel

Very cool, and thanks for including one of mine in your award!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
NatureGreeting...

Thank you Darlene, very honored to have Silent Serenity included! Have a great weekend !! ~ < ( ;o)~ Carolyn
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Anthony Comella

Thank you again !!!! Young lady you certainly know your stuff!!! ………………..Tony
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you! My pleasure!
Marlies Odehnal

I totally agree with you as for your selection criteria of art. Evaluating art requires much experience. This experience have studied artists or art lovers certainly more than other people. I always wonder who are founding groups and then featuring the works as host. It’s pretty awful, what I see in RB. It hasn’t anything to do with art. Therefore I left many groups. Is anyone creative who is colouring a stock photo (license free from the Internet), creative? These works have been featured!! Redbubble is open to all people. Anyone who thinks he can press the shutter of a camera, hold the brush or to know the tools of Photoshop, calls himself an artist. I’m exactly one yeare active in RB, I have met high talented artists, whose works are very different. That’s the reason why I’m staying here.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you for your support and comments. You are right!
Cindy Schnackel

Thank you so much for this honor, on my bird painting, “A Single Note!”
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure, I find your work so creative and joyful!
marens

excellent, very informative and helpful article!! well done Dee – thank you for sharing with us!!!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Kay Clark

Thank you Dee this is very interesting to read, thank you for sharing this
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
steppeland

Thanks for this great article, Deez, and for your suggestions in the Postcard-style- forum
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You’re welcome!
Angela Gannicott

There are so many tips and points of interest in this article. Thanks and thanks for the banner!!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You are most welcome!
Magaret Meintjes

Thank you so much for the honour in receiving the 5Cs award banner for my work, I am delighted!
I really enjoyed reading your article, thank you so much in sharing such wonderful info, a great inspiration!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Cyril Marchand

Hello ! Thank you very much for your 5Cs award banner for my work ! My english is not good enough to understand the entire meaning of this award, but I suppose it is the traduction of your opinion on this picture I took from the roof of my mountains !
Thanks again and you’re welcomed to come back again on my page as often you want !
:-)
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You’re welcome!
Lynda Andreassen

Wow…..quite blown away, thankyou so very much for the honor of receiving this award for my work!! Fantastic reading, so well done!:-))))
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you, my pleasure!
IngridSonja

Very well written, very informative and very useful to know! Thank you so much for your 5C’s award banner for my work!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

You’re welcome!
ear-ear

Hi Darleen..thankyou very much for the honour of this award.I am delighted to part of this!
Bless your Heart:)xx
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Cynthia!
WhiteDove Stud...

Honored to be among these fine artists….aloha always
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Finding your work today was such a treat…and made me smile. Love them and Maui is one of my most favorite places in the world. You really capture the HI feel!
Vickie Emms

Wow, I’ve envied those that are members of your group Dee, and now I can be one.
I can’t say how thrilled I am to receive an invitation, that you consider my images good enough is wonderful news to me. Thank you.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! =D
Konstantinos A...

Many thanks for the award DeeZ, very well writen text above, cheers!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
aussiedi

Many thanks Deez for this wonderful award. Im proud to have been accepted into the wonderful array of fine artists. Its a big thrill to have to me..I enjoyed reading your text, very imformative and very helpful.

Cheers
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Di!
Dennis Melling

Thank you for the wonderful honour of being presented with the Deez’s 5Cs award :)
What a wonderful start to 2012 :):)

Your article, in explanation, is beautifully presented and I was quite unable to stop reading until the final full stop was reached.

Kindest regards
Dennis
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Dennis!
Sally Ford

So well written and concise. Just what you look for in an explanation….Thank you for selecting my “Family” for inclusion in your group, so pleased it displayed the 5C’s!
You have made my day!
Cheers,
Sally
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Sally!
Carole Russell

I will, from this day forth, think about this article when painting – thankyou :)
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Rita Blom

This is a very interesting and helpful piece of work. Thank you for taking the time to help fellow bubblers.
I paint in oils as well as my photography and have learned about composition and dissecting the image in three for land & seascape. I find sometimes in photography where you are at the time doesn’t always lend itself to taking the photo you would like to because of where to put your feet. With painting you can use artist license which I do when painting from some of my photos. I was happy to sell my latest from a gallery just prior to Christmas. I just need to get my photos correct I guess. Thank you for the excellent help.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful =D
Pieta Pieterse

Thanks Dee, I’m honoured!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Pieta! =D
Mustafa UZEL

Thank you Dee,big honour.
Thanks for 5c stamps:))))
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure! =D
Elena Oleniuc

Very interesting and well written article ! Thank you very much Dee for this award, I am honored !
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
annabe11e5

good article :D I hope to one day get an award.
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

Thank you! I’ll take a look at your portfolio =D
restlessd

This is fabulous… I feel so honored to be included in this great group!!!
:o)
Rhonda
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Rhonda!
Bryan Freeman

Great article and thanks for giving the award to two of my images, honoured I am. :-)
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Bryan!
jeanlphotos

Wonderfull article….Something to remember for sure….Also thank you so very much for placing this banner on one of my images…What an honor… Much appreciated
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure!
Steve54

Thank you Dee, I love this, awesome feedback!!!
DeeZ (D L Hone...:

My pleasure Steve!