Hi, and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. This past weekend, I attended the Mission Beach Anniversary Art Awards at the Mission Beach Community Arts Gallery. On Saturday, after the official exhibition opening, the gallery hosted a judges’ talk. It turned out to be one of the most worthwhile events I’ve attended as an artist, especially for understanding the value of constructive feedback in art.
The session wasn’t just about celebrating the award recipients. It was about understanding the why behind the choices. The judge shared how artworks were assessed, what qualities stood out, and importantly, the constructive feedback in art that was used to make those tough decisions.
Why Constructive Feedback in Art Matters
As artists, it’s easy to work in isolation. We create, we share, and sometimes we get praise. However, honest and thoughtful art critique is far more valuable in helping us grow.
When feedback arrives, it can be tempting to feel disheartened. Yet if we reframe it, constructive feedback becomes a tool for progress, not a personal attack. It highlights details we might overlook and the refinements that elevate our work.
My Experience with Art Critique: A Lesson in Growth
During the session, artists were invited to have their own work critiqued by the judge. I put my hand up, knowing it might feel uncomfortable—but also knowing it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
The feedback I received confirmed things I had already suspected about my art. They were areas I had been too lazy—or perhaps too unwilling—to address. The judge picked up on them immediately.
Small Changes That Elevate Your Art Practice
Here’s the part that really stuck with me:
I could have taken offence, but instead I realised those details were exactly what separated my work from the award recipients. She told me my work was very good and absolutely in the running, but those small refinements were the icing on the cake that was needed. Just like understanding the colour wheel in art can transform your work, small refinements make a big difference too.
That art critique lit a fire under me. It reminded me that growing as an artist isn’t always about big leaps—it’s about fine-tuning, persistence, and listening.
Thank You to the Mission Beach Art Community
I want to thank the Mission Beach Community Arts Gallery for hosting such an insightful session. Opportunities like this, where we get to hear directly from judges and receive art critique tips, are invaluable. They remind us that art is both personal and communal—we grow not only in the studio but also through shared experiences.
Final Thoughts on How to Grow as an Artist
Constructive feedback can sting at first, but when we lean into it instead of resisting it, it has the power to transform our art practice development. Next time you receive critique, I encourage you to pause, listen, and see what lessons are hidden inside.
✨ If you’d like more reflections like this, along with practical tips for how to grow as an artist, I’d love to have you join my artist newsletter. Sign up here and let’s keep learning together.
Until my next blog post,
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received”
Ephesians 4:1.
In peace always,
Chrissie xx
