While most ML's don't really deal critically with art, Crimson Ink would like to add a forum to help aspiring yaoi artists to improve as well. You may not be familiar with how to approach an art piece if you don't draw, but don't worry, here are a few things to look out for as you view a drawing. Don't forget -- critiquing an art piece may be even more subjective than critiquing someone's writing, and the artist may be more sensitive.

1. Assess it as a whole. Take a look. Like it? Don't like it? Now, let's think about why...
2. Color: How do you like the colors? Are they too bright? Do they conflict with the subject matter of the piece? Do they help to enhance the mood? If it is black and white, do you think it looks fine that way, or incomplete? Some black and white drawings may be very striking, while others look unfinished.
3. Finish: Is this a finished drawing or a sketch? If it's meant to be done, how complete does it look to you? Has the artist taken time to clean up the lines of the piece? Is there something everywhere, or is it a character on a simple white background? Does that work for you, or doesn't it? If there is a background, does it fit with the character, or does it look like the character was cut and paste on to it? If there is text, does the text fit with the rest of the drawing?
4. Characters: Probably many drawings that come to this list will be of characters. This character may be a fan drawing of someone else's character, or their own creation. Each type needs a different approach. If it's a fan drawing -- does it look like the artist just copied it from an existing drawing? Would you rather it look like this? Or do you enjoy it if there is a touch of the artist's hand in the drawing? Does it look like what you think this character should look like? If not, why? If it is an original drawing -- Does the character have a distinct look? Is his clothing interesting, do you get a little bit of the personality from his face? Is it important to you if the character conveys these things? Do you get a mood or feeling from the character?
   Some general things to look out for: How do you like the pose? Is it too stiff, is it natural? Do they have a stylized anatomy, or a realistic one, and does it work? Or do you keep looking at (for example) the eyes or hands because they are incorrect?
5. As with writing, in the end, the effect the piece has on you is most important. Did you leave the picture really impressed, or did you find that it didn't have much of a mood? Did you like how that border worked, or how this line curled up? Tell the artist how it struck you, how it made you feel -- or if it didn't. Highlight what you really thought was great about the picture, and encourage them to work on what you thought was weak.
6. Writing an art critique. A good format for an art critique (and a writing critique for that matter) is - tell them right away your impression of the piece, while it is fresh on your mind. Open with a positive comment and then break down what you liked and didn't like about the piece. Finish with any suggestions and appreciate the fact that they've shared this piece with you. Feel free to remind them that this is your own opinion, and others may disagree or agree with your thoughts. It's been said that artists are more sensitive, and often times, a beginning artist will be very shy to share their work. Be as encouraging as possible. Perhaps offer the artist a critique on their piece before giving one.