Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship

This is a very important word in the art world. It is defined as the quality of what a person does. Craftsmanship is most admired when a person creates with skill or dexterity. -http://en.mimi.hu/finearts/craftsmanship.html
In art we are communicating an idea and our personal expression of that idea. It is important that our ideas are seen by the viewer through our art. Effective methods of communicating include neatness and purpose. 

Good Craftsmanship

These are both examples of good craftsmanship. The artwork is finished. This means there are no pencil lines, the artwork is purposeful, neat, and intentions are obvious. The painting on the left is complicated. It involves many different elements and principles of art and design. The painting on the right may not look like great craftsmanship but it is more simplistic and demonstrates clean lines and finish. There are no pencil markings and is neatly executed. 

Poor Craftsmanship

While these are the great start to surely awesome pieces of art they lack quality craftsmanship. The ideas are present but the finishing quality is not. The picture on the left looks like it was crudely and quickly done, without any thought or care. The picture on the right is awesome yes, but looks unfinished. The sketched lines in the background looks like the artist is in the middle of being done. 

Craftsmanship is the difference between a sketch and a finished product!