Karen,

does it take as many people [5] to moderate a new forum?

just so you know, i did read that you'd like to try out your methodology first. :))
i only suggest the idea of a forum instead because i think there might be greater opportunity for better discussion, such as the artist being able to come back and ask about a specific thing that someone has said that they might want clarification on, or someone commenting thinks of something else to say after their first initial response.  true, that could be done via IM, but the most valuable part of critiques lies within the exchange of information, not just for the artist who posts, but for those who care to participate.  it would also allow for the "visual" types of explanations that someone brought up, and the posting artist can say in their post whether they are open to such things or not.  it alleviates the need to add favourites as well, and the need to monitor the galleries since it would be a centralised place, and people can opt to either receive e-bots from a post that most interests in them or not.  plus, if there are pieces that a member from the group doesn't want to have critiqued [such as a Product Showcase pic or something], it is a non-issue at that point.

and of course, an image that has been critiqued and p'raps re-worked can always be posted into the galleries afterwards, and the artist can link to their forum post if they choose to which could attract more people...

anyway, just a thought...

i am very interested in participating, but feel a little hesitant to do so for a number of reasons, so i'll think a little on it first...

i do wish to say thank you for taking the initiative to try to get something like this started - long overdue, in my opine :))