by Sharona B

Created on: October 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 21, 2008

Have you ever trudged around an art gallery, viewed a multitude of paintings, but somehow come away from the experience feeling like you were missing a trick? Do you feel inadequate when it comes to art? Perhaps you just don't get it'?

Fear not, you are not alone! Many people feel intimidated when visiting art galleries, wishing they could gain more of an insight into the pieces of art they see. Appreciating art is an acquired skill, something anyone can learn about and put into practice. Following a few simple steps will enable you to view art with increased confidence and renewed comprehension.

Take One Picture

The easiest way to commence your journey into the world of art is to select a painting that you already like and work through the following six steps.

1. Take it upon yourself to find out more about the painting; discuss it with gallery staff, read up on it or research it on the net.

2. Study the picture carefully close up and from a distance. Some artists add subtle touches to intrigue the viewer.

3. Many artists use symbolism to suggest ideas, moods and feelings. Take note of any elements of the picture which you feel may be symbolic and either ask the gallery staff or research this further. These visual cues are a vital indicator of the reaction the artist is trying to instill in his audience.

4. Observe the way the piece of art provokes feelings in yourself and others. Explore how people react to the painting and identify the factors that appear to inspire these feelings. These may include the subject matter itself, symbolic imagery, the colour scheme and the use of brush strokes.

5. Consider the subject of the piece, be-it a person, landscape, still life, biblical scene or representation of a mythological event. Does the subject matter influence the style? Has the artist used particular techniques to express the feelings of the subject or to convey a particular view?

6. If the subject of the painting is a person or an event, what can you find out about this that might enhance your understanding and appreciation of the piece?

Learning about the context of a painting, although not crucial, will add another dimension to your appreciation, perhaps explaining some of the themes and symbolism you may have picked up on.

Analysing a picture in this way will enable you to pull together a range of information. You will have;

formed your own opinion and captured the comments of others,
considered the colours, themes and symbolism evident within the picture,
gained

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