by Alicia Butler

Created on: October 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 21, 2008

Understanding art is easier than it seems. Complicated jargon and complex theories can confuse the average viewer and intimidate most audiences. The key to understanding art is a simple formula that can be explained as long as the teacher is unpretentious and has an open mind. Most teachers of art history explain lectures that are long-winded and dry. If the student is lucky, they will have an unbiased teacher who is as much attuned to human nature, history and philanthropy as they are with art. Fortunately, art is about understanding basic human emotion and connecting the artist with the viewer. For the majority, art is what you make of it. It is the culmination of the artist and viewer combined. Art cannot happen on its own; it is an exchange of ideas, theories, and radical views. It can also soothe the soul. So, whether your journey is to fully understand the masters, or to appreciate art on your own terms, there are never any wrong answers and everyone can take something from the beauty and individuality of each piece.

The first step to understanding art is to understand the structure of each individual piece. Many viewers are inclined to delve into works and look for the hidden meaning of each painting or sculpture. While looking for hidden symbolism is part of the fun and the mystery of art, looking for symbolism alone will not only deter you from understanding the full meaning of the work, it may cause you to stray from the meaning altogether. Step number one? Enjoy the work of art. It is, after all, a work of art. Don't ever forget this simple piece of knowledge. Art should create an emotion, a feeling and if the prior two reasons are not enough, it should create some kind of respect. But what is art? Don't worry- we'll get to that later. For the time being, just remember to look at the entire piece and notice how it makes you feel.

Now that you have a general feeling of the piece, begin to notice the structure. What kinds of objects occupy the space? What objects are more dominant than others? In Monet's "The Beach at Trouville," the majority of the painting is overtaken by the brand new hotel and the technology that took over France in the period it was painted. He intended for the painting to signify the technological revolution, which is something some French naturalists considered to be a stigma on their society. Blurring your eyes and mentally dividing the painting into sections will help, also. Understanding space is an important part of understanding

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