by PrincessNike

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

Congratulations! You have the exciting opportunity to visit a world-class art museum in your next port of call. In order to ensure that you are able to make the most of this opportunity we offer these following tips on art appreciation. Art appreciation does not mean that you have to like all the art you see. Far from it. But with just a little knowledge about art you can better appreciate what you do like.

ENJOYING THE MUSEUM

On your way to the museum look around. Taken notice the climate, the terrain, the colors, the sounds, and the people. At least some of the art you will see in the museum was produced by people who were from here or who lived here during their lifetime. Imagine what it would be like for the artist to live here. Take in the colors. What color are the buildings, the sky, the flowers, and the people's clothes? Some of these colors might show up in the art from this place. Pay attention to the sounds and the surroundings. Is it a loud and busy place? Crowded? Is it a quiet, sleepy town? This might set the tone for some of the art you are about to see.

When you arrive at the museum, take the time to appreciate the architecture of the museum itself. Often, art is housed in beautiful buildings. Just going to the museum can be as much of an event in itself as seeing the actual art. Be aware of how the building itself makes you feel, and savor the whole experience.

APPRECIATING THE ART

When you go into the museum, look at around at everything to discover what you like. Find a piece you are drawn to, and the decide what you like about it. What does it say to you? Look around at where this artwork is located in the museum. Is it by itself? If so, it may be a well-known or important piece. Is it in a room with others like it? If so, try to see what makes this piece different from the others. Is the piece in a room with artwork that is very different? Try to decide what what this piece has in common with the others nearby. (Perhaps, something as simple as the nationality of the artists.)

Then, look at the artwork you have singled out. Are you looking at a painting, a drawing, or a sculpture? Walk all the way around the piece if it is a sculpture. What is your piece of art made of? Seeing a marble sculpture and an oil painting on canvas, even if they represent the same thing, is quite a different experience. What do you like about what the artwork is made of and how it is made?

Notice the size of your piece. Art is shown all the same size in an art book, but

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