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on a current event or trying to create a mood rather that trying to depict an object or person.

Look at the colors in your piece. Do they reflect the colors found naturally in this place or not? The colors and the quality of light sets a certain mood. Do the colors seem dreary or are the vibrant? Dark, depressing colors show up in paintings drawn in times of war or disaster, and also in paintings that are showing serious subjects. Bright and happy colors could indicate that the artist was happy, or that he was trying to make the viewer happy. Consider the subject and date of the painting. Do the colors harmonize with each other or clash? Colors can seem calm or create movement.

APPRECIATING THE ARTIST

A picture really is worth a thousand words. Art is a form of communication. A person has made an effort to create art so that other people (like you) can see it. Think about where the artwork would have been shown. A religious icon in a place of worship was meant to inspire or to function as an invitation to pray. An object in a private home could have set the mood for visitors. Does this piece make you admire the bravery or resourcefulness of the subject? Perhaps this was supposed to make visitors feel that for the family. Serious portrait could have impressed upon visitors the importance of family. Imagine how a whole roomful of art like this one would make you feel.

The artist's personal, social, political, and religious circumstances could have affected the artwork you are viewing. If you have not already done so, read the museum label. It should tell you who the artist was, what the subject was, where that art was from, and when it was created. Try to remember what you can about what was happening in that place when the art was made. What must the artist have lived through? Look at the art while you imagine this and see if it affects your interpretation of the piece.

If you are drawn to this piece, you may enjoy other artwork by this artist. Look around the museum for the artist's name on other pieces of art. If you decide you really love this artist, go to the gift shop and see if you can find a book of the artists work or postcard reproductions of your favorite pieces. These can be wonderful keepsakes from your trip.

QUICK GUIDE TO ART PERIODS

The museum labels may not identify the period of art, but many art museums organize their collections by the art period. Once again, look around the room. Do the paintings and sculpture in the room seem to have a lot in

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