by Shannon Hilson

Created on: October 02, 2009

If you're like a lot of art lovers out there, you already know that you absolutely love art. You love the way an artist can use color, composition, and simple materials to create something magical that speaks volumes to the heart, mind, and soul alike. You also love the way a painting that sparks such a powerful reaction when you look at it can brighten up your life.

When you see artwork you like, you usually know it, but it's not always as easy for you to articulate why you like it, nor do you really know that much about the ins and outs of what makes the art world tick. However, you also know that you'd really like to learn. The following are a few tips that will help you get started when it comes to understanding art a little better.

Spend More Time Around Art

One of the most effective ways to learn more about something is to increase your level of exposure to it. This is no less so when it comes to something like art. Spend more time in art galleries both fine art galleries that showcase the work of undisputedly great masters, as well as local galleries that feature the work of contemporary artists or up-and-coming newcomers. You also definitely don't want to neglect the internet or venues like art festivals, as many highly talented modern day artists showcase and sell their work that way. Really spend some time immersing yourself in what's out there and getting to know it from the inside out.

Also make sure to take your time viewing the individual pieces. Don't just think I like it and then move on to the next one. Really make an effort to pinpoint what exactly it is about the piece that caught your attention and drew you in. Was it the artist's unusual use of color? Their careful, loving treatment of the subject matter? Their use of the space allotted by the canvas itself? Knowing what it is that makes one piece of art stand out and make you say wow while another might not catch your attention at all is the first step to understanding what constitutes good, successful art. Go through the same process with pieces you don't like. Try to figure out what isn't cutting it for you and why.

Get Educated in Regards to Art

Whether you're a serious art collector, a casual art lover, or a working artist yourself, nothing fosters a thorough understanding of what art is all about quite like an art history course or two. You'll learn about basic concepts like composition and theme, as well as how they factor into making a piece of art what it is.

When you learn

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