Howcast

How to Buy Art

Howcast — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:15:46 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Buy what you love If you see something you love, buy it; don’t worry about whether it goes with your color scheme. You can always repaint a room — or even just one wall — to complement the piece.
Step 2: Mix and match eras Don’t be restricted by your home decor. There’s no rule that says you can’t put modern art in a traditional setting, or vice versa.
Step 3: Pick up colors If you’re looking to buy art for a particular room, choose 1 or 2 dominating colors from the space and find a piece that includes or complements those colors.
Step 4: Take size into account Keep proportion in mind when you buy art for a particular spot. A small painting, for example, looks out of place on a big wall.
TIP: Before you buy art, measure the space you plan to put it in.
Step 5: Consider mood Consider the mood you want to create when you buy art. Symmetrical lines calm the eye; asymmetrical lines convey movement. Green, blue, and pink are soothing; red and orange are energizing.
TIP: Don’t put a predominantly red picture in the kitchen if you’re on a diet; red is known for stimulating appetite!
Step 6: Don’t buy as an investment Don’t buy art just because someone says it’s a good investment; there’s no way of knowing if it will increase in value. If you’re going to spend a lot of money, make sure it’s on a piece you really love.
FACT: A painting Picasso made in 1 day sold for $106.5 million at a 2010 auction.

You Will Need

Passion
Tape measure

How to Understand Composition in Art

Howcast — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:31:11 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Check perspective If the work is a painting or drawing, observe its perspective, or the concept that creates the illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface. Popular techniques will often draw the viewer or distract the viewer from the subject of the piece.
Step 2: Survey the light Survey how the artist uses light and contrast to hold the viewer’s attention and guide their eye through the artwork.
Step 3: Note colors Note placement of color in the work. Warm colors, like red or yellow, often draw attention, while cool colors, like blue, can create space and relax the viewer.
Step 4: Look for texture Look for visual texture, which is surface quality that can be seen or felt and that often creates the illusion of the actual textured surface.
Step 5: Observe space Observe how the artist uses space, or the area between and around objects that are arranged to create either symmetry or disorder. Balanced space often expresses symmetry, while asymmetry or crowded areas can portray disorder, or act as points of emphasis.
Step 6: Look at proportion Observe the proportion of the art piece, or the way items are placed next to one another to create harmony. Check if certain elements are next to others to balance the size or to add a larger contrast for emphasis.
TIP: A comprehensive art history book will give you more information about composition through analysis and commentaries on specific famous pieces.
Step 7: Step back to view the piece again Step back and take a complete look at the work. Keep everything you’ve noticed in mind, but don’t forget that a great work of art is much more than the sum of its parts.
FACT: Michelangelo was 26 years old when he finished sculpting the David.

You Will Need

Art
Patience
A good art history book (optional)

How to Understand a Painting

Howcast — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:17:27 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick a painting Pick a painting that strikes your fancy, either in your art history book or in the museum.
Step 2: Study for subject and composition Carefully look at the painting, studying it for subject and composition, or how the elements are arranged.
Step 3: Determine color and tone Determine the color and tone of the painting.
TIP: Color, tone and brushstrokes are the primary ways an artist will signal mood.
Step 4: Find any common threads Look for anything that the objects or subjects in the painting have in common.
Step 5: Look for puzzles Be on the alert for anything logically puzzling about the objects—do they make sense? Are they contradictory?
Step 6: Look for illogical aspects Extend your alert to the whole painting; is it entirely logical, or, at least, not illogical?
TIP: Paintings that don’t make logical sense are best explained by reading up on that particular artist.
Step 7: Question the location Ask yourself ‘Where in the museum is this painting located?’ and ‘Where was it supposed to be located before it ended up in a museum?’
Step 8: Find out when it was made Find out when the painting was created by reading the title card.
Step 9: Memorize and research the artist Memorize who created it, and find out information about the artist.
Step 10: Make a conclusion Use all of the details you’ve gathered and try to make a conclusion about the meaning behind the painting.
Step 11: Read the art history book Read sections of the art history book on specific painters, regions, movements or techniques.
FACT: When asked to explain one of his paintings, Willem de Kooning said, ‘I’m not an ornithologist; I’m a bird.’

You Will Need

A good art history book
Access to an art museum

How to Plan a Gallery Outing

Howcast — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:47:10 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find local galleries Go online or check with your local papers to find some local art galleries and when they’re open. Many towns have at least one gallery district of some sort.
Step 2: Learn of any free art walks or showings Find out when the art district has free art walks or group showings. Most large metropolitan areas offer monthly art-centric activities.
Step 3: Get a group of fellow art patrons Round up a group of friends who want to see some art with you and arrange a time and place for an outing.
Step 4: Dress comfortably Dress comfortably.
TIP: Even if the gallery district is relatively small, you could end up walking a lot by night’s end.
Step 5: Eat before you leave Eat something before you leave. Between complimentary wine and walking around, you’ll need some sustenance for the evening.
Step 6: Head out on the town Head out on the town.
TIP: On your first night out try the largest district in your area. The energy of people around you can help make the outing more interesting.
Step 7: Donate if you take complimentary beverages Some galleries offer complimentary beverages, like beer and wine. Often there’s a “donation” jar. Consider donating. It helps the gallery assuage the cost of the show.
Step 8: Walk from end to end of the art district Start at one end of the art district, and walk down that side of the street. Then cross the street and head back to where you started. It’s the best use of your time.
Step 9: Write down info If there’s a piece of art in which you’re interested, write down the name of the piece, the artist’s name, the gallery’s name and its hours.
TIP: Don’t be impulsive and purchase a piece right away. Think about it for a night – buyer’s remorse in the art world is particularly vicious.
Step 10: Don’t wait too long to buy Don’t sleep too long on making a decision to buy. The piece you wanted might have been snagged by the time you pull the trigger — and you desperately wanted to replace that Pink Floyd poster.
FACT: Most galleries will open their doors by appointment. Just call ahead and let them know you’re interested in some of their pieces.

You Will Need

Comfortable shoes for walking
Cash in small bills
A small notebook
A pen

How to Make a Butter Sculpture

Howcast — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:33:33 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find a cool room Find a cool room in which to work so your butter doesn’t melt as you sculpt.
TIP: Today, Tibetan monks create their works of art in rooms kept at 32° F.
Step 2: Pick a subject Pick a subject. Let your mind run wild. Butter sculptors have created everything from The Last Supper to Elvis Presley.
Step 3: Soak the butter Soak the butter in very cold water in order to remove impurities and give the butter an extra- smooth texture. The amount of butter you soak depends on how large you’d like your sculpture to be.
Step 4: Build the frame Build a frame to hold your base in place. Traditionally, bamboo sticks were fashioned into the framework, but you can use wood and/or metal.
Step 5: Dip hands in ice Before you start sculpting, dip your hands in ice water. Your hands must be kept practically numb, or your body heat will melt your creation.
Step 6: Knead the butter Knead the butter into a paste that’s free of air bubbles.
TIP: Add food coloring to the paste, or parts of the paste, if you like.
Step 7: Butter the base Load the butter onto the base, and begin shaping it with your hands.
Step 8: Fine-tune your design Fine-tune your design with tallow tools. Use modeling tools for smoothing and contouring large surfaces, and sculpting tools for intricate detail.
TIP: Many household items, like shoe horns and manicure instruments, can be turned into sculpting tools, so use your imagination.
Step 9: Keep it cool Once you’ve completed your masterpiece, store it somewhere it won’t melt before the big reveal.
FACT: In December 2004, a 1,000-lb. butter sculpture of an ice skating cow was unveiled in Manhattan as part of an American dairy campaign to boost baking during the holidays.

You Will Need

Butter
A cool room
Ice water
Materials for the framework
Sculpting tools
Food coloring

How To Enjoy a Trip To a Museum

Howcast — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:32:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Wear comfortable shoes Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be standing most of the time, so happy feet are essential.
Step 2: Allow plenty of time Arrive well fed and with plenty of time. Nothing will ruin your day faster than waiting in line at the café and then dashing to see an exhibit in minutes while the loudspeaker reminds you the museum is closing.
TIP: If you’re visiting a museum that has a big tourist attraction, like the Louvre’s ‘Mona Lisa’ in Paris, arrive at opening time, when you’re less likely to have to bob and weave behind a crowd to get a peek.
Step 3: Get a map Pick up a map as soon as you enter the museum and take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the exhibits and layout. Ask if the museum offers a free tour, or consider renting a self-guided audio tour.
Step 4: Survey the gift shop Visit the gift shop. It may sound strange, but you’re not here to buy. Take a quick survey of the postcards and posters to ensure that you don’t miss the museum’s most popular attractions. Circle them on your map.
Step 5: Prepare a route Jot down what you most want to see, and then figure out a general route that makes sense.
TIP: Keep your eye on the time. If you’re not confident you’ll be able to see everything on your list, you might have to skip around to what you most want to see.
Step 6: Wander Wander the exhibits, reading the text that accompanies the collections or pieces that capture your attention. Don’t feel like you have to see every single thing—that way you’ll have time to enjoy those that appeal to you most.
Step 7: Take breaks Allow for at least one break to rest your feet and keep your perspective fresh.
TIP: Don’t be a slave to your itinerary; you may find that what moves you most is not on your list.
Step 8: Visit the gift shop Visit the gift shop again, but this time allow yourself to actually shop! Not only can you find some great gifts, but by perusing the fancy books, you can find out more about the exhibits you just saw.
FACT: There are approximately 17,500 museums in the United States, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

You Will Need

Comfortable shoes
A museum map
And a notepad and pen

How to Behave at a Gallery

Howcast — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:01:52 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Silence your cell phone Before entering the building, turn off your cell phone or set it to vibrate.
Step 2: Keep kids close If you have children along, remind them not to touch anything and keep them close to you.
Step 3: Don’t be loud Do not be loud inside or call to a friend across the room.
Step 4: Don’t clog traffic Upon entering a gallery, scan the space as you move through the door, considering how you want to approach the artwork while not clogging up traffic.
Step 5: Stand aside When not directly viewing a work, step aside and let others see it.
TIP: Look where you’re going—avoid knocking over any priceless pieces!
Step 6: Tip on complimentary food or drinks If there are complimentary food and beverages available, feel free to partake, but tip if you’re able.
Step 7: Don’t gawk Don’t get caught gawking too much at other gallery-goers, no matter how pretty, handsome, or outlandish they may be.
Step 8: Keep criticism to yourself If there’s a remote possibility the artist is present, refrain from making any critical comments.
Step 9: Don’t say you could do that Never say, ‘I could do that.’ Chance are you can’t.
Step 10: Ask questions Should you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the artist or gallery owner. If you get a chance to meet them, thank them for having the show.
FACT: Many fine art galleries have frame shops on-site. Since they’re framing the really expensive stuff, they attract some of the best framers in the business.

You Will Need

A sense of decorum
And common courtesy

How to Crash a Gallery Opening

Howcast — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:00:37 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick a show Identify the gallery show or opening you’d like to attend. Write down the date.
Step 2: Get to know the artist’s work In the interim before the show, familiarize yourself with the artist’s work.
TIP: It also helps to know a little bit about the gallery owner, too.
Step 3: Dress the part On the day of the event, shower and get dressed to fit the part of a clean, neat and sophisticated attendee. Don’t be loud or trashy.
Step 4: Arrive late Arrive at least one hour after the opening time. The place should have a good number of people in it, but not so crowded that you’ll be standing in line to get in.
Step 5: Approach the bouncer with people behind you If you can, go up to the bouncer just before someone else so that you have people waiting behind you. Make eye contact, smile and say, ‘Hello.’
Step 6: Give your name if you have to If it looks like he’s not going to hassle you, go right in.
Step 7: Make an excuse about why you’re not listed If Bruno checks the list, you’ll have to make an excuse for not being on it, such as sending your RSVP a bit late — which is common and plausible.
TIP: Act like you’re supposed to be there, and that this is unusual and slightly embarrassing. Turn around and apologize to the people behind you. Make sure the bouncer sees you do this.
Step 8: Avoid the artist and owner Once inside, look for the artist and the owner. Stay away from them for the moment and try to find a place outside of their view to settle in.
Step 9: Pretend to care about the art At first, you want to act like the art is what’s of interest to you. Don’t make a beeline to the booze, but take a glass of wine if one is offered.
Step 10: Start talking Strike up conversation with friendly-looking people. Smile like you’ve met before, then ask how they’re doing. Collect names, just in case you have to name-drop people later on.
TIP: Avoid critiquing the artwork if you can. Instead, ask people what they think is their favorite piece.
Step 11: Thank the artist and the owner Once you feel secure, don’t hesitate to thank the artist and the owner. Ask when their next shows will be. That may get you on a mailing list next time.
Step 12: Don’t be the last person there Finally, don’t be the last survivor. If you can find people to leave with, the illusion will be perfect. And thank the bouncer on the way out.
FACT: While pop artist Roy Lichtenstein was still alive, his paintings were being sold for $2 million each before he even completed them.

You Will Need

A little bit of courage
And dress-casual attire

How to Understand a Work of Art

Howcast — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:27:38 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Google If you’re trying to understand a famous work of art, a quick Google search will yield almost limitless information and countless explanations.
Step 2: Read the plaque If you’re stuck on your own, start by reading the title card or plaque. If it has a self-explanatory name like ‘I love ham,’ your work here is done.
Step 3: Question the location Question the work’s location. Is it a part of a larger exhibit? Is it grouped with other works that have a common theme?
TIP: Assume that everything in a work of art was created to support an idea. This might not always be the case, but it’ll get you thinking about purpose and relevance.
Step 4: Check out historic connections Check out any historic connections a piece may have. For example, if you’re looking at a sculpture made in the late 1940s, there’s a pretty good chance it has something to do with World War II.
Step 5: Appraise the values of the public For public art, try to appraise the values of the intended demographic. Minimalist, towering sculptures appear outside minimalist, towering bank buildings for a reason.
TIP: Most public art is commercial and designed to satisfy a need. Often that need is simply to add something interesting to an open space without insulting or angering.
Step 6: Ask yourself what you like If the work is designed for the home, ask yourself what you like. It’s going to be hanging on your wall, after all.
Step 7: Tell a story Imagine telling a story about the work of art, or being the artist and describing it to other people. Sometimes talking it through like this will help you make new observations or connections.
FACT: The oldest known sculptures are often called Venus Figurines, and almost all of them resemble pregnant women.

You Will Need

A work of art
An inquisitive spirit

How to Fake an Appreciation of Art

Howcast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:56:49 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Have a go-to sentence Have a go-to sentence memorized, like, ‘I love Italy’s Renaissance artists—Masaccio, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Titian—they all move me so much.’
TIP: Be sure you know the correct pronunciation of the names or the jig will be up.
Step 2: Learn a little-known fact If you’re at an art opening or museum exhibit, scour the internet for a little-known fact about the artist. No one need know it’s the only thing you know.
Step 3: Mention an obscure artist Find an extremely obscure artist and ask your snooty friends if they’re familiar with his or her work. Then regale them with stories. If you mess up some of the details, no one will be the wiser.
Step 4: Adopt THE stance Adopt THE stance. Stand back a distance from the piece of art, purse your lips as if in deep thought, and say, ‘I find this piece entirely derivative/jejune/neo-Slavic.’
TIP: If in a home, never, ever remark how wonderfully a painting goes with the décor.
Step 5: Don’t get left out When the conversation becomes particularly obtuse, don’t let the artsy-fartsy crowd exclude you—just jump in and maneuver the conversation to a topic you’re well versed in with a timely, ‘Yes, of course…that reminds me of…’
Step 6: Finesse faux pas When the inevitable occurs and you are called on something, laugh lightly, wink, and say, ‘I know that—I just wanted to see if anyone was paying attention.’
FACT: Jackson Pollack’s painting ‘No. 5’ fetched $140 million in 2006.

You Will Need

A small investment of time
The ability to bluff