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How to Understand Art

Do you like velvet Elvis paintings and don’t get abstract art? Then you need this Howcast video series on art appreciation.

Explore the Latest How to Understand Art Guides
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The Latest How to Understand Art Tutorials


How to Buy Art

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. …

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How to Understand Composition in Art

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 …

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How to Understand a Painting

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 …

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How to Plan a Gallery Outing

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 …

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How to Make a Butter Sculpture

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 …

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How To Enjoy a Trip To a Museum

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 …

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How to Behave at a Gallery

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 …

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How to Crash a Gallery Opening

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 …

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How to Understand a Work of Art

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,’ …

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How to Fake an Appreciation of Art

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 …

Learn HowHow to Fake an Appreciation of Art

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