Walking into an art gallery, and seeing a painting, it can be really overwhelming. What am I meant to be looking for? Why do I like this painting? Is it actually good art?
There is no such thing as one correct interpretation of a painting. Art is personal, what you see, is what you see. However, by looking out for a few simple things in a painting, it will give you so much more of an in-depth experience, whether you’re simply looking at art or considering buying an original painting.
Here are ten things worth looking out for:
1. What catches your eye?
The first instinct might be to look for the “meaning”. Simply take a few minutes to observe the painting, let your eyes rest and see what jumps out at you. Whether it’s the colours of the painting, a particular form, a texture, or an odd feature on there. What ever it is that first grabs your attention, will give you a hint to what naturally attracts you to the artwork.
2. Colours used:
The colours that an artist has used can dramatically influence the whole feeling and emotion of a painting. Warm colours such as yellows, oranges and reds create warmth and bring energy; cooler colours such as blues and greens can make a painting seem tranquil or reflective.
Think about the emotions these colors evoke; do they make you feel calm, energetic, inspired or something entirely different?
3. Composition:
Composition basically means the arrangement of visual elements within a artwork; how shapes, lines and other features are laid out. Are there any specific shapes or lines taking your attention to a certain point on the painting? Do the colours guide your eyes to somewhere specific? A good composition can pull the viewer around the artwork without you even realizing.
4. Texture:
Look closely at the paint on the canvas. Is the paint layered, thick and smooth, or bumpy? Often with original artwork you can really feel the texture of the paint and artists use this as part of their work. If buying originals it is always useful to know what the texture of the paint is, to distinguish original paintings from prints.
5. What story does it potentially tell:
Paintings don’t always express a story; instead they can represent emotions, ideas, memories, and personal experiences. Try to imagine what you can see taking place. Then if provided with the title or artist’s information you can decide whether or not you have misinterpreted what the art conveyed.
6. Mood:
Before attempting to analyze a piece of art intellectually, try and observe what emotion it evokes. Does it make you feel calm, excited, reflective or uneasy? Ultimately, your interpretation is irrelevant, there is no correct interpretation of art.
7. Style:
Artists over years develop their own unique styles; color choices are repetitive, the subject and technique can all be part of their signature style. Looking at the style of the artist will enable you to tell certain works apart as your own eye develops on what you like to see.
8. The artist behind the artwork:
The history and story of the artist can provide deeper insights into the painting and its meaning. Considering their background, influences, education and ideology. An artwork can be far more insightful when one can grasp how the mind of the artist worked.
9. Medium and technique:
What medium the paint has been used with, whether it be oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media. This can determine the kind of effect the artist has been able to produce along with the way in which the paint has been used, such as brush stroke and intensity.
10. Above all, ‘do I like it?’ :
If you’re considering buying original art, do not get distracted by the value it may have in future. Simply ask yourself ‘Do I want this hanging in my home?’ Art becomes a part of our own personal lives and environment, so it should be something you enjoy being a part of.
Enjoy looking at art, whether that is by yourself or buying:
You do not require a degree in art history, in order to appreciate art. All it takes to appreciate a painting is to be present, look at what you can see, think about the emotions conveyed and discover the artist, and thoughts behind the art. The more art you observe the more you will natural appreciate colour, composition, technique and artists expression.
At Ochre Art we see discovering art as an enjoyable journey not a daunting task.
So wherever you are whether new to contemporary Indian art or just browsing, take your time and let the art speak to you!