How do you read art?

Reading a painting is similar to reading a book:

  1. The reader decodes symbols to establish meaning.
  2. The reader uses inference and deduction (e.g. body language) to deepen understanding.
  3. A reader’s previous knowledge and experience affects their personal response.

How do you read and understand art?

How to Understand Art in 6 Easy Steps

  1. Stop Trying to “Get It.” Art isn’t a knock-knock joke, and squinting at an exhibit isn’t going to elicit a punch line. …
  2. Don’t Be Afraid To Like Something. …
  3. Consider More Things As Art. …
  4. Trust Your Instincts. …
  5. Make a Connection. …
  6. Make Your Own Art.


What does it mean to read art?

Reading a painting, the text is removed and we leap straight into color. This way, the visual image is immediately accessible and engaging. Artist distills the subject into a single image, that is why a painting requires a longer look than is usual. We get to connect by looking closely and then exploring what is seen.

What is the first step in reading a work of art?

The first step to interpreting art is observation.

How do you read the elements of art?


Quote from video: So the elements of art are a lot like the ingredients of a recipe. It's basically all of the things that we need to put together in artwork.

How do you explain art?

Tips for Describing Art to the Average Person

  1. Describe your artwork as if you were talking to someone who couldn’t see it.
  2. Describe the mood of your artwork as well as the visual characteristics.
  3. Always mention the colors, but make sure you use words that describe the colors and their effect.

How do you observe a painting?

HOW TO OBSERVE A PAINTING

  1. LOOK AT WHAT’S IN FRONT OF YOU: When you’re standing in front of a painting, look at the painting. …
  2. APPLY MEANING: While looking at the painting, try to notice how the painting is making you feel. …
  3. TRUST YOURSELF: While observing a painting, you need to trust yourself.

What is reading an image?

Good readers construct mental images as they read a text. By using prior knowledge and background experiences, readers connect the author’s writing with a personal picture. Through guided visualization, students learn how to create mental pictures as they read.

How do you close read art?

To close read an artwork is to deeply analyze an artwork beyond a first impression. The model used to close read an art work is the Feldman Model which was created by Edmund Feldman, Professor of Art at the University of Georgia and presented in his text, Becoming Human Through Art.