10 tips on how to talk about art

1. Discuss topics

Most of the paintings that were created before the XX century, is dedicated to the same subjects. For a start will be enough to navigate a set of major biblical events, remember about two dozen mythological stories and characters and featuring the most popular medieval saints.

If you want to understand better, read a book Nicholas Kun "Legends and Myths of Ancient Greece", retold excerpts from the "Golden Legend" Jacob Voraginskogo about the lives of saints, and of course, the Bible - at least in an adapted version.

2. interpret symbols

In the arts, especially classical, nothing happens for a reason. Every detail bears a symbolic meaning.

There are symbols of the universal: they have not changed for centuries and are common to most cultures. For example, it is useful to know that the white lily is traditionally stands for purity and beauty of the Virgin Mary, and the skull is always hinting us to death.

Most of the characters varies depending on the country or period. In order to understand in all of this, read a good book by James Hall's "Dictionary of subjects and symbols in art." The main thing - to understand general principles. So you can intuitively assume that means this or that subject.

3. Define style picture of a bright performance

Style picture - a very important thing that allows mentally fit fabric in the context of the era, and navigate with which to compare it works. The good news is that the key style is not enough. Enough to understand the differences between a dozen of direction, and you can roughly estimate the age of creating pictures painted until 1900.

Byzantine art, Romanik, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism, Rococo, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism and trends in the art of the XX century - that is set with which you can move mountains.

For a quick visit literacy course of three lectures "Styles and genres in art». For corrosive explore suitable book "History of Art" Ernst Gombriha, "A Brief History of Art» Nina Dmitrieva or "Fundamentals of the History of Art" Horst Janson and Anthony.

4. Share your impressions

Art created for the experience. When some picture excites you so much that you want to share your feelings - do it immediately. In an ideal universe from a meeting with wonderful people quickens the heartbeat and dizzy (so called Stendhal Syndrome).

If art is not yet produced such an impression on you, share any associations, feelings and thoughts, which impel picture. To make a mistake here is impossible, and appreciate everything.

What to do when the blade does not cause absolutely no response? Practice! Before going to the museum, read about artists, especially his manners or age. Once the visual part leaves you indifferent, may be interested in specific stories.

5. Argue about the technique

Technique - it's a win-win theme. You can describe virtually everything that you see. The main thing - to learn to notice details. From the standpoint of techniques can discuss color, light, composition and characteristics of smear. Better, of course, if you can repeatedly listen to talk about the paintings of artists. For example, a lecture Level One «Five artists: understand and love geniuses" helps to look at the world's masterpieces look professional.

However, and without it you can show observant and notice that somewhere in the picture is smooth, but somewhere like convex due invoices smear. Somewhere light is scattered around the canvas, and in some cases directed at a specific point, if the spotlight.

The number will eventually be transformed into quality. The more you look, the more you will notice.

For those who are in the paintings of Piero della Francesca, Rembrandt, Bruegel, Cézanne and many other masters only sees them material objectivity and their symbolic content will be permanently closed the doors to the world of art and power Beauty.

Johannes Itten, painter, theoretician of modern art

6. Do not be afraid to argue

Art terrible secret: the truth does not exist anywhere, or almost anywhere. Which areas are the artist's work, who or what he was inspired by how to interpret the characters - any of the issues causing heated debate among specialists.

It is understood that should not be abused and frankly sour mix with bland, so knowledge of symbols and artistic styles will not be superfluous.

To begin, study them, and then boldly talks about the controversial moments: by this time you probably have already developed their own point of view.

To stock up on a lot of good arguments for future discussion, see the book by Sergei Daniel "Art see ": it will not only train in the description of the picture, but also learn to perceive qualitatively painting.

7. Do not discount the XX century

Most people like it when everything is clear, beautiful and desirable of naked women, and the "Black Square" or paintings of Piet Mondrian and Mark Rothko they believe maznoy. This is a comfortable position, but it just gives you in a beginner.

A small observation: the more you are immersed in the history of art, the easier you make the painting of the last century. Not everyone is ready to fall in love with her, but to say, "I can do that too" cease all.

8. Focus in Contemporary Art

At least at the level of terminology. Time to screw thought about actionism, happenings, performance art or intervention - is priceless.

Seriously, contemporary art is different. The main secret of his perception is that it is not necessary to go to the first available show without preparation. You need to check and see if it's all for you.

There is an art to evoke emotions of shock, up to the horror and disgust. There are also such that causes only admiration for the skill of the artist. If the first you're not ready, it is worth to know about it in advance and do not torture yourself in vain.

For aesthetic contemporary art include the work of Iranian artist fotorealista Iman Maleki. Notice the attention to detail: the hair strands and bracelet watches are depicted with the utmost precision.

9. Be aware of major events and prepare for them

Nothing discussed in the art world more than important brought as the major museums. Write about it in the news, in social networks - anywhere. We should follow the plans Tretyakov gallery, Pushkin museum and Moscow Museum of Modern Art.

Forewarned is forearmed. The exhibition is accompanied typically produce summaries, conduct lectures and excursions. You can further prepare by studying the era to which they belong creations of the author.

10. Ask stupid questions

The less you think about how to look in the eyes of others, and the more you are interested in the art itself, the faster you get closer to the ideal companion with whom you want to go to the museum. See how many questions about art on The Question, and relax: you're not alone.

When the stress is removed, look good selection of art literature on Bookmate and go to the lectures Level One. There you will find guaranteed good lectures with hundreds of reviews that kindle a desire to plunge into the art more and more.

Fine art is not limited to all lectures on architecture, classical music, history and religion help you better navigate the different areas of beauty and as a result a new take a life.