Friday's art website - Art Knowledge news

Today's art website of interest to share with readers is for Art Knowledge News. The free art news magazine is updated daily, with subscribers worldwide. The online magazine is sponsored by the Art Appreciation Foundation. The daily magazine shares art information and news about art, the art world, museums, artists, exhibitions, articles reprinted from renowned art publications, art resources, special features, photos, commentary, and a vast array of art images.

Friday's art article - How to judge art

When many people are asked about whether or not they like a piece of art, they can give you a "yes or no", but not necessarily the why. The article How to judge art breaks down some of the simple reasons why people may find a piece of art to their liking. The review lists five areas and discusses them in detail about how people evaluate art.

Friday's art website: art terms defined

As with any industry, there is a ton of lingo and jargon that go along with art. It can be a bit overwhelming to know all the words and definitions that define it. This link for Art Terms Defined, by Baxter Frameworks, defines many of the art terms you might come across. This page is a great resource!

Friday's art themed article: 5 steps to art appreciation

I still remember when I was first invited to an art gallery by my friends and my instinctive reaction was a feeling of apprehension. It was a strange feeling as I have always loved art especially paintings, so why the anxiety. It dawned on me that I was not worried about experiencing the paintings but how to react to them, what to say and how to converse about them so as to not look like a complete moron to my friends.

This very unusual problem led me to explore and find a simple and down-to-earth approach to art appreciation. The idea is to demystify the process and make it easy to enjoy art. Here are some steps that I came up with to make it an easy learning experience

Tip No. 1 Make it a habit to observe and appreciate art

In order to understand your own specific interests and inclinations in art, develop a habit of observing seriously any art object that you come across be it a painting or a sculpture. We often overlook art objects sitting right in front of us. How many of us honestly take some of the free minutes in our office to look at the paintings on our office walls.

If we spend sometime in observing and appreciating art that we are exposed to in everyday life, we will learn a great deal about what things attract and appeal to us the most and also what are the things that you dislike. In a nutshell you will understand more clearly your likes and dislikes in art

Tip No. 2 Develop your own unique art sense

Once you have spent some time in examining your own preferences in art, you can move towards understanding the forms of visual art that connect with you most. For some it is the lifelike representations in sculpture and for others it is the ability of a painter to depict a memory in vivid colors. To many of us all art forms are a treat for the senses and a tribute to the efforts of the artist

As you organize your own reactions to different forms of art, you will learn to recognize small differences and minor variations of colors and shapes that make a painting likeable or not so appealing to you

Tip No. 3 Research the pieces that you like

Now that you have an understanding of the colors, shapes and styles that interest you the most you should research these further to see if they represent a specific art style or a particular form of art, for example in paintings it could be abstracts, figurative or a combination of colors and theme that represent a definite pattern and style of painting

As you progress further, this research will help you to find more and more distinctively the artists and the media that you like the most. Many a times the styles and colors that appeal to us have a special meaning for us and may originate from a specific region of the world or maybe an art form that we were exposed to early in life and has left a significant impression on us. Sometimes it is the art that you experienced on a great vacation that left great memories and gave you a strong liking for it for life, the reasons for liking some art form are endless some thought to it may give you some clues

Tip No. 4 Refine your art sense

You have already explored and created your own art personality and are equipped with the knowledge of the styles of art that appeal to you the most. Your research has provided you with enough information to feel confidant to give reactions to different styles and also decide what appeals to you in different paintings whether it is the artist's attempt to express his feelings or the emotions the painting evokes in you.

A very important tool that can help to refine your art sense is to keep an art journal. Before you get put off by this seemingly complex work let me quickly point out that it is the simplest form of keeping a dairy. It is a log of the art pieces that you see and your reactions to each piece, this log can be an important means in refining and enriching your unique art sense. Another important benefit of this art journal is that it can serve as a very effective way of relieving stress. No kidding...keeping an art journal is one of the key activities in art therapy which is a form of therapy that uses creativity and art in the healing process

Tip No. 5 Open up to new experiences in art

The last and most significant tip in the art appreciation process is to keep your mind open and receptive to new art experiences. One of the disadvantages of having developed a definite pattern of likes and dislikes in your art personality is to get trapped in this pattern. Do not cage yourself in this citadel of your own creation but remain open to new and totally different creations and art forms.

The whole purpose of art appreciation is to open your subconscious mind to be receptive to new experiences and creations. You will be amazed when you read your own art log as time passes to see your tastes change over time to different themes and styles. Always remember that the objective of art appreciation is to recognize and understand your own love of art and artistry.

For more info please email the author at anudarbha@paintandcraft.com

If you are an art lover please visit my art related websites http://www.artseden.com and http://www.paintandcraft.com for a unique art experience

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anu_Darbha

Friday's art themed article: Learning how to appreciate art

I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT ART BUT I KNOW WHAT I LIKE?

Perhaps you've gone to a gallery or art museum, looked at the artwork displayed and said to yourself, "What the heck is that? I can't understand it! Why is this here in a gallery?"

Or, maybe you've gone to a gallery or art museum and your reactions was, "Wow! Great stuff! I like this! I don't know why, but I do!"

Or, maybe you've gone to a gallery or art museum, and, after viewing the exhibits, you walk away feeling bored and disinterested. You may have said to yourself, " Why do I bother with looking at art? I never understand it. It's beyond me."

Like any other discipline, art requires the viewer to be knowledgeable about the information it presents. Sometimes we think we should just automatically understand art. After all, there it is, just hanging there on the wall and all we have to do, we think, is just look at it. But do we really SEE it? Often, our response may be, "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."
That is just another way of saying, "What I like is really just based on my ignorance."

THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU CAN ENJOY
Liking a certain artwork is a pleasure. You have communicated with visual phenomena and really enjoyed the experience. It can be a very enriching, rewarding experience to know how and why an art form developed or have some knowledge of how and why an artist works in a particular way. More than likely, your perspective is quite limited if you have never studied art or know how it has developed in not only, our Western culture but all over the world.

What if you could gain information on the many forms of art that have been produced since humanity began, and how it developed over time to the present day? What would this kind of study mean to you? It would mean that, equipped with that knowledge, you would be able to enjoy a lot more art! Here's why.

The more you know about art and its development, the more you can enjoy looking at art! You will see much more and understand the context, content and style of the art form. And this is the basis of Art Appreciation-a study of how to expand your knowledge of the art world, past, present and future and, with that perspective, be able to communicate with the rich visual/creative world!

HOW TO BEGIN
So, how do your start gaining knowledge of this vast art world? Where do you begin?

Begin by dipping your toe into Art History. With a basic Art History 101 knowledge you will be able to see how art, as we know it, was not really a term until the science of Art History was developed in our western culture. And, when it was developed, as you can read in many art history books in the library, art has existed as long as humans have been able to pick up a stick, brush or chisel and record their lives and experiences.

There are several ways of learning how to appreciate art:

ONE -- Learn about the basics of art history. How art developed, from the Lascaux cave paintings to modern art today. Older art history books deal primarily with artistic development in Western culture. Newer books add developments in Asia, China, Russia and the mid-East. The study of Art History has, over time, become global. In learning the time lines and factors that produce new perspectives and styles in art, you will not only gain a new historical perspective, but also become acquainted with the various art forms produced over the past centuries.

TWO--Choose a certain period or style in art history and learn about it. Perhaps Impressionism interests you. Or maybe you've always wanted to know the difference between Op Art and Pop Art. Through studying the cultural impact of a certain style on a specific period in time, you can understand why that particular art form developed and appreciate the artwork in a broader context.

THREE--Take a tour of your local art museum. Museums offer a wide variety of art educational programs and tours of their exhibits. Or travel and see the actual art in its setting. There are many websites on the Internet listing global art tours and travel, often by geographical location or specific art and architectural styles. On site art tours offer a unique and interesting way to travel and can give you an intimate, one on one perspective with the historical art and culture of the area. Tour groups are generally small in number and conducted by very knowledgeable guides delighted to respond to all of your questions and comments.

FOUR-Visit your local art galleries often. Galleries are supportive of their artists and gallery owners and attendants are usually quite pleased at your interest in their exhibits. They will be glad to give you information on the artists, such as whether they are local, where they have shown their work, what awards they have won, and who has purchased their artwork. Keep informed of present and future exhibits. This hands on approach, connects you closely with affordable art that is available where you live and often created by artists who live in or near your area.

DISCOVER A RICH VISUAL WORLD
Art Appreciation is as big or small a study as you want to do. Whether you want to make it an occasional outing or a serious study, whatever you choose, learning how art forms have historically developed and understanding what is on the walls in your local gallery will definitely change your perspective.

Wouldn't it be great to be able to discuss a painting on the wall in a gallery, instead of shrugging and muttering, "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."
Think of it. Perhaps your response would be more like, "I like the way this artist uses color in an Expressionistic style. The brushwork is so vigorous! There is a lot of energy in the composition. Also, the use of thick paint produces an interesting texture."

Through Art Appreciation you can discover a rich visual/creative world that will inspire you and beckon you to learn more.

Lois's website offering free online art classes and many art resources, includes a gallery of her own paintings and pastels, as well as her videos demonstrating a wide variety of skills and techniques in the lessons: http://www.free-online-art-classes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lois_Dewitt

Friday's art themed website: ART QUOTES

*For those new to this blog, every Friday, blog writer Kathy Swift share an art themed article or website with readers.*

While you may have viewed and studied famous artists' paintings, have you ever given any thought to what they have said? Today's art themed website is Art Quotes. The site lists quotes from artists, and other entertainers, inspirational and religious people. The site aims to list quotes to inspire success, creativity, and knowledge. Readers can also find links to some well known artists and their work.

Friday's art themed article: How to Hang and Properly Showcase Your Artwork

If the walls in your home seem a little too plain, try livening up your living space with some art. Framed photos or paintings are a great way to show your style and add personality to a home. Sadly, many wince at the tricky business of properly hanging art. Fortunately, you've come to the right place. These simple guidelines will help you get that artwork looking great and hanging level in no time.

To start, take your available wall space into consideration. Are you looking for a piece that will dominate the living room, or just something that will add interest to a small section of a hallway or staircase? There are frames and art for almost every situation, so be sure you know what you're looking for before you buy. You'll also want to make sure that the artwork doesn't clash with your existing furniture or color scheme. For instance, abstract works of art will generally fit better with IKEA furniture than a classic Victorian style, though of course the choice is up to you. Also, if you plan on being able to see the art, make sure the area you choose is well-lit.

Once you've got your artwork, it's time to figure out your placing options. Most experts recommend hanging art so that the center of the piece rests at eye level, usually around 60 inches from the floor, although this will obviously not always be possible. Measure and plan carefully before installing hanging fixtures, as you don't want your wall to end up full of holes from botched attempts.

If you're hanging a series or set of pictures together, place the most important one in the middle position, since the eye will be naturally drawn to it. Differently sized pictures will look more level if aligned along their centers rather than their edges.

Now that you've got your artwork and your location, it's time for the hard part, actually hanging the picture. You'll want the picture to rest flush against the wall, and of course, hang levelly. Your own gallery hanging system should be easy to use, simple to install, and most importantly, sturdy and reliable. Avoid using a wire hanging system, as they tend to slide around and become crooked, however, if you must use a wire hanger, try using two hooks instead of one for added stability. Hooks with more acute angles will also hold a picture better and rest flusher with the wall. If possible, though, try solid fixtures such as D-rings or triangle loops instead, as these are much more reliable. Another excellent option are bracket cleats, which securely lock the artwork in place, and are very sturdy. Double-check the fixtures to make sure that they're level. If they're not, you'll have to adjust your wall-mounted fixtures to compensate.

Carefully mark where the fixtures will end up on the wall, and install the other end of your fixtures. Make sure to use a level before and after installation to make sure that you are completely straight. If hanging your art from drywall, make sure your fixtures are well anchored in a stud in order to prevent cracking or tearing.

If you've done everything correctly, you should now have an attractive piece of artwork that looks great, straight, and steady. Enjoy!

Many thanks to guest author Steven Rosen for this post.

Steven Rosen is a marketing consultant and content writer for AS Hanging Systems. He has an educational background in marketing and communications and is quite the handyman in terms of home improvements and decor.

Friday's art themed article: HISTORY OF STAINED GLASS

As a student, I remember learning about the history of paintings and sculptures, but it seems as though some of the other disciplines got "lost along the way". I recently found the article The History of Stained Glass on the website maintained by the Stained Glass Association of America. I love reading about how the history of arts is affected by the politics, economic and social situations of the time. A warning, pack a lunch before you tackle this article! It's a very long and inclusive history; it's definitely not a quick read. Overall, it was interesting to learn about how current events impacted how stained glass was made and shared with others.

Friday's art themed website: ART FAIR CALENDAR

One of my favorite things to do is to exhibit or attend art festivals. Nothing says relaxing like spending some time outdoors, in nice weather, enjoying some art. The Art Fair Calendar website is useful to find art fairs in large, metropolitan areas. It's not necessarily an all-inclusive list, but it's certainly a good place to start.

The site exists to promote the work and sales of the artists and craftspeople. Their creativity and passion for fine craftsmanship provide art fair attendees with beautiful, unique items not available in chain stores and shopping malls.

Friday's art themed website: ARTCYCLOPEDIA MUSEUM LISTINGS

*For those new to the Cow Art and More blog, every Friday, gallery jewelry artist and blog writer Kathy Swift shares an art themed website or article with readers.*

With summer travel plans being discussed, why not add an art museum to your list? Artcyclopedia has a directory of all the art museums in the United States. You can select a state to look at all the museums by cities within that state. The museums are also listed with their website links.

Friday's art themed article of interest: ART AS AN INVESTMENT

With the financial uncertainties in our economy at the moment, people are looking to alternative investments to place their money. The recently published article, Guide to Buying Art as an Investment, breaks down seven considerations you need to thoroughly investigate before buying art as an investment vehicle.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: OLGA'S GALLERY

"Olga's Gallery" is an online collection of over 10,000 works of art. In addition to showing images, the site also discusses the artists and their work. The history of how the site came about is it a bit amusing. I will let you read about Olga and her family here. While the site may not have a lot of "bells and whistles," it does have a lot of information for readers to enjoy.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: DENVERARTSYGAL

For anyone who loves art and music, I have found a great blog for you to follow. The blog is by Denverartsygal. I wish I could tell you more about her, but she doesn't list any additional information about herself. She has beautiful videos combining art from some of the world's best artists with appropriate music. There are other blog posts too about a variety of topics, mostly dealing with photography. Another warning as well, you will have to look through the titles of her blog posts to find the ones that interest you; there is no search box on her blog.

Nonetheless, it's a great blog for an "art vacation" and you'll find me retweeting her posts from time to time if you follow me on twitter.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: ARTLEX ART DICTIONARY

Today's website of interest to the arts community is the ArtLex Art Dictionary site. This site allows users of all levels of art interest and experience to learn more about the words and terms commonly used in the art world. The site is privately maintained by Michael Delahunt, an artist and art educator. The website started as a way to put words to the many aspects of art that people visualize. The site has grown to over 3600 articles and 50,000 links and is viewed on average by over one million people each month.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: NATIONAL ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Friday's art related website of interest is the National Art Education Association (NAEA). The mission of NAEA is to promote art education through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership. The association has 20,000 active members, consisting of art educators in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 as well as college and university professors and researchers, administrators, and museum educators. Members are in all fifty states plus the District of Columbia, U.S. Possessions, most Canadian Provinces, U.S. military bases around the world, and twenty-five foreign countries.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: DAILY ART FIXX

Friday's website of interest about art is Daily Art Fixx, a website dedicated to focusing on a particular art or style daily. The author is Wendy Campbell, a Canadian artist who has devoted time to learning more about other artists and their work. Says Campbell, "This blog is a way for me to immerse myself in art - to learn more about the masters and discover what’s going on in the art world right now. Each day there will be something new - it might be an artist profile, a product, book, or event review, or just a nifty tip that I come across."

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: QUESTIONS ABOUT ART

Today's art website of interest is the website, Questions About Art. The site involves a series of questions and answers provided by artist and author, Franklin Einspruch. The part I found interesting about this site is that the questions all have very honest answers about why some art may not appeal to everyone and why people have different opinions about art.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: ARTY FACTORY

Today's art website of interest is ArtyFactory. This website teaches any beginner the basics of art appreciation. Art Appreciation is the knowledge and understanding of the universal and timeless qualities that characterize all great art. The more one appreciates and understands art from different eras, movements, styles and techniques, the better one can evaluate any art work. Even only if an interest in art is simply for personal enjoyment, a greater knowledge of art history and an understanding of pictorial elements, such as composition and technique, should increase appreciation of art and enhance the pleasure derived from looking at it.