It's easy to assume that you know what you're going to enjoy and only look at that, passing by other artworks without paying much attention. It's all too easy to pre-screen your experience, even if you don't mean to, but I would suggest trying to keep an open mind. You may find a new favorite where you least expect it.
Category: Art Appreciation 101
What is History Painting?
History painting was an important genre in 18th and 19th-century European art. The term is used all the time, but doesn't simply refer to paintings of history. Learn about the characteristics of a history paint and why all the most ambitious artists wanted to pursue it.
A Guide to Romanticism
What is Romanticism in art? Learn about the different themes and stylistic attributes of Romantic painting, sculpture, and architecture. Find out how it's different from Neo-Classicism, the style that preceded it.
Seeing Slowly – Michael Findlay on Art Appreciation
A few quick thoughts on Michael Findlay's book Seeing Slowly: Looking at Modern Art, about enjoying modern and contemporary art.
A Guide to Pre-Raphaelite Painting
Learn about Pre-Raphaelite painting. Who were the major artists, what were their ideas, and how can you identify the works? How did the Pre-Raphaelites relate to the industrial revolution and movements like Arts & Crafts?
A Review of the Montclair Art Museum
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is a small museum focused on American art. It has a lovely atmosphere, and I visit at least once a year. Learn why I enjoy it in and what I saw on my most recent visit.
Strategies for Visiting the Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is one of the world's largest art museums. It's also one of my favorites. Since the museum is so big, consider one of these strategies for planning your visit.
Combatting Museum Fatigue
Museum fatigue is the what happens when you overwhelm yourself during a museum visit. It can happen to anyone from causal tourists to art professionals. Here are some ways to deal with it.
A Review of the Yale Center for British Art
The Yale Center for British Art is an entire museum dedicated to the history of British art from 1550 to the present. It's housed in an unusual, Louis I. Kahn-designed building on Yale University's campus. Learn about my experience and the museum's cool arrangement of galleries.
A Review of the Yale University Art Gallery
The Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut is home to a world-class art collection. It's free to the public and highly recommend for art lovers of all sorts. Read about my experience and the highlights here.
