Artworks are a visual representation of the artist’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and offer a unique means of communication beyond words. Through the creation of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other forms of artistic expression, artists communicate a variety of topics, from abstract themes to social commentary to cultural issues to a personal interpretation of a familiar landscape. Creating artworks allows the mind to focus on one task at a time, breaking away from pressing or distracting concerns and allowing for a more meditative state. This practice can help to lower stress levels, increase mental clarity, and create positive emotions, making it a powerful tool for improving overall wellbeing.
The act of creating art is a therapeutic practice in itself, and it can benefit not only the individual who is creating the artwork, but also those who are experiencing or witnessing the creation. In fact, several studies have found that when people are able to engage in creative activities, they experience reductions in anxiety and stress and increases in mood and well-being. These benefits are even more apparent for those who are undergoing treatment, as creating art is often the only outlet available to them, helping them cope with the many emotional challenges they face.
Artwork has long been used in ritualistic and symbolic functions, particularly within a culture’s religion. For example, religious art often depicts mythological or biblical stories and figures; is a representation of an event in a historical timeline; is part of the decorative scheme for an important building or structure; or is used as a way to mark a special occasion or anniversary. While these artworks may not have a direct utilitarian purpose, anthropologists know that they often have significant meaning for the people in the cultures who created them.
Is the work visually interesting? Does it employ a variety of textures, surface qualities and/or illusions? Does it utilize a lot of movement, whether this is implied by a flowing line of sight or actual motion; is it distorted to give the illusion of depth in a 2-dimensional artwork; does it use cross-hatching and other mark making to draw your eye across the surface?
What is the mood of the artwork? Does it evoke a sense of excitement; agitation; enlightenment; melancholy; serenity; or turmoil? Are these feelings heightened or diminished by specific color choices (i.e. chromatic juxtapositions; extreme color contrast; subtle use of colors to highlight focal areas; use of varying shades to create an aerial perspective effect; or use of neutrals to convey a sense of stability)?
Taking a closer look at an artwork forces us to examine the detail of the image and consider things we may have missed. Ideally, it’s best to view the work in person rather than from a postcard or photograph to really get a feel for the artist’s techniques and style. If possible, make a sketch of the work to further explore and learn more about it, using your own interpretation as guidance.