How to Look at Art

This essay over at Scriptorium has given me something to think about.

....the moment when you encounter a painting that grips you. For some reason it stands out from the crowd of images you’ve already seen and makes a powerful connection. You like it. It moves you. You’ve seen something new and interesting here. But after about 90 seconds, you have to admit that you don’t really know what to do next.

Yup, that's usually me! Here is the list of things to do -

1. Squint at it
2. Flip it over
3. Find the negative space
4. Define the moment
5. Re-Construct it
6. Let the artist guide your eyes
7. Say what you see
8. Use background knowledge
9. Read the label on the wall

Now I am hot to get to a museum and try a few out!