If you have a passion for art and are fascinated by the history of it, then you’re probably wondering how you can make that exploration a more permanent part of your life. The good news is that there are lots of ways to learn about art history, even if you don’t have time for a formal degree program. There are so many different branches of art history with varying focuses. From ancient Greek and Roman art to modern and contemporary art, there is something for everyone. If you want to begin exploring art history, here are some helpful tips.
Read Biographies of Famous Artists
There are many biographies of famous artists available, and many of these books are written for the casual reader. You can read about the lives of artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Pablo Picasso, and others. While these books are not solely dedicated to the history of art per se, they do provide a fascinating look at the lives of artists and the historical contexts in which they worked. Art history books can be incredibly dense, with lots of jargon and technical language. Biographies are a great way to start learning more about the history of art without getting overwhelmed. Biographies are also a great way to build up your vocabulary and learn new words that you can then put to use once you do start reading more technical books about art.
Attend Free Lectures and Events at Your Local Museum
If you have a local art museum, then you should definitely attend some of the free lectures and events that they host. This is a great way to learn more about the history of art and to get a sense of the types of things that are featured in a typical art history exhibit. If you’re lucky, the museum might even host special exhibits that are dedicated to a specific period or artist. This is a great way to dive a little deeper and explore a particular topic in greater detail. You can also sign up to receive the museum’s email newsletter. This is a great way to learn about upcoming events and exhibitions before they’re even advertised publicly.
Watch Documentaries About Art History
If you’re interested in learning about a specific artist or period in the history of art, you can find lots of great documentaries on YouTube or via your streaming service of choice. You can also find lots of documentaries that deal with broader topics, like the invention of the camera, how artists worked in different periods, or how art has been used to convey political messages throughout history. These documentaries are a great way to get a high level overview of a particular topic, as well as learn some interesting and fun facts along the way. Plus, documentaries are a really easy way to spend an afternoon or evening learning about art history, even if you’re busy with work or school. They’re a great option if you need something that you can put on in the background while doing other things.
Read Books About the History of Art
Books are another great way to learn more about the history of art, especially if you’re interested in a particular time period or theme. There are books available on pretty much every aspect of art history, so it’s hard to go wrong in your selection. When you’re choosing books to read, you might want to consider books that have been edited or compiled by a professor or art historian. These types of books might include essays by different authors or discussions between experts in the field. This is a great way to see how different scholars approach the topic at hand.
Check Out Podcasts About Art History
Art history podcasts are another great way to learn more about the history of art. There are lots of different podcasts available, so it’s easy to find something that suits your interests and learning style. There are podcasts available on pretty much every aspect of art history, so it’s hard to go wrong in your selection. Once you find a podcast that you enjoy, it can become a daily ritual. This is a great way to learn while commuting to and from school or work, or while doing chores around the house.
Start Studying Artworks in Museums and Galleries
If you’re really keen on learning about the history of art and have lots of free time on your hands, then you could start studying the artwork in museums and art galleries. This is a great way to learn about the symbols, colors, and other elements that are featured in historical artworks. If you decide to study artwork, it’s a great idea to keep a journal where you write down your observations. This is a great way to synthesize what you’ve learned and make new connections between different pieces. You can use this journal to write down your thoughts and observations as you go along, as well as look back on them at the end of each day or week. This is a great way to make the most of your art history study sessions.
Conclusion
The history of art is one of the most fascinating subjects out there. It’s always changing and evolving, and there are new ways of looking at art being developed all the time. If you’re interested in this subject, there are lots of ways to learn more about it and dive into this fascinating topic. From biographies to documentaries, there are lots of ways to begin your art history education.
