Ever felt overwhelmed by the endless sea of art options when decorating your home? Don't worry, you're not alone! Choosing the perfect piece can feel like a daunting task. But fear not, because with a little visual literacy you can turn your home into a personal art gallery that perfectly reflects your unique style.
What is visual literacy anyway? The ability to understand and interpret visual information—is experiencing a renaissance in education. As our world becomes increasingly visual, dominated by images, videos and digital media, the importance of this skill cannot be overstated. For this reason, it has become something of a buzzword in curriculum reinvention and is an area that schools will be tailoring learning towards in the future.
So, how exactly can visual literacy help when choosing art for my home? Think of it as your artistic sixth sense. It's the ability to understand and appreciate visual messages and in this case it's about connecting with artwork on a deeper level.
For example, in the painting below, you could pose questions such as; How has the artist represented the depth of the scene? How are shadows represented? Does the painting draw you in? How is it doing so? What kinds of lines has the artist used? What emotions (if any) are stirred within you when viewing this piece? Does it remind you of anywhere? Do you like it placed in front of the straight lines of the panelling? Does it work against the colour of the wall? And so on!
Here are some tips to help you hone your visual literacy skills and choose the perfect art for your space:
Trust Your Gut: The most important thing is to choose art that speaks to you personally. If a piece makes you feel something whether it's joy, peace or intrigue, it's a good sign.
Consider Your Space: Think about the size, colour scheme and overall vibe of the room where you plan to hang the art. A large, bold piece might be perfect for a spacious living room while a smaller, more delicate piece could be ideal for a cosy bedroom.
Pay Attention to the Details: Look closely at the artist's technique, use of colour and composition. Do you admire the brushstrokes, the way the colours interact or the overall balance of the piece?
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try something unexpected! If you're usually drawn to abstract art, consider adding a classic landscape painting to your collection. You might be surprised by what you love. An eclectic collection of art work can give depth and interest to your home so go for it!
Have Fun with It! Decorating your home should be an enjoyable experience. Don't stress too much about finding the "perfect" piece. Just relax, explore different styles and have fun with the process!
Remember, art is a personal expression, so don't be afraid to let your own unique taste shine through. Whether you're a minimalist, a maximalist or somewhere in between, there's art out there that will make your home feel truly special. So, grab a cup of coffee, browse some art here and let your visual literacy guide you on your artistic journey!
PS. I also recommend a brilliant guide to slow looking from Tate. It really makes you think about taking the time to properly absorb art and learn how to apply those visual literacy skills. Read it here.
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