Learning to appreciate art

What is art?
You may ask. Art is all around us, from the coffee mug you use in the morning to the music you hear to the bedsheet you sleep on at night. There is art every where without you realising it. All you have to do is observe your surroundings and realise art is truly part of our lives.

Art gives us a reason to be creative and expressive. It creates a whole gamut of emotions in us. Art indeed makes us more thoughtful and and well-rounded. Imagine a world without art, our society will become robotic and emotionless. Humans will be nothing but robots and computers.

Art is also something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to our senses.

Art is also subjective. Everyone has their own opinion about what art is and to me that is good. Don't you think it makes life more interesting.

Art moves the spirit and the soul

Art is form and content. Form means the elements of art, the principles of design and the actual, physical materials that the artist has used. Content is idea-based and means what the artist meant to portray, what the artist actually did portray and how we react, as individuals, to both the intended and actual messages.

Art conveys history and civilisation. Archeaologist and historians use art to determine the culture, religion and society of a particular era. Art in different eras has distinct style, reflecting the era's culture and way of life.

Buying Art:
For Art Collectors:
1. BUY ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE

2. Buy art that moves you

3. Buy original Paintings from artists. You will never know if the artists become famous one day.

4. Buy what you can afford

5. Do your research, do not be conned into buying art prints that are passed off as originals.

6. Do your research when buying art pieces of famous artists, look out for fakes.

For decorators:
1. BUY ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE

2. Determine the colour scheme of your place
- If you prefer a monochromatic look, go for pieces that contains some of the colours used in your overall decor.
- Do not be afraid to use colours. The right use of colours can actually accentuate your room and brings interest to your place.

3. Determine the size of your place
Buy a piece that does not overwhelm the whole room.

4. Determine the theme of your decor (e.g. Tropical, balinese, oriental, eclectic, contemporary etc)
For example, if your place has a tropical balinese theme, you can choose art pieces that reflect such themes, like asian art, bright floral pieces and even colourful abstracts.

5. Do not be afraid to mix art pieces of different genres in one room. You can mix Chinese paintings with modern abstract paintings.

Finally, i must stress again....BUY WHAT U LOVE!!!