Art is a broad spectrum of human actions including creative imagination to communicate technical competence, beauty, emotion, or mental insight. Art forms include painting, sculpture, printmaking, and literature. The word “art” is derived from the Greek word “arte”, which means “work of art”. There are various definitions and classifications of art. They can be described as visual artifacts with specific purposes or meanings, aesthetic experiences, cognitive processes, human responses to art, and unique contributions made by artists.
A definition of art can be seen as a personal experience. The object of aesthetic interest in any art work may be described as an idea, a person, an idea expressed on the art work, or even physical objects. On a broader level, the definition of art can also be seen as the definition of beauty.
There are three basic classes of art: contemporary fine art, impressionism, and abstract art. Each of these has definite characteristics that identify them from other works of similar form and content. Contemporary fine art consists of paintings, sculptures, and photographic images. Impressionism describes a style of painting characterized by smooth surfaces and vibrant colours. Abstract art is any work of art that does not have a clear theme or subject, which some critics see as a challenge to the viewer.
A more exact definition of art can be found in the Wikipedia definition. According to this source, the definition of art is “the process by which artists use the available materials to create art that the public can appreciate.” It goes on to say that aesthetics is the study of how art affects us, rather than the interpretation of the art. In addition to aesthetics, other fields of study include literature, music, dance, film, and architecture. The definition of artwork then becomes the expression of the artist’s aesthetics and the medium used to make it.
Another important factor to consider when comparing art appreciation – whether it be online or in person – is context. Art appreciation – online or in person – should be approached from a number of different perspectives, including the artist’s, the audience’s, and the cultural norms of the time. Contextual art is more subjective than objective, but it can be helpful in determining the level of acceptance of an artwork online or in person. In comparing art online, it is important to remember that while viewers may react to a painting with the same degree of enthusiasm as they would if they were in person, there are also many potential distractions. For example, a painting that may seem poignant at first, while sitting in an art gallery, may become lost in the noise of other exhibits as people browsing the gallery come and go. Likewise, while sitting quietly in an art room, a painting may be lost in the chaos of people’s cell phones and other mobile devices.
One way to find art appreciation is to connect with others who are interested in the same art. In person, attending art galleries or exhibits is an excellent way to gain insight into what art is about and the lives of others who appreciate it. Online forums and blogs can be another way to gain insight into art appreciation and the different styles and genres of art that interest you. This is particularly true for abstract art, which many people are unaware of and may not have easy access to in their area. With the world of the Internet, art galleries and online forums are a place to get answers, learn about art and meet others who share your passion for art.