Looking at art involves asking questions and trusting your instincts. Some people feel uncomfortable evaluating art, like somehow, they aren’t qualified. It’s especially true with abstract paintings: they say I don’t get it or what is it? I would like to demystify this so you will trust your own thoughts and opinion and how it makes you feel. Your opinion is just as valuable as the director of an art museum.
So, give it a try with the questions below and the two paintings I have provided. Ask yourself some questions as you study these paintings. The best part is there are no right or wrong answers.

Describe it.
What words would you use to describe this painting? What other words might we use?
How would you describe the lines in this picture? The shapes? The colors?
How would you describe this painting to a person who could not see it?

Relate it.
What does this painting remind you of?
What interests you most about this work of art?
What do these two paintings have in common?

Analyze it.
Which objects seem closer to you? Further away?
What can you tell me about the colors in this painting?
What do you think is the most important part of this picture?

Interpret it.
What sounds would this painting make (if it could)?
What do you think this painting is about? How did you come up with that idea?
Pretend you are inside this painting. What does it feel like?

Evaluate it.
What do you think is good about this painting? What is not so good?
Why do you think other people should see this work of art?
What do you think is worth remembering about this painting?

The above paintings are by Helen Frankenthaler and Jackson Pollack