Understanding Abstract Art

Understanding any art form of expression must first start with the observer opening themselves up.Coming to art with a closed mind leaves you with a limited sense of perception. As for abstract art sometimes we try to look to deeply into what the artist was trying to express.Unless the artist themselves makes a statement about the work of art we must approach it for what it says to us.
Art is made up of lines, shapes, forms, and color arranged in a composition within limited space. When we look at a painting how does it touch our emotions. Do we sense tension,anger,peace,balance, or even love. The art is only a portal to draw the observer in. Look at the colors and how are they applied. We may see reds and black plotted on the canvas in a harsh jagged manner.This may bring about feelings of rage, anger, or violence. A painting with smooth flowing lines of blue may make us feel tranquil and at peace. Colors have been shown to evoke emotions and feelings but this may be centered on the individual and his past experiences.Life is a continual learning process.
As we mature and learn about the world around us we are are in a constant state of evolution. Thus when we observe an abstract painting ten years prior to the present we may have concluded a completely different interpretation as we do in the present. Even a painting by a realist may be seen differently from one to another. Art can be appreciated at different levels. It may be judged on execution, style, expression, and communication to name a few. For most of us it is the expressiveness and what it communicates to us. Few of us are art critics or teachers. So when you look at an abstract do not be to critical.Accept it for what it says to you and how you feel.No artist paints to be liked and understood by everyone. We can though, appreciate an abstract painting for the mere fact than the artist showed us a part of himself, his emotions and feelings in an every changing world.