Teaching-art and Learning Art

Teaching-art Starts with Looking at Art

Art often starts at school learning art-history as I did, and the passion grows. Practising art requires not only some art competency but also an understanding of styles and techniques from other artists. Many great masters also had apprentices and students and teaching-art was part of their own creative process

Life can be a drudge. But two things can lift us up out of the moundane and onto a higher plane of existance: good art, and good music. And the two together? Well...

Yet even art has too often been commercialised and dragged down to our ordinary scrabbling for existance. So, sometimes it is worth making that little bit of effort to take some time out, just for ourselves, to appreciate something truly beautiful.

And where better than a fine Art Gallery?

The article below considers the great art galleries of the world and will be of interest to all readers of that appreciate finding that balance in life, whether at home, on their travels or vacation. Or maybe even just taking a lunchtime break from work or business, to remind oneself what life is all about.

Famous Art Galleries

In any city in the world that you choose to visit, you will be sure to find at least one art gallery. However, some of them are so well-known, that people will literally travel the world to find them. These most famous galleries house the great masterpieces of the world.

The Louvre in Paris, France is probably the most famous art gallery in the world. While it can also be considered a museum the art housed in the Louvre is truly stunning. The most famous piece of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa, by Da Vinci. This painting has been stolen and recovered, and is now kept under high security. The Louvre also houses many other famous paintings by Da Vinci and hundreds of other famous artists.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, is another home to incredible works of art. For Americans, it's a great place to see works by famous fellow countrymen, but there are also important works from all over the globe. Some of these are paintings and sculptures by Botticelli, Raphael, and El Greco.

The National Gallery in London England is another amazing art gallery. It houses some of the most fantastic examples of European art, including paintings by Raphael, Manet, Da Vinci, Renoir, and Monet. The sheer number of paintings makes this gallery a must see for any art aficionado. Several of the most notable paintings here are (1) Sunflowers, by Vincent van Gogh, (2) The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo Da Vinci, and (3) Venus and Mars, by Sandro Botticelli.

(Note for those teaching-art and all art lovers and tourists that The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, I have seen so many disappointed poeple turn up and be turned away)

Not all galleries across the world are homes to the old masters. Many of them offer representations from the twentieth century. Among the most famous contemporary art galleries and museums is the George Pompidou Center in Paris. The architecture is unique as well, since the piping and ducts are on the outside, rather than being hidden behind walls.

Contemporary art galleries and museums typically feature not only paintings, drawings, and prints, but exhibits of furniture, sound, light, and even music. Visiting these galleries can be a fascinating visit through the past few decades and shows how much style and taste has changed.

Most of the major European cities are home to at least a national and a contemporary gallery. Usually there are also private galleries. Any time you visit a major metropolitan area, be sure to include the galleries in your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to learn about a country and its cultures. History and its changes are reflected in the art on display.

For those that want to possess these works of art, the only place to visit is the private galleries. The exhibits in national galleries are not for sale. While private galleries offer some good works of art, they do not house the greats such as the Renoirs or Van Gogh's. Another option is to visit auction houses such as Christie's that often hold art auctions. These auctions feature some stunning pieces that you can bid on and possibly acquire if the pockets are deep.

Art as an expression of our culture, thought process and creativity has no parallel. Viewing these masterpieces in an art gallery transposes the viewer into the mind and time of the creator who has shaped our culture.

Clair Jons is the owner and operator of FE Art, a fantastic resource for information about Art, For more articles on Art why not visit: http://www.feart.com/articles

This site is all about learning about and teaching-art and if you have an article on any aspect of teaching-art or an art gallery then email me with the article and link details. If you are teaching-art then please submit helpful advice

Daniel Paulo I aim to make beautiful images of the human form that have an inevitability about it, as though they have always existed. Though I do not regard myself as a religious artist madonnas, saints and angels predominate. Recent work will tour many Cathedrals through 2006-8.