Fine art can be found and appreciated on a daily basis if you look for it. Many people get so caught up in life’s daily grind and rituals that they fail to see the beauty of things that are set out right under their noses. Taking a little time to relax and appreciate the fine art that surrounds you will not only make your life happier but much more stress free.

What is Fine Art?

Fine art is described as visual art that has been created for aesthetic purposes, relating to emotion and sensation. It is valued for its beauty and expressiveness and not on any intellectual or even monetary basis. Therefore fine art can be found in the form of a sculpture, painting, drawing, in graphics and even in an architectural form.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to appreciating fine artwork. Any thing can be seen as fine art by the right individual. A child’s first undecipherable drawing will be perceived as a piece of fine art by its parents. An intricately detailed tattoo of a hula dancer, on the arm of an overweight biker, can be seen as fine art to his peers. Anything still in existence done by Michelangelo is considered fine art by most of the world. There is no cut and dry answer to the question of what fine art is.

How do you Recognize Fine Art?

When fine art is viewed, it instills a powerful feeling within the human spirit. It can bring a smile to your face, a feeling of joy to your heart or a tear to your eye. Fine artwork has a way of drawing you into itself where you become enthralled and engrossed with it. You may not be able to tear yourself away from the object very easily and when you finally do, will remember, and think about it often, and for a long time afterwards.

Beauty is not a defining characteristic of fine art. A monstrous depiction of a beheading can instill feelings of contempt and disgust but still be considered a piece of fine art. Whenever you see a piece of fine art, you will be able to recognize it by the strong emotions you exhibit upon encountering it.

Where Can I View Fine Art?

There are many books and magazines specifically dedicated to portraying their idea of fine artwork for the public to see. The public library has many of these publications on hand for the enjoyment of all. Department stores and poster shops carry many reproductions of paintings and sculptures that can be purchased or just looked at by many. Art Galleries, museums and especially art museums are the best places to go to see examples of what the majority of people consider fine art to be, firsthand.

Not long ago, I visited an art museum that was showing some of the fine artwork of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and the School of Paris. When I entered the room and stood amongst the paintings, I was drawn to one in particular. It wasn’t a famous painting. I had never seen it before. The style of the painting was fairly simple but from the brush strokes alone I knew it had to be a piece by Vincent Van Gogh.

Vincent Van Gogh happens to be one of my favorite painters, but I had, up until then, only seen reproductions of his work. As I approached the painting, I could literally feel goose bumps forming on my skin. I stood for a long while, with my mouth agape, in awe of this master’s work. I have to admit I enjoyed most of the artwork that I saw that day but thinking back, this one piece is what held my attention the longest and I will never forget the feelings I got while I stood there admiring it.

How to Appreciate Fine Art at a Museum

Just as there is no absolute way of defining what fine art is, there is no right or wrong way of appreciating fine art. If you are planning to attend an art museum, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Make sure that you have eaten a light meal beforehand, and don’t carry anything heavy, like a purse, handbag or tote that may become uncomfortable later on.

Plan your day with extra time built into it, in case you become overwhelmed and want to spend more time than originally anticipated. When approaching a piece of art, stand back a few feet so you are able to take the whole thing in at once. Study the design, brush strokes or texture of the piece. Try to imagine what the artist is trying to tell you with his art. Think about how the piece is making you feel.

How to Appreciate Fine Art Anywhere

The best way to appreciate fine art on a daily basis is simply to look for it. When you spot something that draws your attention stop for a moment and drink it in. Think about the hard work and time that the artist or architect put into creating the piece. Enjoy all there is to look at and you will feel your tension slipping gradually away, if only for a minute or two.

Make finding and appreciating whatever you consider to be fine art, a lifelong hobby. Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the beauty that makes up our lives. "Stop and smell the roses" is not only a tired cliche, but a prescription for a stress-free lifestyle. Stop and appreciate the fine art, works just as well.

Helping Children Appreciate Fine Art

While it is a good idea to bring children along to an art museum, only bring them if they are old enough to have a decent attention span. Younger children might also enjoy a trip to the museum as long as it is a quick one. Never force a child to appreciate a piece of artwork. When they are ready, they will feel it. Forcing them will only have the reverse reaction to what your intentions actually are.

Children generally see things differently than adults do. Don’t be surprised if they find more beauty in the design of the water fountain than they do in the actual masterpieces of artwork. The important thing to remember is that the trip should be fun. When it starts not being fun, it is time to go back home.

Children have a keen knack for seeing beauty where adults think there is none. Pay attention to what your children are pointing out to you on your morning walk to school together. Show them the unusual lines of an old building or church. Ask them to try to reproduce a painting or drawing they have recently seen. Instilling a love of fine art in a child will give them a better sense of the world around them.