Here are three key ways to sharpen your eye and choose art with confidence. We've also included curated book recommendations. Some products are affiliate links.

  • Understand the Basics

    Getting familiar with different styles, periods, and mediums helps you make sense of what you’re looking at. Knowing the difference between something like Renaissance and Abstract art, for example, gives you a clearer idea of what resonates with you and what doesn’t. This knowledge makes it easier to evaluate art beyond surface-level impressions.

  • See More Art

    The more art you expose yourself to, the better you’ll be at recognizing quality and understanding what works. It’s not about seeing a lot of art for the sake of it, but building your eye for composition, color, and technique. Visiting galleries, browsing online, or simply paying attention to art around you sharpens your ability to identify what catches your attention and why.

  • Discover what you like

    Your personal preferences shape your art choices. By reflecting on what you enjoy in other areas of life—your taste in design, fashion, or even music—you’ll find patterns that point to what appeals to you in art. Trusting your instinct helps you select pieces that feel right in your space and complement your overall style.

Essential Reads for Understanding Art

These books are the essentials anyone needs to build a solid understanding. They cover a broad range of topics—from history and famous works to critical analysis and color theory. They offer practical, in-depth instruction to help you grasp key concepts.

  • Great Paintings

    • A visually rich book that highlights iconic artworks throughout history.
    • Breaks down composition, technique, and historical context in an easy-to-follow way.
    • Ideal for those who want a broad, visual introduction to famous works.
    Get This Book 

  • Art Since 1900

    • An in-depth, year-by-year look at modern and contemporary art.
    • Written by leading art historians, with deep dives into movements, artists, and cultural shifts.
    • Best for readers who want a serious, structured guide to 20th and 21st-century art.
    Get This Book 

  • The Story of Art

    • One of the best beginner-friendly introductions to Western art history.
    • Covers major artists, movements, and techniques in a clear, engaging way.
    • Not overly academic—perfect for building a strong foundation in art appreciation.
    Get This Book 

  • Art and Visual Perception

    • Explores how we perceive art, focusing on visual elements like shape, color, and composition.
    • Applies Gestalt principles to understand how we organize and interpret visual information.
    Get This Book 

  • Art Annotated

    • Explains famous artworks in an accessible, engaging way.
    • Helps readers move beyond just looking and start seeing meaning in art.
    • Perfect for beginners who want an easy-to-follow guide to interpretation.
    Get This Book 

  • Interaction of Color

    • A classic book on how colors interact and influence perception.
    • Features hands-on exercises that train your eye to see color differently.
    • Great for artists, designers, and anyone fascinated by color relationships.
    Get This Book 

  • Ways of Seeing

    • Challenges traditional ways of looking at art and explores how images influence perception.
    • Discusses topics like advertising, power, and the role of the viewer.
    • A short but impactful read that will change how you think about visual culture.
    Get This Book 

  • Art History the basics

    • A concise, structured introduction to key concepts in art history.
    • Covers major movements, styles, and artists without being overwhelming.
    • A great companion to The Story of Art for those wanting a shorter, more structured read.
    Get This Book 

  • The Shock of the New

    • Traces the rise of modern art from the late 19th to the 20th century.
    • Connects art movements to historical and social changes.
    • Hughes’ sharp, engaging writing makes complex ideas accessible.
    Get This Book 

  • Art Through the Ages

    • A detailed survey of art's evolution across different cultures and time periods.
    • Recommended for its thorough coverage and insightful analysis, it's a staple in art education.
    Get This Book 

  • How to See 

    • Written by a contemporary artist rather than an art historian.
    • Instead of being a comprehensive guide, it offers insights into individual artists and their work.
    • Personal, opinionated, and engaging—great for those who want an artist’s perspective.
    Get This Book 

  • Seeing Slowly

    • Encourages slowing down and experiencing art without distractions.
    • Focuses on personal connection rather than just historical or technical details.
    • Great for museum-goers who want a deeper, more mindful way of looking at art.
    Get This Book 

  • The Elements of Color

    • Explores the fundamentals of color theory, including harmony and contrast.
    • Provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying color in art.
    Get This Book 

  • Color and Light

    • Focuses on how light affects color in painting, photography, and illustration.
    • Packed with practical examples and techniques from a master artist.
    • A must-read for those interested in realism and lighting in art.
    Get This Book 

  • Enchanted World: Pictures to Grow Up With

    • A nostalgic, beautifully illustrated book exploring the emotional power of images.
    • Shows how art can be about imagination and storytelling, not just history.
    • Great for those who appreciate timeless, whimsical imagery.
    Get This Book 

Our Most Popular Prints

Related Articles

1 4