Art for the Uninitiated

Are you one of those people who say "I don't know much about art but I know what I like" ? Wouldn't you prefer to be able to say "I know what I like and I know why I like it" ? Do you love art but sometimes feel secretly guilty for not 'getting it'? Do you ever stroll through a gallery and feel you should be gaining much more from your experience? Do you end up leaving the gallery more tired and confused than enlightened or inspired? It doesn't have to be like that. In a regular series of online talks I will guide you through some of the fundamental ideas in Art. We will identify the key features of the main styles in art: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, 19th c Realism and Modern Art. We will look at such essential components as technique, colour, space, light and shade, composition. We will examine the main subjects in art : Portrait, landscape, still life, religious, secular and mythological scenes. We will think about the ways paintings tell their stories - through expression or symbolism. You will gain fascinating insights, build up a solid understanding of chronology, increase the powers of your own observation, begin to trust your judgement and be able to express your opinions about art with confidence. Above all - you will have a lot of fun amongst some of the greatest paintings in the world.