“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, or so it’s said, but what is it that makes an image or a piece of art beautiful? Is beauty simply in the eye of the individual, or does there exist some set of objective criteria that can be used to judge whether something is aesthetically pleasing? These Aesthetic quotes may give you some idea of what people think makes something beautiful. But here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
1: Good Art is Defined by its Effect
A work of art can be described as having aesthetic value, or being an aesthetically pleasing object, but that’s too vague for a concrete analysis. What you need to determine is what it is about the image that makes it pleasing. Generally speaking, beauty is not just defined by how well the image appeals, but how it affects emotionally. Aesthetic value isn’t merely in the eye of the beholder, because art can’t be identified by merely observing someone’s response; rather, aesthetic value is in how well your emotions are moved. The definition of beauty then becomes “how much impact an image has on someone’s emotions.”
2: What Makes Art Beautiful is Subjective
The subjectivity of beauty doesn’t mean it’s arbitrary. While what you find beautiful may be different from someone else, that difference in imagination isn’t just random. The same images that elicit a positive feeling within you will create the same or similar feelings in others. For example, most people agree a landscape painting with a blue sky, green grass, and white clouds is beautiful. One person may think the picture is beautiful because of what it reminds him of – his grandma’s farm. Another person could find its serenity soothing. The combinations are endless, but generally, there’s some commonality between the images people find beautiful. Understanding how people interpret beauty is an important aspect of analyzing art.
3: Observe the Details of Your Subject
When you want to understand what makes a piece of art beautiful, there are certain aspects you should take note of. First, look at its composition. How does your eye move around across the image? Is there anything that stands out? Are there any areas your eyes naturally avoid, or want to return again and again? Second, determine the color scheme. Is it too bland to be beautiful? Does it have a unique color scheme that stands out from others? Thirdly, consider texture. How does the overall image make you feel as opposed to singular elements? How does the artful combination of different materials affect the image as a whole?
When you begin to analyze a single piece you find impactful, it’s easier to understand what makes a piece of art beautiful. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of beauty and art, try going beyond these. One good way to do so is by recognizing beauty everywhere. By having an appreciation for aesthetics, you can see your surroundings in a different way.
