Appreciating Things

As part of my quest to grow closer to God, I want to have a more full appreciation for things that he has created. So far, this includes, art, poetry, music, nature, and somehow, God himself.

Art

Other people are standing in front of paintings for five or ten minutes at a stretch, just loooooooking. What are they spending so much time looking at? You really can’t imagine what it is you’re supposed to be doing with your eyes: Blinking? Looking at all four of the corners? Should you hold your thumb up to it? Should you tell yourself a little story about the picture, or pretend you’re a character in it? Count the toes on the people in it to see if the artist messed up? Do I put my hands in my pockets or behind my back while I’m looking? What are the rules? Just what is it that you could be doing if you want to extend this art experience and get more out of a painting that you already like?

http://www.scriptoriumdaily.com/2007/07/16/how-to-look-at-art/