A few days ago, we created a post on our sister site (Prints on Wood) about how to read and analyzing a painting. Today, we'll be taking a look at something similar - and that's art interpretation. Art interpretation, in our opinion, is just describing how you would describe the piece to someone who has never seen it before. It is known as trying to find the meaning behind a work of art. Think back to your high school English class. Was there a time when you had to take a story, a poem, or a picture to try to analyze it? We bet there was. Now, try to remember the different ways you approached it. To see an example of how we're going to read this piece, keep reading. "The Gift" by Laurie McClave First, read our tips on how to read and analyze a painting here. All done? Great. Now, take a look at the art piece above. By analyzing the character and surrounding colors, you can clue in on what the painting is about. From our point of view, we see a girl - and she's reaching. Reaching for what? Hope? Dreams? The stars? Or is she literally just reaching for something? By examining the details around her, we can safely say that she is standing in the dirt. But why is she barefooted? Is she on a deserted island? What is her story? By studying the clues and looking at the big picture, we're able to interpret this in any way we'd like. Remember, there is usually no correct answer (unless specified by the artist). Art interpretation is simply stating what you see, how you see it, and why you see it that way. Some pieces of art have more than one interpretation - and that's okay! To some people, a piece of art may look like one thing, but to someone else it may have a completely different meaning. It all depends on how you choose to interpret it. Take a look at this painting below. What's happening here? "Pierced Heart" by Jenny Bird Think you got it? Challenge yourself by looking through our fine art gallery and coming up with your own interpretations of these pieces. Who knows? You may even find one you like to take home !