ELI5: How Do You Know What a Painting Means?

You know what a painting means by looking at the clues the artist left behind and noticing how the picture makes you feel.

Just like figuring out how your friend is feeling without them saying a word, understanding a painting is like being a visual detective in everyday life.

Here are three simple ways to solve the mystery of a painting:

• Look for familiar clues: Think about everyday road signs or emojis. A picture of a heart means love, and a smiley face means happiness. In a painting, look at the objects. A dark stormy cloud might mean trouble, while a bright sun means joy. If you see a dog waiting by a door, the painting might be about missing someone.
• Notice the colors and lines: Imagine someone giving you a birthday card drawn with bright, warm colors like yellow and orange—it feels energetic and happy. But if someone gives you a drawing made only of cold, messy black scribbles, it might feel angry or sad. Artists use colors and shapes just like we use tones of voice. Soft, smooth lines are like a gentle whisper, while sharp, jagged lines are like a loud shout.
• Trust your own feelings: When you hear your favorite song, it might make you want to dance, but it might make someone else feel relaxed. Paintings work the exact same way. The meaning of a painting is not a test with only one right answer; it is a mixture of what the artist made and what your own heart thinks about it.