How to Enjoy Art History by the Pool (or From Your Sofa)
Photo by Artem Militonian on Unsplash.
We’re officially in the dog days of summer, which means it’s time to gather up your puddle of a brain and start priming it for the coming fall. And what better way to do that then with a little bit of art history? Nothing too strenuous – you still have the rest of August to enjoy, after all – but just enough to start thinking deeply again about the fascinating and aesthetically rich objects that comprise our shared material culture. So here are some great ways to integrate art history into the rest of your summer relaxation.
1. Read a book.
There’s been more ink spilled about fine art than could fill the swimming pool you’re lounging next to, so here are a few choice books to read: Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo DaVinci, John Berger’s Ways of Seeing, Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World, Zadie Smith’s On Beauty.
2. Watch a movie.
There are some pretty wonderful movies about art, a few enjoyable self-serious clunkers, and fun art heists that will utterly appall your inner gallery guard. Peruse this list and you can decide which are which: The Girl with the Pearl Earring (2003), Midnight in Paris (2011), The Thomas Crown Affair(1999), Frida (2002), Factory Girl (2006).
3. Listen to a podcast.
It’s like a documentary for your ears! You wouldn’t think that a podcast about something as visual as art history would work, but it turns out that all you need is a good storyteller to take you by the hand into art and the creative process. Some of our favorites include: ArtCurious, Accession, Art History for All, The Memory Palace, The Great Women Artists Podcast, and, of course, my own The Lonely Palette.
4. Go to a museum
Museums don’t take summers off! In fact, that’s when they get the most foot traffic, and most likely mount their most blockbuster exhibitions. But avoid those overpacked galleries and seek out smaller, quieter exhibitions. Find an empty room, in the cool air conditioning, and spend some quality time with only five paintings. Set a timer and sit in front of one for ten minutes. You’ll see things you never realized were there, and it will feel like the entire gallery was built just for you and this painting.
5. Colour!
This one might seem a little juvenile, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Adult coloring books of great masterpieces, or a hugely enjoyable Paint by Sticker book, not only gives you a fun, relaxing activity by the lake or in the backseat of a car, but it also, like the timer above, invites you to spend deep, meaningful time with a famous work of art. You never realized how many colors were in “Starry Night” until you had to peel off endless teeny stickers of brushstrokes. And when you see it in person, it will be like visiting an old friend.