Difficulty analyzing art

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Does anyone else find it hard to interpret a piece of art, such as a painting? I took an art history class last year, and it seemed like I had trouble seeing past the superficial. Same story more recently when we had to interpret these Norman Rockwell paintings. Everyone else seemed to be able to read the artist's intent, and to see significant features in the works that I just missed. I can tell the teacher what I see, but not much more than that. I can't seem to discern the mood, or what the figures are thinking. Maybe it's part of the "social blindness" I've heard about.

When I hear someone analyzing art, someone who seems to have this ability, some of what I hear I could take or leave, but some of it really does seem pretty astute. And so I'm left wondering, are these art critics just pretentious bullshitters, or is there really such a thing as an ability to deeply read the meaning of a piece of art?

(and yes I'm aware there is a more appropriate forum for this question, but it's deserted)

I dont have patience for reading or trying to understand poetry.. but im okay to write it

I try not to 'read' too much into art. I get more revved up about the colors and textures. I am more of a fan of old art, sculpture especially. I can stare forever at a peice of art and be transported through time.

I used to create quite a bit of art when I was younger...not so much now. I always thought it was rather interesting to hear other's impression. They were usually quite wrong.

I interpret all art this way: "What a piece of crap!"

I find this method really quick and efficient.

All of that being said, I can't interpret art, I can sometimes show a poetic streak at times, but I can't read poetry.

The people are hard to figure out. In one of the Rockwell illustrations I mentioned, I found that I had completely missed the point of what was going on in the picture socially.

As for abstracts, I don't think there's very much there to interpret anyway... a Jackson Pollock for example, just a bunch of randomness. And if anyone reads any deeper meaning into it than that, that's when I know they're full of it.

I always find it fascinating to read about Mona Lisa's smile- how do those people get all that info from a face of a woman with a subtle grin? LOL

Yes, I have some problems with analyzing art, especially modern art; also jazz are strange disharmonic and disturbing sounds for me. But many people says the same and they are not aspies...

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Castaway on Earth.
Excuse my English, please. My real name is H*Y*M*A*N K*A*P*L*A*N

I am an artist, I belong to an association of artist and together we have a gallery/studio where we show our work. I get the chance to listen to many people analyze my and other's work...it's silly. I specialize in motorsports work (not very deep stuff) it is great to hear folks ponder some of this.
As far as Rockwell goes, he was very talented, but it is what it is. A kid getting a shot in the butt at an oldey-time doctor's office is just that. Nice (slightly boring) Americana.