Learn to identify the colors. Southwestern art often uses earthy or autumnal colors. The artist frequently uses the colors found in the surroundings of the Southwest -- brownish reds, rose-pedal pinks, turquoise, oranges, deep greens and earthy browns.
Look at the patterns evident in the piece. Much of the artwork has patterns and shapes resembling Native American tapestries. Search the piece for interconnected triangles, alternating diamonds and circular spirals.
Classify the subject matter. Southwestern art often depicts landscapes of the desert, colored sunsets or Indian life. Many artists paint realistic portrayals of Native American life; the subjects are often seen hunting and gathering, sewing clothes or nursing children. In addition, many southwestern artworks portray the desert, sunsets or sunrises, cacti and animal skulls.
Look for Native American symbols or beliefs in the artwork. Many Southwestern artists paint the various symbols and glyphs used by the indigenous tribes of the southwest. Look for paintings of totem poles, animals or spirits that resemble hieroglyphs.
Investigate the type of medium used. Oil paintings, pottery and tapestry are all common mediums used in Southwestern art. The use of traditional techniques and the subtle interplays of sharply rendered lines and flat patches of color can easily identify southwestern artwork. In addition, the artists tend to follow a realistic style of painting as opposed to something more abstract.
Look for evidence of different tribes. Although it is easy to define Southwestern art as a whole, further inspection reveals subtle nuances and artistic patterns that connect different styles of art to different Indian tribes. To understand southwestern art on a deeper level, you should become familiar with the artwork of the indigenous tribes of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.