Visit an art museum online such as the National Gallery of Art. Find a work of art in the collection that appeals to you or that catches your eye.
Read the work of art in much the same way that you read a sentence; that is, "read" the artwork from left to right. Do this slowly and methodically, one part at a time rather than trying to look at the artwork as a whole. Write down exactly what you see. Try to be so specific that someone else could identify the artwork using your description.
Analyze how the parts of the artwork fit together to create a unified image. Ask yourself how elements such as colors, lines, or textures, convey an idea or lead you to see the main idea. Is one color emphasized? Do the lines vary? Is the texture implied?
Look for additional clues within the artwork that will help you interpret what you see. You have already uncovered some clues through the description and analysis. What other clues has the artist left that might suggest what the artwork means? For instance, a portrait of a king might show royal attire and a crown to provide clues about the model's identity.
Judge the success of the piece. Judging is not a simple opinion of like or dislike; rather, judgment determines whether the artwork is successful in its presentation of an idea. Consider how well the artwork achieves what you think is the intent of the piece.