Watch How to Look at a Painting

How to Look at a Painting is a TVNZ show from 2011 that is both informative and entertaining. It is hosted by Justin Paton, a well-known art critic and curator who takes viewers on a journey through various art galleries, museums and exhibitions. The show is designed to help people develop a better understanding and appreciation of paintings, regardless of their experience or knowledge of art. Each episode focuses on a particular painting or collection of paintings, and Paton provides insights into their historical and cultural significance, as well as their visual and emotional impact.

Paton's approach is refreshingly down to earth, and he explains his ideas in accessible, practical language, without resorting to art jargon or technical terms that might deter some viewers. He is clearly passionate about art and delights in sharing his love of painting with others.

One of the key strengths of the show is that it is not simply a one-way conversation. Paton encourages viewers to participate in the analysis and interpretation of paintings, drawing on their own experiences and perspectives. He invites viewers to look closely at particular details or elements of the painting and to consider how they contribute to the overall composition.

For example, in one episode Paton focuses on a painting by the 19th-century French artist Paul Cézanne. He points out the way that Cézanne uses colour and brushwork to create a sense of depth and form, drawing attention to the way that the paint is applied and layered on the canvas. He also discusses the way that Cézanne's approach to painting influenced later artists, including the Cubists and the Fauves.

Throughout the series, Paton also explores broader themes and issues related to painting, such as the role of the artist in society, the relationship between painting and politics, and the way that artists use their work to communicate ideas and emotions. He draws on examples from a range of different periods and styles, from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works of art.

Despite its focus on paintings, the show is not afraid to tackle serious and controversial topics. One episode, for instance, looks at the way that some artists have used their work as a form of political protest, including Picasso's Guernica, a powerful condemnation of the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.

Overall, How to Look at a Painting is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in art, whether they are complete newcomers or experienced aficionados. It is engaging, informative and thought-provoking, and offers a fresh perspective on some of the most famous paintings in the world.