Art Appreciation, Simplified! Nuance, Novelty and Narrative

Art has always been a profoundly personal experience. Yet, navigating the art world can sometimes feel like trying to decode an enemy cypher. Critics and galleries often use terms that sound like they belong in a philosophical debate rather than a conversation about a painting.

But what if we could simplify the process of appreciating art?

Enter the Three N's: Nuance, Novelty, and Narrative.  Applying my simple scoring system to these three concepts can help you engage with art in a way that’s both accessible and meaningful—whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey.

Novelty: The Spark of Originality

Let’s start with the first N—Novelty. This is all about originality. How fresh is the work? How much does it stand out from the crowd?  Even the greats started by mimicking others, but eventually found their voice and created something new. That’s the journey of most artists.

As the great American photographer Irving Penn once noted, “Sensitive people faced with a portrait put on a face they think is the one they’d like to show the world; but what lies behind the façade is usually rare and more wonderful than the subject knows or dares to believe.” (1974)

A piece with high novelty grabs your attention and holds it. It’s the kind of artwork that you notice every time you walk past it, rather than letting it fade into the background like yesterday’s wallpaper. Think about Yayoi Kusama, the avant-garde artist whose signature polka dots and immersive installations have made her work instantly recognisable. Kusama's originality lies not only in her visual style but in the way she transforms spaces into otherworldly experiences. Her art isn't just something you observe; it's something you step into, becoming part of the narrative. This kind of novelty doesn’t just catch your eye—it demands your participation.

This originality also gives an artist’s work a fighting chance to increase in value, both emotionally and financially. However, novelty alone isn't everything. A piece of art can be highly original but still lack the depth needed to make it truly resonant.

Nuance: The Craft Behind the Creation

The second N is Nuance—the craftsmanship, the skill, the devil in the details. Nuance is what separates a good piece of art from one that leaves you staring in awe. It’s the subtle touch, the textures, the layers that reveal themselves the longer you look.

A piece might not require months of painstaking labour to complete, but if it reflects years of practice, experimentation, and mastery of technique, it still deserves a high score on nuance.

Think of Piet Mondrian. At first glance, his geometric shapes and primary colours might seem incredibly simple, but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Mondrian’s journey towards abstraction was influenced by contemporary scientific and philosophical ideas, making his work far more nuanced than it initially appears. And nuance doesn’t just mean technical difficulty—it’s about the years of practice, experimentation, and mastery that go into creating something exceptional.

Whether through the use of light and shadow, the arrangement of objects, or the positioning of the subject within the frame, artists guide the viewer’s eye and convey meaning.

Narrative: The Story Art Tells

Finally, we have Narrative—arguably the most important of the Three N's. A strong narrative adds layers of meaning to a piece, allowing it to resonate on a deeper level. Whether the narrative is a clear, literal story like The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David, or symbolic like Salvador Dali’s Surrealism, what matters is the artwork’s ability to communicate something meaningful.

Take Guernica by Pablo Picasso. When the Basque town of Guernica was bombed during the Spanish Civil War, Picasso didn’t reach for the usual bright colours and playful forms. Instead, he created a sprawling, chaotic mural that practically screams at you from the canvas. You don’t just look at Guernica—you feel it. It’s like Picasso reached out, grabbed you by the shoulders, and said, "Look at this. This is war. This is suffering."

Now, narrative doesn’t always have to be this intense to be effective. Sometimes, the simplest stories are the ones that stick with you. But the point is that art is at its most powerful narratively when it connects on an emotional level.

‘Scoring’ The Three N's To Choose Art In Your Home

The framework of Nuance, Novelty, and Narrative can serve as a guide to curate art for your home.  Whenever you see a piece of art, give it a personal, subjective score from 1-10 on its expression of Novelty, Nuance, and Narrative.

Personally, I can love a piece of art that I give a 5 on Novelty, a 5 on Nuance, and a 10 on Narrative.  I don’t think every piece of art has to kill it in every category, but I do believe Narrative is the most important, so I could never personally own anything below an 8…).

An idea might be that you only buy art that you give a combined score of 20 or above, but you may choose to change that number.

In Summary…

Art is one of the few purchases that can last a lifetime and even beyond, becoming part of your legacy.  I hope the simple steps below help you to find the art you’ll love forever:

1. Novelty - Look for that spark of originality

Seek out pieces that stand apart from the crowd. Novelty is key to finding art that keeps you engaged over time.

2. Nuance - Examine the Craftsmanship

Don’t just look at the big picture—dive into the details. The nuances in texture, colour, and technique can reveal the depth of the artist’s skill.

3. Narrative - Follow the Story

Art with a strong narrative can connect with you on a deeper level. Whether it’s a literal or symbolic story, make sure the artwork speaks to you.

4. Score them! – Give each of the N’s a 1-10 score

Use your scores to curate a collection that not only beautifies your space but also reflects your personal journey and values.

Have a great weekend,

Richard
Founder

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