Stare at Art to Help Descriptive Writing

Recently, when I was in NYC, I went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because I didn't have enough time to examine each exhibit, I bought the guide book. Inside the book is many of the artifacts, painting, and art from the museum that I can study at length and at my leisure.



Staring or studying art is a smart practice for writers. 



Why?



It can really enhance our description.



How?

Take this Lannuier card table from the year 1817.  

Study the table - notice the texture. Does it feel smooth under your hand? Hard? Run your mind's hand over the intricate detail of the angel, the legs, the ornamentation. What color would you say it is? 

How do you think it smells? Like furniture polish? Like wood? Like old wood? 

Does that table conjure up any memories? Did your grandparents own one? What would you place on the table? Would you crochet a doily for the top? Would flowers go well on top? What about another ornament? 

What character would own that table? What would that character say if you left a glass of water on it without a coaster? 

Write down your thoughts, feelings and insights about the object.

By taking time out of your day to study objects, to use your imagination, and to write it down, your creativity and ability to describe will increase. 



Do this everyday and see what happens.