10 things you should know about getting real answers about your art

1. Ask them these 10 questions.
   
   1. What do you think about the art?
   2. What do you like about the art?
   3. What don't you like about it?
   4. How does it make you feel?
   5. What memory or thought do you get when you see it?
   6. What was your first impression ? Make sure to see if you can capture them when they first look at it to see if their face answer matches their response. Some people lie to make you feel good or sound smart.
   7. Should we step back and then get real close to see if we can spot anything outside of the ordinary or to see if there's something we missed
   8. What is the story behind the art?
   9. Do you consider this art? - or - What do you consider art?
   10. What does this art tell you about the artist?
   
   
2. Read their facial and body impressions. Is what they are saying matching their body and face reactions?
   
3. Do they run off giggling? That may be good, or not...
   
4. If someone is whispering into someone else's ear they are not making fun of you, unless they are looking directly at you.
   
5. Ask on Monday about your art, then ask on Thursday at a different time to see if you get the same response.
   
6. If they say, "It's good" that means they don't really like it but don't know how to tell you or they are not in the mood to discuss it so don't take it personally.
   
7. If they say, "Holy damn" or a look of shock and awe overcomes them, that's good.
   
8. If they start saying things like they would do to it, then they wish they had done it and may be a bit jealous.
9. Do they look you in the eye when they are answering or focusing on the art? Sometimes in order to get in touch with the emotion felt by the art they look at the instead of reading your facial expression awaiting for a positive response. Sometimes they'll look you straight in the eyes. Both these responses are good. If their eyes start wandering around, say something to focus their attention back.
10. Do they go back and forth with answers? A lot of people don't have a fancy art background nor do they know the difference between a Rembrandt and a Picasso, or period art. Don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions or to answer a lot of questions regarding your art. By the way, send me some :).