Many of us want to become more cultured but we are clueless how to start. How about with art? After taking a handful of art history classes and reading "Art for Dummies," we've realized that, though we are far from being experts, we have enough know how to help you get your critique on without, what do they call that thing again? Oh right, a doctorate.

Immerse yourself: In order to start gaining your "eye" for art, you have to completely saturate yourself with it. Diving in can be intimidating. There are countless genres and eras. Choose one you like and start examining a dozen prints or so each day. Hit up an art museum whenever you can. Many offer a free day of the week so you don't have to pay a dime to soak it in. The more you see, the more saturated you will become.

I don't like you: Once you begin to really examine the pictures in detail, you will be surprised how quickly you will be able to pick out works from artists' you really like and ones that you don't. That's the beauty of it. You don't have to like everything. Certain pieces speak to certain people.

1,000 words: Unless you live under a rock, you've heard the phrase, "A picture is worth 1,000 words." When you are ready to decipher those words there are a few things to look for in any painting.

• Size Matters: If you are looking online, you may be surprised to discover that that little Monet actually takes up an entire wall at the Marmottan-Monet Museum in Paris. Keep proportion in mind.
• The Message: Every artist has a method to their madness. Do you think that the artist has gotten their point across? Do you agree with it? Some pieces speak differently to one person than another and ultimately, the way you interpret it is up to you.
• What's your name?: If the painting has a title, does it help you understand the artist's message? Would you have thought about it differently had it been named something else?
• The subject at hand: What are you looking at here? What words can describe it – captivating, controversial, or bizarre? Can you interpret the symbolism of the subject matter into the artist's message?
• You've got me feelin' emotions: What does the work provoke in you? Does the feeling it rouses in you fit well with the subject or the mood of the painting?

The "eye": Now that you can really figure out what a painting means to you, what it meant to the artist, and all of the in between, you can really cultivate your "eye" and begin to appreciate the art by checking out the artist's actual skills.

• Composition people!: Where is the subject matter positioned? Does it give your eye peace and make a continual flow or does one item dominate? What draws you into it? Does it have originality or does it look like it was half assed or copied?
• Skillz: Does it look like the artist is seasoned or a newbie? What is the level of detail and thought behind the work itself? If the artist is a newbie, is there potential?
• Channeling the Medium: What did they use to shape the piece? Was it Crayola crayons or oil paints? Has the artist used the medium in a creative way?
• Color Coded: How was the color used? Is it true to life or was it used to evoke emotion? Are they warm or cool? Do they work well with the subject matter? Are there shadows or reflections?
• Texture: Though texture is tough to see online, if you are in an art museum, definitely try to check it out. Why did the artist choose this texture and does it fit in with the subject and composition?

Saturation starting... wait for it... wait for it... now!