How to improve your observation skills

Try to describe the small, background details as well as the subject of the piece. For example, if it is a portrait, try to recall what the person is wearing, the room they are in, and any other objects around them. If the piece is a large landscape, you should try to remember where geographical features are. Are there trees in the picture? If so, which side of the painting were they on? Are they above or below something else?