1) Start with Oxford Art Online to get basic information and main ideas, including:
- definitions of words you're not familiar with
- background and overview of your topic
- artist biographies
* Because Oxford Art Online's provides just basic information, while it's a good place to start, it is not considered a research source.
2) Use periodical databases, such as Art & Architecture Source and Proquest, to dig deeper
- Start with a simple search: just a couple words related to your topic. Put the word AND between each new idea. For example:
If you are researching satire in Banksy's art, the two most important words are satire and Banksy.
This is what you'd type in a database search box:
satire AND Banksy
- Limit your search results to sources required for your assignment (e.g., journal articles, magazine articles)
- Need help? Ask a librarian!
COMMON PROBLEMS
- Unknown artist? Research the work's other characteristics, like style, historical period, and materials used
- Nothing on your work of art? Look for articles about the artist, period, style, materials, etc.