What does art develop?

I want to develop an appreciation for Art ?

• I am a 27 yr old Male and I like abstraction very much. I am into Literature for example, and I look at Chess and Football from a philosophical angle. Now, I want to build an interest in Art but I do not know where and how to start. Can you tell me of some Free resources/ebooks/websites on the internet which will make Art more interesting and understandable for me. Going to museums is not an option because there aren't any museums where I live + I'd like to develop a basic understanding before I take that next step. I cannot give you more data because I simply do not have an idea what you will want to know or even what I myself want. All I know is that my understanding of Art is Zero, but once someone explains what he sees to me - I am awed by the brilliance of the work.

• Answer:

  Simon Schama's Power of Art series is the best art videos I've yet discovered, they're professionally acted and quite rewarding.