Writing about art history is going to require knowledge of a good deal of specialized jargon.
Parser's suggestions #2 and #3 may not apply as much when writing about this particular subject, as many of the names for the various techniques and terminology in art are loan words from other languages, particularly Italian and French.
You could start by focusing on
vocabulary, making sure you know all the words for materials and techniques. It also encompasses architecture, so there will be a good deal of architectural vocabulary to familiarize yourself with as well.
The other aspect of art history involves the history - make sure you're familiar with all your basic art p
eriods, styles, and movements.
Having sat through numerous art history classes as a student, it's mostly remembering names (of artists, styles, movements, and techniques) and dates.