Expressing Impressions with "Parece que"
When you look at a piece of art, you might want to share your impressions. In Portuguese, the verb parecer (to seem / to look like) is the perfect tool for this.
When you say parece que (it seems that), you are stating an observation that you believe to be true or likely. Because you are treating it as a reality, the following verb stays in the indicative mood (the normal present tense).
Doubts and Denials with "Não parece que"
However, if you disagree with an impression or want to express doubt, you make the phrase negative: não parece que (it does not seem that).
Because this negative structure introduces doubt, uncertainty, or denial, the verb that follows must be in the subjunctive mood. Notice how the verbs ser (to be) and ter (to have) change to their subjunctive forms (seja and tenha).
Explaining Your Impressions
You will often want to justify why you have a certain impression. You can use the word pois (because, since, for) to connect your impression to your reasoning.
When evaluating art, you might discuss details like a pincelada (the brushstroke) or a textura (the texture). Remember the golden rule: use the indicative for affirmative impressions, and the subjunctive for negative ones!