Get sixth sense as soon as possible. As soon as you are spotted assume an arty shell will be coming your way in 5 seconds.

Don't be predictable. If you hide behind a corner and peak out to fire every 20 seconds then a good SPG player will notice this an be aimed on that spot the next time you peak. Good arty players will pre aim where enemy tanks are typically first spotted on each map, try not to be spotted in one of these spots.

Know your enemy, read the enemy team list at the start of the game. Learn the specifics of each arty line. For example French are typically fast reload, small calibre and very mobile. Russian typically big guns, small gun transverse, poor handling and longer reload.

Learn the unique arty. FV304 has a fast reload and very high shell arc. If you get tracked by a FV304 likely another shell be coming in 10 seconds so you better repair your track and get out ASAP. SU-14-1 and S-51 have a huge 203mm gun at tier 7, they can one shot many tanks they face with splash damage alone. Conqueror Gun Carriage and FV304 have a very high shell trajectories and can hit you in places that would provide cover against other arty.

Count the number of arty on the enemy team. If there is only one arty, then lookout for each time they fire you'll typically have 30 seconds grace period while they reload. Two arty is often the hardest situation, try and get good cover. If there are 3 to 5 arty then there will be big gaps in defence, if you are in a mobile tank wait a couple of minutes then drive right up the middle (this is quite map dependant). There are special medals for taking out 3 to 5 arty.

Get an idea of where the arty is. Either by map knowledge, spotting tracers, from damage direction indicator or from reports from other players. Try to travel laterally to the arty, arty will typically have a large aiming circle bloom when they move across the map and a much smaller bloom when they move aiming circle closer. This is not always possible of course. If you get an idea as to where the arty is let your allies know in chat. Hopefully your arty can use it to do counter battery or else a light tank might go for spots.

Don't whinge or complain in chat about arty in chat. As that is like painting a big target around you and inviting arty to shoot you.

If you have a numerical advantage on your flank then you really need to push. Arty works best against static tanks. If you are pushing and taking the initiative then you will generally be much harder to hit.