Book Description
The first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures.
How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for much of their overall appeal and, though both can be judged by a set of established standards, pizzas and paintings must ultimately be evaluated in terms of individual taste. By using such commonsense examples and making unexpected connections, this book helps even the most skeptical viewers feel comfortable around contemporary art and see aspects of it they would otherwise miss. Heller discusses how nontraditional works of art are made--and thus how to talk about their composition and formal elements. She also considers why such art is made and what it "means."
At the same time, Heller reassures those of us who have felt uncomfortable around avant-garde art that we don't have to like all--or even any--of it. Yet, if we can relax, we can use the aesthetic awareness developed in everyday life to analyze almost any painting, sculpture, or installation. Heller also gives concise answers to the eight questions she is most frequently asked about contemporary art--from how to tell when an abstract painting is right side up to which works of art belong in a museum.
This book is for anyone who agrees with art critic Clement Greenberg that "All profoundly original art looks ugly at first." It's also for anyone who disagrees. It is for anyone who wants to get more out of a museum or gallery visit and would like to be able to say something more than just "yes" or "no" when asked if they like an artist's work.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Source.......2007-01-14
The book was used one time as a reference book for a class. Other than that I never really used it.
A Good choice for those skeptical about 'modern' art.......2006-09-26
This book is intended to introduce the outsider to 'modern' art, in this context meaning avant garde art after 1900. It left me vaguely dissatisfied, but still it's a helpful introduction. The pizza metaphor didn't work too well for me: if I received a pizza with "vivid red and green peppers, glossy black olives, translucent bits of onion, light brown mushrooms slices", I'd be horrified. I will concede that pizza components can be more or less aesthetically arranged, but there is no arrangement that could make those ingredients appealing to me. And if I was sharing a pizza with someone who likes "garbage" pizzas, I'd want those ingredients all on their side, no matter how it looks. Pizzas are primarily for eating. Of course, I'm extremely literal-minded, which may be my problem with the entire subject.
Heller's take on the matter is that art is whatever people choose to call art, and one is entitled to like or dislike whatever one chooses. I can have no quarrel with that. In that case, Heller's quotation of Ambrose Bierce in The Devil's Dictionary: "Art. This word has no definition" is apt. (I do not mean to imply that this is a problem, not being one for Platonic ideals.) This is not, of course, a universal opinion among art critics, including those championing modern art. I don't sympathize too much with Heller's view of modern artists as persecuted: they can be quite nasty and intolerant in turn. As long as one does not try to separate art into fine art versus graphic art versus design, I will say that many abstract works are visually pleasing. I really like the stripe paintings in figure 18 & 19, but I don't see that they are morally different from wallpaper. And I don't see how Morris Lewis's painting (figure 23) is made intriguing by drip marks.
Heller deals with questions about the difficulty of making modern art, which doesn't bother me, but is apparently of great concern to some people. I didn't like Jackson Pollack's work before I knew he poured on the paint, and I like it neither more nor less for knowing that. Even something that looks easy to do may require a good eye - I can appreciate a certain friend's ability to choose colors and patterns, and I freely admit that I couldn't do the same, even though I have mastered getting dressed.
I really appreciate Heller's efforts, but for the most part, I'm not persuaded that most of these pieces are interesting or would repay the effort that she urges us to put into them. I once saw an Ad Reinhart exhibit at the Guggenheim. Heller et al. are quite right: his black paintings are in fact made up of separate squares. I examined the paintings carefully and read analyses about him, (mostly they pointed out that the black paintings are made up of separate squares), but I still don't know why I should care that they are. I am tired of the phrase: "the artist forces the viewer ... ". This completely underestimates my strength of character.
Despite my obvious lack of enthusiasm for the topic, this is good choice for the baffled: well written, carefully and logically explained. Heller apparently put a great deal of effort into choosing good reproductions. She also included cartoons and other illustrations and quotes that illuminate her points and add to the liveliness and charm of the book. So I have to say that in that sense, she did a good job and gave me what I was looking for. I would just recommend that the reader keep in mind that all art docents don't take as broadminded a view as Heller: some consider art to be a compulsory cult, some consider it as existing to challenge social values (especially of the bourgeousie) and wouldn't consider being visually interesting or beautiful as a legitimate goal. Part of my dissatisfaction is the suspicion that some of these other agendas lurk unacknowledged in Heller's thinking. I also found Phillip Yenawine's How to Look At Modern Art interesting, if not quite as good as this. My favorite book on the subject remains Tom Wolfe's The Painted Word.
Very Good Introduction To Modernism and Postmodernism.......2003-09-13
This book is engagingly written, a "quick read" and, surprisingly for art history or criticism, has some great quotes from artists in it which give another insight into the art as well. The author has a passion for modern art, and the skill to make her passion understood. Highly recommended. Also has some lovely color reproductions to contemplate.
Modern Art: Finally, an English translation.......2003-07-01
So much of what I have read about modern art goes in one ear and out the other. I think this is because writers feel obligated to impart a certain body of knowledge to the reader. Nancy Heller, however, starts with the questions people have about modern art and then proceeds to answer them. She even concludes the book with a chapter of answers to questions most asked about modern art.
If you are planning to read your first book about modern art, this is the one. If you are planning to read your very LAST book about modern art, this too is the one.
A short, readable guide to modern art.......2003-03-29
If you enjoy looking at modern art, have trouble understanding what you are seeing, and want a simple discussion to help your understanding, then this book is for you. The book does not bog down in explaining the various artistic movements. Rather, it gives discussions that help you appreciate diverse art forms, including "stripe" paintings, monochrome paintings, "drip" paintings, and a variety of sculpture (including boxes, fluorescent lights, and "everyday" objects). Ms. Heller often acknoweledges the criticism that these art forms receive, but explains why a child couldn't really do it, and what makes it art. Ms. Heller even devotes a chapter to "commonsense answers" to "often asked questions" about modern art. The reproductions and photos in the book are well done and seem true to color. And, not to be underestimated, the book is short (under 200 pages, but with many photos), readable, and easy to understand without talking down to the readers. After reading the book, you may still not like a painting or sculpture, but you will certainly have a better appreciation for it. I actually take this book to the museum and refer to it, even though I am reading more in-depth books on modern art. I rarely give five-star reviews, but I cannot say enough good things about this book.
Book Description
The Winsor and Newton Guide to Colour Mixing Watercolour takes the uncertainty out of colour mixing for artists.
This Winsor and Newton Colour Mixing Guide takes the uncertainty out of mixing watercolour colours. Organised around the primary colours, with an additional section on neutrals and flesh tints, the book presents a gallery of precise colour mixes to enable an artist to recreate what is on the page in their palette and on their work of art.
Clear, concise outline of the principles of colour mixing using watercolours At-a-glance guide to more than 5,000 hues and shades Complete visual reference to mixing watercolour Inspirational galleries of successful watercolour works using colour mixin
Book Description
A complete teaching course for eatercolor painting techniques for beginners to intermediates.
Average customer rating:
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Water-Colour Painting: Landscapes and Townscapes
James Fletcher-Watson
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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Landscape Painting
| Instructional & How-To
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Watercolor Painting
| Instructional & How-To
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Watercolor
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ASIN: 0713439793 |
Book Description
The vibrant colors and imaginative compositions that characterize Janet Whittle's paintings are showcased in this charming collection of watercolors. Whittle explains her evocative use of color in accompanying passages and details the numerous creative techniques she employs for capturing the beauty of flowers, including negative painting, masking, lifting out, and glazing. Novice painters and experienced artists alike will benefit from a series of instructional step-by-step projects and photographs. Special tips are also provided on how to capture light and shadow and how to create an overall harmony within a piece.
Customer Reviews:
Watercolor techniques for floral subjects.......2007-09-29
If you like painting floral subjects, Janet Whittle's method may be of interest to you.
Starting with masked subject areas and dropping in pure colors, Whittle creates a lively, mottled background and then goes on to paint negative spaces around leaves and background flowers. This gives the effect of distant leaves and petals in shadow. Then the main flowers are painted in, dropping colors into the center, shadowing petals and adding detail to stamens, pistils and other structures.
The good thing about this technique is it makes effective bouquet subjects. The bad thing is that the technique leads to somewhat of a sameness to every painting. In this book, the author adds vases, pots and other subjects to the still life, which helps. If you have this book, you probably don't need any of the others as this one is more comprehensive. I don't feel inspired to copy this technique, but there are worthwhile tips to absorb in handling iris especially.
Average customer rating:
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Artist's Guide to Mixing Colours
Jenny Rodwell
Manufacturer: David & Charles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
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Watercolor
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0715304216 |
Average customer rating:
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Awash in Colour: Great American Watercolours from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
National Galleries of Scotland
Manufacturer: National Galleries of Scotland
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Museums & Collections
| Arts & Photography
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General
| Exhibition Catalogs
| Museums
| Museums & Collections
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General
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Watercolor
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ASIN: 0903598604 |
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Awash with Colour
Dermot Cavanagh
Manufacturer: BBC Worldwide Americas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Instructional & How-To
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Watercolor Painting
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
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Watercolor
| Painting
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General
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Painting
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ASIN: 0563488050 |
Book Description
A practical guide to the technique of watercolour painting, from initial sketch to finished piece, describing the various techniques and items of equipment needed along the way. This book is published to accompany the BBC TV series and features step-by-step demonstrations in full colour.
Customer Reviews:
Good for beginners.......2003-12-14
This book provides very detailed instructions and is therefore suitable for beginning painters.
It begins with a general introduction then moves to specific techniques, and ends with 5 demonstrations.
Though it is meant to accompany the TV series, I found it useful as a stand-alone
Average customer rating:
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British Watercolours (Tate Gallery colour book series)
Judy Edgerton
Manufacturer: Tate Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Exhibition Catalogs
| Museums
| Museums & Collections
| Arts & Photography
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| General
| Guggenheim Museum
| Los Angeles County Museum of Art
| Metropolitan Museum of Art
| Museum of Contemporary Art
| Museum of Modern Art
| National Gallery Of Art
| Tate Gallery
| Whitney Museum of American Art
General
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Watercolor
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ASIN: 0946590524 |
Average customer rating:
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Hollywood Studio Blu-Book Motion Picture , Television, Radio Directory, Stars Edition Contains Over 2500 Home Addresses of Stars, Directors, Producers, Executives, Featured Players, Writers, Cameramen, Etc Who is Who , What They Do,
Various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JD4HRU |
Average customer rating:
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How Noah Knew What to Do
Karen Ann Moore
Manufacturer: Faith Kidz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Stories
| Bible
| Christianity
| Religions
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General
| Christianity
| Religions
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Noah's Ark
| Christianity
| Religions
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ASIN: 0781434408 |
Book Description
Karen Ann Moore
Illustrations by The Kersten Brothers Studio
This creative interpretation of the story of Noah teaches children they can rely on God in every circumstance, even when they're trying things they've never done before.
Encourages youngsters to trust God
Features adorable artwork and rhyming text
Perfect for reading aloud before bed!
Includes Faith Parenting Guide
Karen Ann Moore has written eight books and more than 3,000 greeting cards. She holds a master's degree in education and has worked at American Greetings, Gibson Greetings, WordsWorth Studios, Inc. and Cook Communications.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Weekly Standard, published by Thomson Gale on March 23, 2006. The length of the article is 759 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Do the Spike Thing; What the studio doesn't want you to know about Spike Lee's new movie.
Author: Sonny Bunch
Publication:
The Weekly Standard (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 23, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: NA
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Photo Marketing, published by Photo Marketing Association International on June 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1937 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Regional roundup: Indianapolis, Indiana: Photo Marketing's Regional Roundup looks at what it's like to do business in different areas of the world. This month, learn what matters to PMA members in Indianapolis, Ind. (Retailing).
Author: Jennifer Barr Kruger
Publication:
Photo Marketing (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2003
Publisher: Photo Marketing Association International
Volume: 78
Issue: 6
Page: 42(3)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Snapfish and District Photo: doing what they do best.: An article from: Photo Marketing
Herbert Stein
Manufacturer: Photo Marketing Association International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
General
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ASIN: B00082DIXQ
Release Date: 2006-07-14 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Photo Marketing, published by Photo Marketing Association International on April 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1454 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Snapfish and District Photo: doing what they do best.
Author: Herbert Stein
Publication:
Photo Marketing (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2004
Publisher: Photo Marketing Association International
Volume: 79
Issue: 4
Page: 20(2)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
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The studio and what to do in it
H. P Robinson
Manufacturer: Scovill Manufacturing Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
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ASIN: B000871E4G |
Book Description
Pictures and humor help readers build their Spanish language skills
To its millions of fans, the Pattersons are just like their own families, facing universal issues among daily concerns. Containing a selection of 100 syndicated Spanish-language versions of the strip that is widely read in Latin America, Laugh 'n' Learn Spanish provides an entertaining and effective way to expand and polish conversational skills in Spanish.
Readers learn by understanding and learning natural, everyday verbal interactions at home and about town, following John and Ell Patterson as they attempt to come to terms with middle age; daughter Elizabeth as she spreads her wings and goes off to college; son Michael dating and then marrying his childhood sweetheart, Deanna; daughter April as she rebels against discipline, anther grandpa who finds a second love in the autumn of his life. Each strip is graded by difficulty--Beginning, Moderate, or Challenging--and is accompanied by:
- Glosses that translate difficult vocabulary
- Usage notes to build proficiency
- A summarizing activity that tests comprehension
- Additional exercises for key idioms and word patterns appear at the end of each section
Customer Reviews:
My favorite Spanish resource by far.......2007-08-07
You need to have a basic knowledge of Spanish to really get the most out of this book. However, if you have that, this book goes a long ways towards solidifing all those grammar rules and verb conjugation that you've been grappling with. The best thing about the book is that it's just plain fun to read. You're learning Spanish, but it feels like you're just kicking back and reading the funnies.
laugh n learn spanish.......2007-03-19
A gift from my youngest daughter. I love it. it makes learning fun. it challenges you and entertains you. a fun way to learn.
Awesome conversational learning and practice!!!.......2006-11-23
This is absolutely one of my favorite learning and practicing Spanish books. The colorful book is very easy to read and intelligently organized. Though the humor makes the learning more fun, the real life conversations with extremely thorough explanations of idiomatic expressions are truly the outstanding feature. Wonderful!
It has beginner, intermediate, and advanced (includes subjuctive) sections with concise, relevant grammar instruction before each section. The text within each cartoon is mostly first person but the descriptive text about the cartoon is third person so you get very good point-of-view and conjugation practice. All translations are in the book so a dictionary is rarely needed.
Read it through once for awareness then challenge yourself to study it the second time through to know the idioms and expressions well enough to use yourself. After a few days, try going back to a previous lesson and translate the English text into Spanish! Great practice!
The only thing missing is an audio CD.
Me encanta este libro. Ojala que Lynn haga un segundo libro!
Great for intermediate learners!.......2006-01-22
As a teacher, I recommend this book as a review to my Spanish 2 and 3 students -it's a novel approach, which goes a LONG way in motivating the junior high age and up.
It's staying power is a little lacking - it doesn't have the BEST methodology as far as what order we should learn in, but as a review, it's fantastic. Very thorough explanations, good vocabulary lists, and even a few exercises! Great for anyone over twelve, as long as they had a teacher or tutor to help them along, I would think. For the younger children, try Flip Flop Spanish.
The Best Work of its Type.......2005-08-17
I bought two copies, one for me and the other my my teacher. When we are fed up with the copreterito tense we turn to this for relief. What a Godsend!
It is funny and easy to use. We cover the cartoon on the right and read the discussion of key word and grammar on the left. Then we wade into the cartoon. It is remarkable how often the day's cartoon reinforces the day's lesson.
The only problem is we are running out of book much too soon. They need to publish a follow-up. I would buy a whole set of these.
Books:
- Zelda: An Illustrated Life: The Private World of Zelda Fitzgerald
- 3-D Wizardry : Design in Paper Mache, Plaster and Foam
- Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies (Hornblower Saga)
- All in Sync: How Music and Art Are Revitalizing American Religion
- All the Mighty World: The Photographs of Roger Fenton, 1852-1860 (Metropolitan Museum of Art Series)
- American Visions: The Epic History of Art in America
- Art History: A Critical Introduction to Its Methods
- Art Matters: How the Culture Wars Changed America
- Art Nature Dialogues: Interviews With Environmental Artists
- Art Nouveau Animal Designs and Patterns: 60 Plates in Full Color (Dover Pictorial Archive)
Books Index
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