The Art Book- Big Ideas Simply Explained

Synopsis

Learn about key movements like impressionism, cubism and symbolism in The Art Book.

Part of the fascinating Big Ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. Learn about Art in this overview guide to the subject, brilliant for novices looking to find out more and experts wishing to refresh their knowledge alike! The Art Book brings a fresh and vibrant take on the topic through eye-catching graphics and diagrams to immerse yourself in.

This captivating book will broaden your understanding of Art, with:

- More than 80 of the world's most remarkable artworks
- Packed with facts, charts, timelines and graphs to help explain core concepts
- A visual approach to big subjects with striking illustrations and graphics throughout
- Easy to follow text makes topics accessible for people at any level of understanding

The Art Book is a captivating introduction to painting, drawing, printing, sculpture, conceptual art, and performance art - from ancient history to the modern day - aimed at adults with an interest in the subject and students wanting to gain more of an overview. Here you'll discover more than 80 of the world's most groundbreaking artworks by history's most influential painters, sculptors and artists, through exciting text and bold graphics.

Your Art Questions, Simply Explained

This fresh new guide examines the ideas that inspired masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Klimt, Matisse, Picasso, and dozens more! If you thought it was difficult to learn about the defining movements, The Art Book presents key information in a clear layout. Find out about subject matters, techniques, and materials, and learn about the talented artists behind the great works, through superb mind maps and step-by-step summaries.

The Big Ideas Series

With millions of copies sold worldwide, The Art Book is part of the award-winning Big Ideas series from DK. The series uses striking graphics along with engaging writing, making big topics easy to understand.

Summary

Chapter 1: Elements of Art

* Explains the basic building blocks of visual art: line, shape, color, texture, and value.
* Real example: A painting by Georgia O'Keeffe, "Black Iris III," demonstrates the use of line to create structure, shape to define the flower, color to enhance its beauty, texture to suggest the velvety petals, and value to convey the contrast between light and dark.

Chapter 2: Principles of Design

* Discusses the principles that guide the composition and balance of artwork: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, rhythm, unity, and variety.
* Real example: Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" exemplifies balance (symmetry), contrast (light vs. dark), emphasis (the woman's eyes), movement (the subtle smile), pattern (the folds in her clothing), repetition (the rounded shapes), and unity (all elements harmonize to create a cohesive image).

Chapter 3: History of Art

* Provides an overview of major art movements throughout history, from ancient art to contemporary art.
* Real example: The Impressionist movement, led by artists like Claude Monet, used loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors to capture the play of light in outdoor scenes. This is evident in Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise."

Chapter 4: Modern Art

* Examines the defining characteristics and key artists of modern art, from post-Impressionism to abstract expressionism.
* Real example: Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" is an iconic example of Cubism, which fragmented figures into geometric shapes to convey the horrors of war.

Chapter 5: Contemporary Art

* Discusses the latest trends and developments in contemporary art, exploring topics like digital art, installation art, and performance art.
* Real example: Ai Weiwei's "Sunflower Seeds" features millions of handmade porcelain sunflower seeds, addressing issues of mass production and political oppression.

Chapter 6: How to Look at Art

* Guides readers on how to analyze and interpret artwork effectively.
* Real example: When viewing Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night," consider the expressive brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and swirling patterns that convey the artist's inner turmoil.

Chapter 7: Making Your Own Art

* Provides tips and inspiration for aspiring artists, encouraging them to develop their own artistic style.
* Real example: A step-by-step guide on how to create a simple landscape painting using acrylics, demonstrating the use of perspective, color theory, and composition.