Writing About Art

by Sayre, Henry M.

• ISBN13: 9780205645787
• ISBN10: 020564578X
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780131945609
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-07-10
• Publisher: Pearson

About This Book

Writing About Art, 6th Edition

ISBN: 9780205645787

Writing About Art, 6th Edition, is a straightforward guide designed to help students describe, interpret, and write about works of art in meaningful and lasting terms. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in art history, criticism, and appreciation.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in art history and appreciation courses at the college and university levels. It's also a useful tool for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of art, including professionals in the field of art history, curators, and museum staff.

History and Editions

The 6th edition of Writing About Art has been updated to reflect the latest developments in art criticism and interpretation. This edition includes detailed insights into various art movements, styles, and techniques, making it an essential supplement for courses that focus on the description and interpretation of artworks.

Author and Other Works

Henry M. Sayre is the author of Writing About Art. Sayre is known for his clear and concise writing style, which makes complex art concepts accessible to students. He has also written other books on art history, including "The Object of Art: 15 Things Everyone Should Know About Art and Design."

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of art movements and styles, providing students with a solid foundation in art history.
• Interpretation Techniques: It offers practical guidance on how to interpret and describe artworks, helping students develop their critical thinking skills.
• Supplementary Material: Designed as a supplement to art history courses, it includes exercises and examples that help students apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780205645787
• eTextbook: Available through eCampus.com and other digital platforms (ISBN: 9780205645787)
• Loose-leaf: Not available in loose-leaf format
• Rental Options: Various rental durations available from eCampus.com and other retailers

Publication Details

• Publisher: Pearson Prentice Hall
• Publication Date: July 10, 2008
• Number of Pages: Varies by edition, but typically around 400 pages
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Approximately 1.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 10 inches

Other Editions and Formats

• 5th Edition: Available through Pearson Prentice Hall and other retailers (ISBN: 9780205645770)
• 4th Edition: Available through various retailers (ISBN: 9780205645763)

Related ISBNs:

• 9780205645770 (5th Edition)
• 9780205645763 (4th Edition)
• 9780205645756 (3rd Edition)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Writing About Art, 6th Edition, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Introduction: Writingas Critical Thinking	p. 1
Choosing Images: How to Select the Works of Art You Plan to Write About	p. 9
Visiting Museums and Galleries	p. 9
Choosing Works of Art to Write About: Some Questions of Taste	p. 16
Writing Comparative Essays: Some Advantages	p. 18
Choosing Works from ldquo;The Museum without Walls,rdquo;	p. 21
The Computer and ldquo;The Museum without Walls,rdquo;	p. 24
Summary	p. 27
Using Visual Information: What to Look For and How to Describe What You See	p. 29
Considering the Subject Matter of the Work	p. 31
Describing the Formal Elements You Discover in the Work	p. 35
Line	p. 35
Shape and Space	p. 36
Light and Dark	p. 40
Color	p. 43
Other Elements	p. 47
Recognizing the Principles of Design	p. 54
Rhythm and Repetition	p. 54
Balance	p. 55
Proportion	p. 56
Scale	p. 57
Unity and Variety	p. 58
Considering Questions of Medium	p. 59
Beginning Your Essay By Describing the Work	p. 61
Asking Yourself about the Work of Art: A Summary	p. 64
Questions to Ask Before Writing About a Work of Art	p. 64
Responding to the Verbal Frame: Where Else to Look for Help in Understanding What You See	p. 66
Taking the Title and Label into Account	p. 66
Considering Informational Labels Accompanying the Work	p. 70
Consulting Artistsrsquo; Statements and Exhibition Catalogues	p. 72
Discovering Other Helpful Material in the Library and Online	p. 74
Research Online	p. 75
Using the Library Catalogue and Databases	p. 77
Using Art Dictionaries and Other Guides	p. 81
Considering the Workrsquo;s Historical and Cultural Context	p. 82
Quoting and Documenting Your Sources	p. 89
Learning the Art of Quoting	p. 89
Acknowledging YourSources	p. 90
Choosing Your Footnote Style	p. 91
Citing Internet Sources	p. 96
Working with Words and Images: The Process
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.