Cengage Learning
Drawing: a contemporary approach, 6th ed.
The examples offered in this text for drawing students are b&w (except in the "color" chapter) prints from 20th and 21st century artists. The techniques discussed in the series of problems and projects are contemporary updates of classic study. Text explores spatial relationship of the art elements, value, texture, line, contemporary and traditional perspectives on the picture plane, organization of the picture plane, and contemporary trends in drawing. Practical guides at the end help readers understand and select materials as well as correct problem drawing. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Exploring art; a global thematic approach, 3d ed.
This is an introductory art history text that steps away from the traditional chronological and regional orientation in order to teach art appreciation and understanding through the context of human needs and wants. For instance, the chapter on mortality and immortality moves from discussion of the Great Pyramids of Giza to an Etruscan sarcophagus, to the funeral complex of Shi Huangdi to Viking ship burial artifacts. Authors Lazzari (Gayle Garner Roski School of Fine Arts, U. of Southern California) and Schlesier (Divine Word College) include chapters on the language and media of art and architecture; meaning in art; food and shelter; reproduction and sexuality; deities and places of worship; mortality and immortality; power, politics, and glory; social protest/affirmation; the body; race, gender, clan, and class; nature, knowledge, and technology; and entertainment and visual culture. Western and non-Western cultures are about equally represented and much of the coverage focuses on contemporary art. Some 130 new artworks have been added to the 410 or so discussed in the last edition. Although they have rejected a chronological approach, they do include "Art and History in Context" boxed features that introduce historical developments in religion, culture, and technology. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Foundations of art and design.
Aimed at art students preparing for a professional career, this textbook introduces the main elements of art and explains the fundamental principles of design. The approach is highly visual, and full-color examples of contemporary and classical art accompany the text throughout. Pedagogical features include chapter outlines, compare/contrast exercises, and definitions of key terms. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Gardner's art through the ages; a concise history of Western art. (CD-ROM included)
The concise edition of this standard art history survey contains the essential coverage of the larger full edition by providing fewer examples for given time periods. The CD-ROM is closely linked to the text through the use of a CD-ROM symbol that sends the student to the appropriate additional material. Chapters include an introductory overview of the history of the era considered and inset boxes describing terms, techniques, and relevant issues. Time-line style overviews are inserted throughout. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Sight, sound, motion; applied media aesthetics, 5th ed.
Aimed at students considering a career in television or film, this textbook explains how the major aesthetic elements — light, color, space, time, motion and sound — are used in today's electronic media. The fifth edition features new material on aspect ratios and inductive sequencing. Music examples are provided on a companion website. Zettl is former director of San Francisco State University's Institute of International Media Communication. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Understanding art; a concise history.
Fichner-Rathus' (College of New Jersey) introductory student text provides essential information on the chronology and context of art. Intended as a flexible framework for professors who may have their own cache of favorite materials, primary sources, and visual images, it is organized in a way to stimulate students interest and reflect the ways in which professors teach. Included throughout are exercises to compare and contrast two or more works of art, "a closer look" features delving into artists' personalities and other topics in greater depth, and "art tours" to seven major cities around the world. A companion website, correlated chapter by chapter with the book, provides additional multimedia resources as a supplement to the text. Oversize: 9x10.75 inches. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
