The Aesthetics of Art

The Aesthetics of Art: Understanding What We See teaches students how to look at and understand art, and how to describe the art they see.

The book begins with a review of the basic rules of perspective from the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci's scientific and mathematical concepts, Joseph Alber’s theory of color, and Rudolph Arnheim's visual perceptions. This understanding of foundational concepts prepares students to perceive the aesthetics of art as it transitions to abstraction at the end of the 19th Century.

Students then explore art through movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Constructivism, and Fauvism. They examine Dadaism, Surrealism, gestalt theory, and abstract expressionism. Post-modernism, contemporary, neo-contemporary, photography, graffiti, and public art are also explored. Artistic movements are studied through a variety of representations such as painting, prints, collage/assemblage, and new media.

Each chapter includes a writing assignment, critical questions, further readings, and ideas for hands-on activities so that students can explore art through experience. The second edition features new content on art evolution after the Renaissance through a philosophical and scientific view.

Written to increase curiosity about and joy in art, The Aesthetics of Art is an excellent resource for survey courses in art history and appreciation.