Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning

Reviewed by Brittney Barnhart, Adjunct Professor, Blue Ridge Community College on 9/11/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This book covers a wide array of information that would be appropriate for a beginner's level of art appreciation, however the book that I currently use has a lot more information about the elements and principles of art and design, and I feel like this text could use more information covering this. There are many wonderful examples of art through out history, though I would like to see more examples of contemporary art and artists, as well as a bit more diversity with more artwork from non traditional art history/cultures. Also, more women artists could be included as well. I feel like this book would make an excellent supplement to the course that I teach and I found information that I would like to include in my lectures. I really enjoyed the chapters with themes that could be explored specifically. I also feel that it would be appropriate for the high school learners that I interact with at my other job.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is very accurate and informative.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

This book would be great for an absolute beginner and it breaks down an immense subject into something very approachable. I would like to see more inclusion of contemporary artwork and artists however. There could be a lot more artworks brought into this text, as a visual learner, I feel like I need more images to look at when describing the themes and ideas in the book. I feel like this book could easily become a favorite if the above critiques were included in the future.

Clarity rating: 5

Very clearly written with easily digestible information that would be appropriate for learners to comprehend. The vocabulary is clearly identified and easy to understand. The text has a clearly defined layout with learning objective, test yourself, and key comprehension review which can be helpful. It would be helpful, however, to have a glossary at the end of the book.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is overall consistent, especially with the chapter structure leading with learning objectives and ending with a review and questions to test yourself with.

Modularity rating: 4

Overall the divisions on themes seem to be the most successful, though I would like to see the earlier chapters delving more specifically into elements and principles of art and design, and have more information on the media used in art.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

It has clear organization and the way the chapters build upon each other are relevant. It would be helpful perhaps to have more of a clear section breaking down the timeline of art history. There is clarity on how each chapter progresses into the next, though they could also be used independently in a course that is not as specifically art appreciation.

Interface rating: 5

Overall the reading experience was pleasant and the text easy to navigate. I did find a few links that did not seem to work, but that seems to be something that would be hard to stay perfectly on top of. Images overall were clear accurate representations of the artwork and diagrams of processes.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Overall the reading experience was unhindered by numerous errors, though a few small issues were seen from time to time. They did not detract from the readability to me.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text does delve into cultures and representation beyond that of the Eurocentric approach to learning about art, but I would like to see that expanded a bit more. It could explore more LBGTQIA material as well. Also, as mentioned already, the book is lacking in contemporary art references and this seems to be something that is necessary in an introduction to art course.

Comments

I think this is a wonderful book, especially as it is free and easily accessible. There are a few things that could be added in a newer edition, but overall I could see myself using this text to supplement my courses.

Reviewed by Johannah Silva, Associate Professor, City Colleges of Chicago on 2/15/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

There is a table of contents and chapters that progress from "What is Art?" in Chapter 1 to theme-based chapters such as "Art and Identity", "Art and Power", etc. At the end of each chapter, there are also some questions that could help summarize the chapter readings and could serve as quiz questions. Key terms follow these chapter summary questions. One thing that perhaps could be added as far as overall content is a timeline of the history of art from ancient cave paintings to contemporary art. I appreciate though that each chapter seems to provide examples of art from different cultures/time periods/styles/media, etc.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Content is accurate and I like that art examples seem to be chosen with an eye to making sure art from different cultures are represented.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The themes towards the last few chapters of the book are broad enough that others could add artworks to discuss here and update with more contemporary examples.

Clarity rating: 5

The structure of the book is clear and progresses sequentially. Terminology is explained and key terms are defined at the end of each chapter.

Consistency rating: 5

The structure of each chapter is consistent, with the summative questions and key terms helping to encapsulate each chapter's readings.

Modularity rating: 5

Chapter 2 seems to me could be divided into different media (2D, 3D, 4D) and elements of art/principles of design. This Chapter would likely be covered in a few class sessions if I were to use this text.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The sequence of chapters from What is Art to the structure of art/meaning of materials to visual literacy/analysis to themes in art makes sense to me. It might be helpful to have a broad survey/timeline of art from ancient times to contemporary art somewhere, but I like how art from various time periods are addressed within the theme-based chapters in the end of the book.

Interface rating: 5

The text is easy to navigate. Visual images are clear and identified and interspersed well with the text.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical error that I saw.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Examples from various cultures/time periods/styles are used as examples in each chapter.

Comments

None at this time.

Reviewed by Bianca Rawlings, Adjunct, Tidewater Community College on 11/2/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

A well composed resource that covers art and context, primarily focusing on European examples.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not notice a lack of accuracy, although it could be argued that there could be a more thorough examination of other cultures.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Certainly relevant in terms of using art as a tool and relevant to introductory students.

Clarity rating: 5

Quite accessible.

Consistency rating: 5

The subject matter and terminology are consistent throughout.

Modularity rating: 5

Very useful for modularity and easy to assign specific chapters.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization makes sense.

Interface rating: 5

The interface is straight forward; not unlike any regular textbook.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors that I noticed.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

As other reviewers have said, more on non-European art and culture is definitely needed here.

Comments

A good resource for introductory students to supplement lectures about art and context. A useful tool for social art history, other than the lack of more non-European art.