30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great start for beginner art enthusiasts, March 5, 2001
I went to a multimedia school where I took a class on the fundamentals of art & design. Understanding Art was the required text book. Little would I know that I would still be talking about Understanding Art and recommending it for years after that class! (Just don't let my teacher know that!)
The book takes you throughout the history of art, starting from the earliest forms, throughout the middle ages, native traditional art, to the renaissance, to post modernism, to surrealism, to art deco, bauhaus, dada, and everything else. There isn't a form of art that isn't covered and illustrated, which is extremely beneficial, as you truly do learn how art forms evolved throughout the years. Another benefit to this book is that it covers the different medias in art - sculpture, paintings, print, masks, archetecture, and more.
The photographs of the artwork are present throughout the book, and the text gives you insight and background knowledge of each art era that you wouldn't otherwise see. One might usually associate art history text as boring and monotonous, but this is not the case. The text is informative and exciting to read all at the same time.
It's a great book for someone who's starting out in art history, but even long-time art fans will enjoy it too.
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22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Place to Start Understanding Art, September 12, 2000
As a college Art History instructor and an avid reader, I can honestly say Lois Fichner-Rathus has produced one of the finest Art Appreciation texts on the market. The sixth edition of Understanding Art is both visually and intellectually exciting. With expanded coverage of the "Language of Art" (the visual elements and principles of design) and computer generated imagery, and a great companion Web site, this version is truly an advance over previous editions. Addional illustrations (many in color) add to the enjoyment of spending time with this updated classic.
Though I've referred to this as an Art Appreciation "text," it is by no means dry.The author's viewpoint and writing style are never boring and she continually exhibits great perceptiveness, and wit, in her commentary. The progression of the book's sections from a well-done "Introduction" to the "Language of Art," a look at the varying media of art, and finally a series of chapters on historical style, is well done and logical. Accolades to Fichner-Rathus!
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful., October 4, 2011
Although I am a full time college student and my major is currently Biology, I am enrolled in this course at my university and I love it! Really, this book is just that great and very informative. I had no interest in art whatsoever but by taking this class and using this book specifically, my long lost passion for art has magically reappeared. I find myself reading it because I want to, and not because I have to. I have a wonderful instructor. She is a sweet woman and she is very passionate about the material she is teaching us. She shares her thoughts and opinions about a certain piece, but respects our opinions, as well. She is great and we use this book two days out of the week... since I have her class on TR. :) I bought my book used at the bookstore so I did not get an online access code. However, I just purchased one on amazon this evening and cannot wait to get it so I can experience it online. I hope those who are using this book in their art course enjoy it as much as I have! :)
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