This text is intended as an introductory reader for people about to study art history and for people who enjoy looking at art and have a strong interest but feel they could gain more from looking if they understood more about it. It aims to provide an accessible introduction to different ways of looking at and understanding paintings - form, social and historical contexts, representation of gender and the psychology of the artist at the time of painting. For those new to the subject, this guide sets out to provide a reference for key terms and definitions in art history and to offer ways of seeing and interpreting paintings in a gallery or museum context. Using painting as the basis for example and exploration, the book assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, other than a willingness to look and consider some of the ideas and perspectives it puts forward. The 16-page colour section and black-and-white images and illustrations have been selected and cross-referenced to support the text. It is hoped that this book will encourage and guide readers to different ways of exploring the visual and interpreting art, in order to get the most out of any course of study or visits to galleri

Table of Contents

What is art?; judging by appearances - formalist approaches to art; beyond the picture frame - art in context; art today - contemporary ways of looking; art in the galleries - spectacle and display; an ABC/survey of sources; a guide to major galleries.

Author Biography

Grank Pooke: Grant Pooke teaches Art History at the University of Kent where he is programme director of the part-time open entry BA programme. He has previously worked as an Associate Tutor for the Open University and for the Kent Institute of Art & Design. Graham Whitham: After studying Graphic Design at Manchester College of Art, Graham Whitham studied for an MA and a PhD in the History and Theory of Art. He was Head of Art and Art History at a college of further education in outer London, organised and taught various adult courses, and contributed to the art history programme at the University of Sussex. He was also Chief Examiner for GCE A level History of Art for ten years. At present he is an Associate Lecturer in History of Art for the Open University, teaches History of Art and Architecture on the part-time degree course at the University of Kent, Art and Design History at Hastings College of Arts and Technology, and contributes to the art teaching at Battle Abbey School in East Sussex. He also lectures to various art groups and organisations.