The Language Of Visual Art

This book discusses text and image relationships in the history of art from ancient times to the contemporary period across a diversity of cultures and geographic areas. Focusing on the use of words in art and words as art forms, thematic chapters include “Pictures in Words/Words in Pictures,” “Word/Picture Puzzles,” “Picture/Word Puzzles,” “Words as Images,” “The Power of the Word,” and “Monumental and Moving Words.” Chapter subsections further explore cross-cultural themes. Examining text and image relationships from the obvious to the elusive, the puzzling to the profound, the minor to the major, the book demonstrates the diverse ways in which images and writing have been combined through the ages, and explores the interplay between visual and written communication in a wide range of thought-provoking examples. A color insert is included. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

This revised, second edition develops the creative principles established in the first edition, building particularly on three-dimensional forms, featuring a large number of new images.

Drawing on his background as a linguist, O'Toole analyses in detail a number of major works of art to show how the semiotic approach relates a work's immediate impact to other aspects of our response to it: to the scene portrayed, to the social, intellectual and economic world within which the artist and his or her patrons worked, and to our own world. It further provides ways of talking about and interrelating aspects of composition, technique and the material qualities of the work.

Each of the chapters in this volume is a response to theoretical and practical questions regarding the relationship between the art object and language in art history. Accessible to readers of all social science disciplines, the issues discussed challenge the boundaries to thought that some contemporary theorizing sustains.

Contrary to assumptions that drawing is a gift that cannot be learned, this book demonstrates that it is a highly teachable skill. As well as instructing the student how to draw, the book also serves as a visual handbook for artists and designers who need to express ideas through drawing. Each chapter addresses a key topic in drawing method and theory in order to improve technique and understanding. Issues such as perspective and the manipulation of tones and marks to make 3-D forms are tackled in a simple and direct way, with a wealth of drawings by the great masters of the medium, in addition to diagrams and tables. Each section also offers ways for the student to put into practice the ideas and concepts discussed. These 'Ideas to Explore' range from practical exercises in drawing to the selection of drawing surfaces (such as paper) and subjects to discovering ways of thinking.

In drawing attention to the fundamental elements of form inherent in all graphic and sculptural art, Van James opens our eyes to the alphabet of the language of form. Through the simplest of indications, we find ourselves able to read the meaning of works of art from other cultures and times. We begin to know these cultures and peoples in ways we could not know through oral and written language alone. Likewise, we can begin to read the language that Mother Nature speaks through the form of every created object and being. We can join those on the cutting edge of a new science that investigates the spiritual forces at work within physical phenomena through exact perception of qualities of form. For everyone who is fascinated by nature, art, and life in different cultures.

Comprehensive and concise introductory level art text.