This is a bestselling and comprehensive introductory textbook that uses a four-part structure to cover all aspects of the visual arts, including: how art is designed - the visual language of art; how art is made - the media and processes, covering everything from painting and sculpture to graphic design, digital media, film and installations; the history of art, from prehistoric times to the twenty-first century and including art from all parts of the world; and major themes that recur across cultures and throughout history. A unique feature, the 'Gateways to Art', uses eight iconic images, examined repeatedly from different points of view (compositional, stylistic, etc.), to stimulate perceptions about how great works are created and take their effect. No other book currently available has such a wide coverage, provided in a modular form that enables students and teachers to learn or teach in a truly flexible way. Beautifully illustrated with more than 1,000 images of art, this dynamic and accessible book will appeal as much to the art enthusiast as to those looking for an outstanding educational resource.

Table of Contents:
How to Use this Book * Gateway Features * Introduction Part 1: Fundamentals 1.1 Art in Two Dimensions: Line, Shape and the Principle of Contrast * 1.2 Three-Dimensional Art: Form, Volume, Mass and Texture * 1.3 Implied Depth: Value and Space * 1.4 Colour * 1.5 Time and Motion * 1.6 Unity, Variety and Balance * 1.7 Scale and Proportion * 1.8 Emphasis and Focal Point * 1.9 Pattern and Rhythm * 1.10 Content and Analysis Part 2: Media and Processes 2.1 Drawing * 2.2 Painting * 2.3 Printmaking * 2.4 Visual Communication Design * 2.5 Photography * 2.6 Film/Video and Digital Art * 2.7 Alternative media and processes * 2.8 The Tradition of Craft * 2.9 Sculpture * 2.10 Architecture Part 3: History 3.1. The Prehistoric and Ancient Mediterranean * 3.2. Art of the Middle Ages * 3.3. Art of India, China and Japan * 3.4 Art of the Americas * 3.5 Art of Africa and the Pacific Islands * 3.6 Art of Renaissance and Baroque Europe (1400 - 1750) * 3.7 Art of Europe and America (1700 - 1900) 3.8 Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries: The Age of Global Art Part 4: Themes 4.1. Art and Community * 4.2 Spirituality and Art * 4.3 Art and the Cycle of Life * 4.4 Art and Science * 4.5 Art and Illusion * 4.6 Art and Rulers * 4.7 Art and War * 4.8 Art and Social Conscience * 4.9 The Body in Art * 4.10 Art and Gender * 4.11 Expression Glossary * Further Reading * Sources of Quotations * Illustration Credits * Acknowledgments * Index