Introduction: General Overview of the Reading
The book under consideration is called Living with Art and it is dedicated to the analysis of tools and approaches for students better understand the essence of visual arts. Providing a great number of examples, the first part of the books evaluates the nature, elements, and vocabulary of art, presenting a solid ground for student to learn to analyze and assess art successfully (Getlein 12).
The rest of the reading is devoted to the historical study of art, bringing students to better comprehending of art in the context of time and place. In order to conceive the main principles and importance of art, the book provides a range of images illustrating different historic and cultural periods. Analyzing all these elements in general can help learners to better understand visual arts embodying human experience and realize that living in the world of art means living with yourself.
Main Ideas Presented in the Book
The book discusses the art as the main instrument for assessing history, culture, and other significant terrains of human life. Beginning with mere definition of the essence of art and ending with historical and cultural analysis of visual artistic items, the authors makes an effective introduction to different artistic elements, purposes, and styles (Getlein 38). The author provides the analysis of art from several perspectives: purposes and themes of art, the meaning of art, and individual approach and techniques used in part.
What is more important, the author presents art from the historic viewpoint disclosing its value in term of representing historic facts and events. While introducing various themes of art, the author dedicates one-page discussion of a particular art item, and short essays on such topics as public art and restoration. Finally, using different small photos as visual references to particular works and topics, the author strives to initiate the reader into the historic evaluation and discussion of the past.
Discussing the Main Strengths of the Book
The presented reading is quite informative and compelling, as it exhaustively discloses the main tools and elements of visual arts and their role in maintaining cultural and historical heritage of humanity. Throughout the chapters, the author attempts to draw the link between textual information and attached illustrations contributing to better understanding of those visual elements.
It should also be noted that author pays specific attention to the analysis of different types of art with regard to its role in political, social, and cultural life of people. Beginning with general introduction of art goals and missions, proceeding to the main artistic tendencies and styles, and ending with large-scale references to religion, history, and culture, the author skillfully emphasize the global aesthetic impart of art on all spheres of life.
A special consideration deserves the presentation of images, illustrations, and photos in the reading. Particularly, the author makes a skillful combination of images and references providing better comprehension of particular ideas, topics, and artistic terms.
Discussing the Main Weaknesses of the Book
Although the book provide a lot of useful information about art and main artistic principles applied in art, the structure of the books seems to be incomplete. For instance, it is difficult to feel the integrity of the entire text, as the two parts of the books provide completely different perspectives.
In addition, extraordinary consideration of details somehow diverts attention from the main idea of the books. One way of another, the artistic presentation of the books and author’s aspiration to disclose the aesthetic influence on human experience is still worth regarding.
Analyzing the Implications for Studying the Main Principles of Art
This comprehensive art tutorial can be easily introduced to the process of study because the book does not only represent the art in different context, but the book itself embodies the main artistic elements. Careful planning and allocation of illustrations makes the books convenient for readers to apply to the readings. Using several approaches and perspectives of visual art representation can considerably contribute to readers’ understanding of the major tendencies in art media and chronological history schemes.
Taking everything into consideration, the book is of great use for readers who want to conceive the main instruments of visual art and the way it contributes to disclosing the most significant fields of human life. Aside from theoretical frameworks presented, all concepts and principles are integrated into successful examples of visual art.
Conclusion
In general the book presents a multidimensional approach to considering the role of visual art in human life. In particular, presenting a great number of examples, the author skillfully integrates theoretical and factual information, disclosing the essence of illustrations and their historical and cultural origin.
Structuring the book into several parts, the author strives to present various perspectives of art and how they are connected with social, cultural, and political life. Using various techniques and approaches, the books provides an impression of elegance, quality, just as the book on art ought to provide. In general, the book serves as a great contribution to better understanding of the main principles and elements of art.
Works Cited
Getlein, Mark. Living with Art. McGraw-Hill Humanities, 2005. Print.