The Elements of Art deconstructs great works of art into manageable components so that you can better understand and appreciate them.

Knowing how to interpret art is one of the biggest issues facing casual gallery-goers. They may ask themselves questions like: Why is the Mona Lisa so small? Why are some frames gilded in gold while others are non-existent? What can the use of material say about a work, whether its an oil painting, collage or made of found objects? And does the life of the artist matter?

This book answers all of these questions and more and introduces the key elements with which you can analyse and better understand artwork. From colour, medium and sizeto where the piece is situated, and the artist who made it, youll learn whats important and whats not so important.
The book includes two parts:

• Part One introduces the elements using examples from throughout art history, introducing key terms and techniques while giving you the tools to apply lessons learned outside of the book.
• Part Two puts the elements into practice by breaking down 30 great artworks element by elementfrom Michelangelo to Frida Kahlo.

With the Elements of Art, youll learn important information about technique, style, material, location and colour that will shape you to read and interpret art. Whether you're a student, teacher, culture vultureor art enthusiast, this book will help you de-mystify great works of art, making for a more meaningful, fulfilling and enjoyable visit to any gallery.