Art Appreciation

An open college textbook that teaches you to read a work of art through its design, its historical context and its meaning. It covers the elements and principles, materials and methods, and the big themes art has explored across cultures.

Various Authors

A complete art appreciation course from Coastline College. It explains what art is, how to analyze its visual elements, the main media and techniques, and how art has changed across world history, illustrated with works from major museum collections.

Kevin Scianni

A lively, image-rich introduction to art appreciation. It starts with visual analysis, the elements of art and the principles of composition, then explores art through themes like nature, power, religion, pleasure, identity and death.

Asa Simon Mittman and Evelyn Norris

A secondary school art and design textbook with hands-on chapters on appreciating art, drawing, painting, crafts and design. A practical starting point for younger students and teachers.

NCDC