Introduction to Art - Design, Context, and Meaning

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 college art appreciation textbook that covers what art is, how to talk about it, the visual elements and principles, the main media from drawing to architecture, and art history from prehistory to today.

Lumen Learning

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