Introduction to Art

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 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