The Joy of Art: How to Look At, Appreciate, and Talk about Art

by Carolyn Schlam

An Artist’s Insights on Art Appreciation

Written by a practicing artist, this book decodes and maps the basic elements of visual art, leading the reader to a greater understanding and appreciation. Not an art history lesson per se, this illustrated guide is rather a tool kit to make the study of art and a visit to the museum truly rewarding. An entertaining and informative read, The Joy of Art offers the reader:
A working art vocabulary to help you identify and explain what you’re looking at Answers to many of the questions you may have about visual art in general A summary of the basic criteria to consider when looking at art Highlights of the primary art genres and an introduction to the artists who pursued them Many visual examples of aesthetic considerations and practices Interesting facts about your favorite artists and clues to why they made the choices they did A few games to test your new skills
The Joy of Art contains 150 color photographs and many interesting insights from an artist-author who takes readers behind the curtain and into the studio to uncover what actually goes into making a work of art. If you love art, this book will take your appreciation to a new level. Not only will your enjoyment of art increase, you’ll be able to clearly communicate your understanding to others.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, History, Reference

481 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2020

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I applaud any attempt to encourage people to engage with art. However, as a teacher of arts appreciation I get frustrated with appreciation attempts that concentrate on people learning about individual artists and historical style periods instead of giving people the tools to look at any piece of art and be able to analyze it according to principles of design and composition. This book started with promise but the artistic composition information quickly gave way to art history.

One interesting inclusion in this book was a quiz at the end. But once again, it focused on the reader’s recall of artists and styles rather than an opportunity to test analytic techniques.

A decent book, but I wish someone would do it differently.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful info

[Shannon Valdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The writer's passion and enthusiasm made it a delightful read. It was interesting, easy to understand, thought-provoking, and very nicely written.

Unlike most books on art, it does not dive into art history or the personal background of famous artists. Instead, this book teaches you how to observe, appreciate, and find meaning in any work of art in front of you. I especially loved the "Decoding Works of Art" chapter and the exercises at the end to apply what you learn. Fabulous book!

[Aeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a review because a friend was interested in my take of it when I started reading it. This is for you Lauren.

This is a good entry into the world of art, it covers the majority of what my drawing 101 and Art appreciation classes taught me in college. It does so in an interesting and entertaining way. Though the list of artists section is a bit dry. I did struggle a little because I knew I’d never be able to remember all of them distinctly, because it was throwing a lot of names at me at once and I’m not the best at remembering names. Otherwise a good book. If you consider it’s almost the equivalent to two college classes the current price is decent. Though if you compare it to what I paid for it it’s increased $21.00 I got it for 1.99. Glad I bought it, it was a good supplemental resource for college.

[MorrisCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hidden gem this is!

Over the years, I have attempted to read several introductory art books. This is by far the best one and the most accessible I have read thus far.

The author clearly knows about the subject and conveys the message in a concise and conversational manner.

One of the highlights of this book is the chapter focusing on Q&A, where several important questions are raised, in regard to how art is perceived.

Several questions are relevant not just for art, but more importantly, for life in general.

I would highly recommend this book as an introductory course to anyone who wants to begin their artistic journey.

[rumbledethumps · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different approach to teaching art history (and there is art history in here), in that it tries to teach how and why certain artists did what they did in their works, and how you can use this knowledge to better appreciate visual art.

But there's also a bit of "How to talk about art you don't really understand" going on here. (And I almost put the book down for good when the author started talking about Myers-Briggs types of artists and their works).

Some interesting ideas, especially towards the end when she encourages you to think about a painting and write out what you are thinking and why, using some of the tools she gave earlier in the book.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an e-reader copy of it and now I want to buy the hardcover! The writer is very earnest and never stuck-up about art, nor is she dismissive of the great masters. This is a fantastic book to assign to an art appreciation class, or to give to someone who is setting out to go to museums (but hate the intellectual atmosphere of it all). I love the tip about seeing more underrated works vs the tourist trap-y ones because from there you can better hone your analysis and criticism of art. Cannot recommend this enough!

[Elizabeth J · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and thoughtful book

I really enjoyed this book and how Carolyn discussed the various ways of looking at and appreciating art in its many forms, genres and attitudes. She picked interesting pieces to illustrate her points, and introduced me to artists I had not met before and new viewpoints of artistic works. Her enthusiasm has encouraged me to delve more into both my favourite and new-to-me artists and their focuses and motives.

[Stephen Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful as well as useful book in its approach to helping the reader appreciate art. After reading this book, I know that my next visit to an art gallery will be quite different from previous visits. This book equips one with tool to truly engage with art and enjoy it without necessarily being a student of art history. I highly recommend it.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't for me. Growing up in a Chicago burb my mom and I went to the Art Institute often. Even as a child, I liked what I liked. I did not care if it was a masterpiece or even who painted it. Some things never change.

[Michaell Cavllaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNDERSTANDING ART

Before reading this book I really didn't understand what thought processes were involved in making art look and feel like it does to each individual. Now I do. After reading this book I have gained a new appreciation for art and the different forms of art.

[N.J. Danatangelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great Intro to Art book, incredibly accessible with the right balance of breadth and depth. I have a feeling I will come back to this book over the years as my interest in art increases.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book 3.5 stars. It is more for beginning artists than for laypeople wanting to better appreciate artwork. The author covers topics like colors, perspective, and other minutia that were too technical for an introduction to art appreciation.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

After completing this book, looking forward to visiting museums in Paris with my daughter. Appreciated that it wasn't formal. Gaines new perspectives on how to appreciate artwork and styles and techniques to look out for.

[Amy Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if you want to learn about art pieces and what makes them masterpieces.

[Brian Gans · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful overview

Beautiful overview of art viewing and art making from a passionate and thoughtful artist. I learned a lot about having an expert mindset when approaching art.

[Maki · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has neither depth nor much intelligence in this rather introductory book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As “textbooks” go this one was delightfully useful, readable, and provided a good art appreciation overview. I’d love to go through it again!

[Tanya]

I could come back to this one.

[Jenny Blacker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf

Don't bother, so many better art books around

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because English is not my first language, I do not comprehend the entire book that well. But I found this book very informative, and I might read it again in the future.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a journal or diary. Inspiring but uninformative. I might expect to find a book like this at a fancy stationary shop.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im learning so much from the art-related books I’m reading (I’m not an “art person”) and this book was recommended as a good one to “study”!

[Rong Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In a sense, one can look at the history of art as a march from the darkness into the light, an evolution of consciousness.” While I have difficulty seeing the light in abstractionism, I agree wholeheartedly with impressionism. From Monet's "water lily" to Van Gogh's "sunflowers", let there be light!

[dorecorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening