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The So You Want To Be An Art Major book list
Susan's note:
These materials will help you begin a basic art reference library, and prepare you for subject
matter which will be covered in college art classes or other art education. If you are planning a career in
computer graphics or animation, a basic art background is helpful. In my quest for good books
on the subject of art, and sorted by those which are still generally available, these top my
list as a well-rounded introduction. Please note that the books described as typical textbooks
are in use in many colleges, but may not be the designated texbooks at a particular college or
for a specific class. Although the resource list was compiled with the college-bound student in mind, these
books are certainly appropriate for independent study as well. They are listed roughly in the order
in which I suggest working through them. They are my personal favorites, but this should not be considered
an endorsement by Digital Granite.
Susan of Digital Granite
Art Books and Resources
How to Draw What You See
by Rudy De Reyna
Your instructors will probably assume that you are familiar with these basic drawing techniques by the time you arrive on campus.
Perspective Without Pain
by Philip W. Metzger
Another book focusing on basic technique, this one explains how to create a sense of depth in drawings and paintings.
The Non-Designer's Design Book
by Robin Williams
The design terminology explained in this book will help you describe your artistic ideas to others in the language of the art field. Specifically addressing two-dimensional graphic design, fonts and typefaces, the book explains the principles of good design in any type of page layout.
Art of the Western World
on VHS
PBS Video Documentary hosted by Michael Wood. Take a tour from the comfort of your living room to view famous works of art in Europe and America, arranged by historical era.
Art of the Western World
From Ancient Greece to Post-Modernism
by Bruce Cole, Adelheid Gealt (Contributor), Michael Wood (Introduction)
This book is a companion of the PBS Video Documentary series of the same name, and provides more detailed narrative than the videos. Best used as a supplement to the videos.
A World of Art with CD-ROM
by Henry M. Sayre
This typical Art Appreciation course texbook describes the elements of art and the artistic creative process, laying the groundwork for further study.
Gilbert's Living with Art with CD-ROM
by Mark Getlein
Another typical Art Appreciation course textbook.
Arts and Ideas
by William Fleming
Addressing the art, architecture, drama, music, and ideology of various periods throughout history, this book highlights prevailing styles and major works and demonstrates the interrelation of various aspects of culture. Typical textbook for introductory Humanities courses. This book will help you discuss art intellegently with majors in other fields, a definite advantage in coversation around campus.
Drawing: Space, Form, and Expression
by Wayne Enstice, Melody Peters
A typical Drawing Fundamentals course textbook.
Drawing: A Contemporary Approach
by Claudia Betti, Teel Sale
A typical Advanced Drawing course textbook.
Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice
by Otto G. Ocvirk (Editor), Robert E. Stinson, Philip R. Wigg, Robert Bone
A typical Two-Dimensional Design course textbook.
Gardner's Art Through The Ages
by Fred S. Kleiner, Christin J. Mamiya, Richard G. Tansey
A typical Art History Survey course textbook. If this book is not required for your class, read it anyway! If you buy only one book on the history and sociological perspectives of art, let it be this one. This classic was first published in 1926 and improves with each new edition. This is a fascinating study of art throughout history, and an overview of history with art as the focus. This book offers a solid beginning for serious study of art history.
Gardner's Art Through The Ages, Study Guide
A study guide is a helpful aid to progressing through such a massive book.
Gardner's Art Through The Ages, Volume I
Gardner's Art Through the Ages, described above, is also available as a two-volume set. This is volume 1.
Gardner's Art Through The Ages, Volume II
Gardner's Art Through the Ages, described above, is also available as a two-volume set. This is volume 2.
Other books which cover a broad survey of art history:
Art History by Marilyn Stokstad, David Cateforis, Stephen Addiss
History of Art by H. W. Janson, Anthony F. Janson
The Story of Art by Ernst Hans Gombrich
A History of Graphic Design
by Philip B. Meggs
Not only for commercial artists, this book addresses the major milestones in the history of art created for mass distribution. A must for those studying printing, typography and the graphic arts. Those interested in computer art or animation will find that while this book is not specific to newer art forms, it identifies the historical tradition behind such art forms.
History of Modern Art
by H. Harvard Arnason, Marla F. Prather, H. Horvard Arnason
A typical textbook for History of Contemporary Art courses, this book covers various movements from Impressionism though the 20th century into the 1990s. If you are creating art today, you will be a contemporary artist, so it's best to know the buzz-words and driving personalities.
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