Book Description
When, in 1989, a collection of John Updike’s writings on art appeared under the title Just Looking, a reviewer in the San Francisco Chronicle commented, “He refreshes for us the sense of prose opportunity that makes art a sustaining subject to people who write about it.” In the sixteen years since Just Looking was published, he has continued to serve as an art critic, mostly for The New York Review of Books, and from fifty or so articles has selected, for this richly illustrated book, eighteen that deal with American art.
After beginning with early American portraits, landscapes, and the transatlantic career of John Singleton Copley, Still Looking then considers the curious case of Martin Johnson Heade and extols two late-nineteenth-century masters, Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins. Next, it discusses the eccentric pre-moderns James McNeill Whistler and Albert Pinkham Ryder, the competing American Impressionists and Realists in the early twentieth century, and such now-historic avant-garde figures as Alfred Stieglitz, Marsden Hartley, Arthur Dove, and Elie Nadelman. Two appreciations of Edward Hopper and appraisals of Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol round out the volume.
America speaks through its artists. As Updike states in his introduction, “The dots can be connected from Copley to Pollock: the same tense engagement with materials, the same demand for a morality of representation, can be discerned in both.”
On Just Looking
“Some of these essays are marvelous examples of critical explanation, in which the psychological concerns of the novelist drive the eye from work to work in an exhibition until a deep understanding of the art emerges.”
—Arthur Danto, The New York Times Book Review
“These are remarkably elegant little essays, dense in thought and perception but offhandedly casual in style. Their brevity makes more acute the sense of regret one feels to see them end.” —Jeremy Strick, Newsday
Customer Reviews:
The Language of American Art.......2006-08-31
I love John Updike's essays. His perspicacious critical writing is, more often than not, a joy to explore. However, I have to agree with a previous review, which wonders at the lack of female representation. In a country with giants like Jenny Holzer, Kara Walker, Louise Bourgeois, Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, and Helen Frankenthaler pushing the bounderies of art; it's impossible to think of this book as anything other than a reflection of Updike's personal preferences. Therefore, don't expect a comprehensive collection of essays about "the best" (whatever that means) American art.
An art critic's prime articles on American art.......2006-04-27
In 1989 a collection of John Updike's writings on art appeared under the title JUST LOOKING, providing a refreshingly different viewpoint on the art world: in the last sixteen years he's continued his career as an art critic and has selected eighteen prime articles on American art for this edition. From eccentric artists and unusual American art history influences to portraits of historic figures, Updike's literary and historical review touches upon a range of mediums, artists, and emotional and spiritual influences, making STILL LOOKING: ESSAYS ON AMERICAN ART a vivid, lively consideration.
Excellent Sampler of American Art History.......2006-02-21
John Updike is a prize-winning novelist, but he was also trained in fine art and has written a number of gallery show reviews, especially for the New York Review of Books. His reviews are always interesting and point out many aspects of the artist's work being shown. "Still Looking: Essays on American Art" is a collection of his reviews and that collection is quite eclectic, covering such artists as Whistler, Copley, Ryder, Eakins, Homer, Hopper, Nadelman, Dove, Hassam, Pollack and Hartley, as well as the photographer Stieglitz and two theme reviews on storms and landscapes in his eighteen chapters. While all of his highlighted artists are male, he has good things to say about Mary Cassatt (p. 118) and he does reproduce two of O'Keeffe's watercolors (p. 142) and one of her oils (p. 143). I think his relative lack of female artists in this volume may have more to do with the shows he reviewed for the various publications than any especially strong male bias.
That said, this book is magnificent! The articles are well done and the art work is reproduced in vibrant color. I found a number of works I had never seen as well as "discovering" several artists that were essentially new to me, and was fascinated by the depth of the art produced by them. If you want to begin to learn about American artists, this collection of reviews is a very good place to start.
Insightful prose, insightful images.......2006-01-24
Updike makes for a keen and amiable exhibition companion in this collection of essays on American art, and there's little I can add to the positive editorial reviews. The illustrations, however, deserve note: they are extraordinarily sharp, despite their size. As one example on p. 50, the lightning bolt in Heade's "Approaching Thunderstorm" (1859) razors down on the left side of the canvas--a detail I have never seen captured in any other book, including those devoted to Heade and containing much larger reproductions of this memorable work. The publisher's technical staff deserve credit and the appreciation of art lovers who, for this reason, will enjoy Updike's guided tours even more.
Why does Updike ignore women artists? .......2006-01-14
I find it disturbing that John Updike can apparently find no female artist worthy of mention in his book...beyond one artist who is practically unknown. And she is included only because his family owned a piece of artwork created by her. Updike seems very dismissive of even this one female contributor.
He does find room in his book to include a nude photo of the great artist Georgia O'Keefe, but no actual artwork created by O'Keeffe. That should give you a clue what the rest of the book is like.
Disturbing, too, are Updike's dismissive comments about Edward Hopper; he claims that Edward Hopper can't paint faces very well.
So even though I purchased this book, I don't recommend it to others. Give this one a pass.
Customer Reviews:
art for youth.......2000-06-19
I checked out this book from the library because, as an adult, I felt I didn't know enough about paintings to appreciate them fully when I visited an art gallery. This book briefly covers a large number of aspects of art including color, perspective, portraits, and landscape. The paintings used as examples are many and varied and they are beautifully reproduced. I learned many things but as I read, I came up with many more questions the book did not answer. However, I am a 36-year-old college graduate. I believe that the book is quite informative for its recommended age group: 9-12. I am getting a copy for my artistic nephew's tenth birthday.
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The Figured Landscapes of Rock-Art: Looking at Pictures in Place
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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The Archaeology of Rock-Art (New Directions in Archaeology Series)
ASIN: 0521818796 |
Book Description
A companion to The Archaeology of Rock-Art (Cambridge, 1998), this new collection addresses the most important component of the rock-art panel: its landscape. The book draws together the work of many well-known scholars from key regions of the world known for rock-art and rock-art research. It provides insight into the location and structure of rock-art and its role within the landscapes of ancient worlds.
Book Description
Beautifully illustrated with paintings from the National Palace Museum, this volume is the first, long-awaited English guide book written by a Chinese scholar, covering the history, philosophy, and techniques of traditional Chinese painting. Mr. Wang, Curator of Painting at the National Palace Museum, discusses pigments and colors, ink, inscriptions, seals and mounting, relationship between painting and calligraphy, copies and forgeries. Over 150 color photographs, including delicate details of many masterworks, along with comparisons and descriptions,enable the reader to understand and distinguish the styles and periods of Chinese painting. A must-read for students and collectors of Chinese painting and an excellent introduction for a general audience.
Customer Reviews:
A fine introduction to classic Chinese paintings.......2000-01-02
This is a totally gorgeous book with high-quality color photographs of important Chinese paintings. These graphics alone are very pleasing to look. I am not an expert in Oriental art, but it was easy to see from these photographs and illustrations the magnificence of Chinese paintings. They surely are one of the most under-rated forms of art in the world, and deserves more international attention.
This book also looks into the history of this art form, including how masterpieces were deliberately copied by apprentices for them to learn the delicate brush-strokes. And best of all, this book provides many guides on how to appreciate each of these paintings. Before reading this book, I believed the stamps on the canvas and scrolls were of the artists themselves. Now I know better. I also learned the meaning of the short poems written on some of these paintings, which gave me a better understanding of the artists' intentions.
Now, I look forward to looking at the real paintings.
Book Description
In this, the only up-to-date critical work on still life painting in any language, Norman Bryson analyses the origins, history and logic of 'still life', one of the most enduring forms of Western painting. The first essay is devoted to Roman wall-painting while in the second the author surveys a major segment in the history of still life, from seventeenth-century Spanish painting to Cubism. The third essay tackles the controversial field of seventeenth-century Dutch still life. Bryson concludes in the final essay that the persisting tendency to downgrade the genre of still life is profoundly rooted in the historical oppression of women.In Looking at the Overlooked, Norman Bryson is at his most brilliant to date. These superbly written essays will stimulate us to look at the entire tradition of still life with new and critical eyes.
Customer Reviews:
brilliant.......2007-04-11
If you're wavering on your decision to purchase this work, just go for it. I took a seminar from Professor Bryson one semester, and let me tell you, this man simply exists on a whole different intellectual level. He constantly confronts and re-perceives art and artistic theory, pushing your mind to process visual information in radically different ways.
Looking at the Overlooked, The first critical book I have read on Still Life painting.......2005-09-17
There is not much literature available on the subject of still life painting that goes beyond the obvious surface information. This is the first review of the history of still life painting which reexamines the human implications of different still life ideas throughout history. The four essays are in depth explorations of the challenging questions asked by seemingly ordinary subject matter and the formal ways in which artists engage these concepts. I wish I would have known about this book years ago.
range and richness .......2005-08-10
In many american universities there is a sharp division between the classic art historians and the linguistics-inclined post modernists. Bryson's range encompasses both.
A sensitive, intimate book on the virtues of still lifes.......1999-09-05
This small and highly accessible book reflects on the significance of the slighted area of still life painting. It is a gentle and reflective reminder of the significance of domesticity and the interior in painting.
Customer Reviews:
BE a COLLECTOR online / OR / in your IMAGINATION . . ........2007-05-03
Once again Bob Raczka is inspiring readers to assemble their own collections of art. His book "Here's Looking at Me" introduces a gallery of portraits, painted in a great variety of styles. What is he trying to tell us with this particular selection?
The first, an interesting, very detailed sketch of Albrecht Durer, is thought to be the earliest self-portrait in existence. Raczka explains that the making of one's own portrait is an excellent way to practice drawing. Perhaps you have done this yourself? It reveals more than you might imagine - not only how great an artist you may be! Rembrandt is not included & he was a prolific painter of self-portraits but perhaps it wasn't as much for practice as "an ego thing"? His are particularly interesting because they give a vivid history of the aging of that great artist. Gustave Caillebotte's self-portrait is not one of Raczka's choices but is included in the truly charming children's book "My Summer in Caillebotte's Garden" (#2903824207), a favorite of mine. A casual, summery straw-hatted portrait, it is a special delight. Look for it on the internet.
On the flyleaf of Raczka's book, the author uses a sketch he made of himself. Junior High & High School students will have an absorbing time studying these paintings, and pondering some of Bob Raczka's questions which could spark many class discussions. The following artists he has featured interest me especially for that purpose: Henri Rousseau (1844-1910), M.C. Escher (1898-1972), Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000), Chuck Close (1940- ?), Cindy Sherman (1954- ?).
So go to it, whatever your age, and Reviewer mcHaiku will be making her choices right along with all of you.
Engaging art.......2006-07-23
The way an artist presents him/herself in a self-portrait tells us a great deal about them. This book includes self-portraits of painters and photographers including Jacob Lawrence, MC Escher, Albrecht Durer, Norman Rockwell, Henri Rousseau, Cindy Sherman, Chuck Close, Vermeer, Goya, Velazquz and Artemesia Gentileschi. Facing each full page picture is a discussion of the portrait.
Ultimately the reader can ask themselves how they would present themselves in a self-portrait? Would you show just your head or your whole body? Would you dress in your fanciest clothes or would you wear your everyday duds? Where would you place yourself? Would you want anything in the picture with you?
This is a very engaging and accessible book for art teachers or anyone who wants to explore this most personal of art forms.
Enjoyable Art Lesson.......2006-03-25
"Here's Looking at Me:How Artists See Themselves" is one of clever Bob Raczka's books about art. In this one, he is asking the reader to look more closely at the way artists portray themselves. For example, he explains why Marc Chagall has seven fingers in his self-portrait, and why the window in Jacob Lawrence's self-portrait looks out on Harlem even though Lawrence is standing in his Seattle studio.The book is arranged chronologically, beginning with a portrait that Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) drew of himself when he was only fifteen and ending with two imaginative photographs that Cindy Sherman (1954-) shot of herself. Each artistic work is accompanied by an explanation that tells the reader something about the art work and something about the artist. Although this books like his other books was written for children, it is highly recommended for anyone of any age who enjoys art.
Book Description
“Lavishly illustrated. Clear, easy-to-follow directions.”—Library Journal. “A creative way to splash color and de-sign across your floors. Covers a wide range of innovative techniques from sponging to collage.”—The Washington Times. “Helps you decorate floors with eye-catching results. Plenty of samples are at hand displaying a wide range of styles.”—Decorative Artist’s Workbook.
Customer Reviews:
All you need to make works of art for your floors and walls.......2001-11-28
I love making my own decorations but I like to finish projects that look tasteful and as nice (or better) than anything I could buy. You can't go wrong with this book, whether you are just starting out or looking for a larger challenge. There are some easier projects as well as ones that are more difficult. You could spend years using this book and not run out of ideas. Plenty of full-color photos, step by step directions and techniques. Worth every penny you spend on this one!
All you need to make works of art for your floors and walls.......2001-11-28
I love making my own decorations but I like to finish projects that look tasteful and as nice (or better) than anything I could buy. You can't go wrong with this book, whether you are just starting out or looking for a larger challenge. There are some easier projects as well as ones that are more difficult. You could spend years using this book and not run out of ideas. Plenty of full-color photos, step by step directions and techniques. Worth every penny you spend on this one!
All you need to make works of art for your floors and walls.......2001-11-28
I love making my own decorations but I like to finish projects that look tasteful and as nice (or better) than anything I could buy. You can't go wrong with this book, whether you are just starting out or looking for a larger challenge. There are some easier projects as well as ones that are more difficult. You could spend years using this book and not run out of ideas. Plenty of full-color photos, step by step directions and techniques. Worth every penny you spend on this one!
Inspirational.......2000-08-29
I borrowed this book from a friend and had to buy a copy for myself. It gets your right-brain in high gear. If you're looking for the cutesy, folksy arts & crafts flowing out of China these days, forget this one. But if you like to create and like the unique, this is it. Even if you've never did a cloth before, this book will show you step by step and lead you to create a work of art!
Terrific book.......2000-01-23
I love this book. In the first place, it's just a beautiful publication--very well written and designed, and loaded with examples of gorgeous floorcloths by many artists. I borrowed it from the library just to look at the pictures, then decided I had to buy a copy for myself! Secondly, the instructions are wonderfully clear and precise (I've written and edited instructional manuals, so I know good instructions when I see them.)
I've made one floorcloth and have started a second. This is practically the first time in my 49 years that I have actually completed a craft project, and I'm thrilled with myself, with my new floorcloth (now on my bathroom floor) and with this book. Anyone who is interested in floorcloths surely would want a copy.
Book Description
Follow Mickey and his friends through this most magical of worlds as they show us how to look at, understand, and enjoy the works of the greatest artists.
Customer Reviews:
Art-tastic!.......2007-01-10
This book on the history of art and why art is the way it is, kept my 7 year old spell bound. It created positive conversations about emotions and exaggerations in paintings. This book was originally for our 4 year old because she is more of the artist. She enjoyed the pictures but did not stay interested very long.
An excellent, gorgeous and highly accessible book.......2005-02-13
Disney Looking At Paintings: An Introduction To Fine Art For Young People uses Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto to show young readers the majesty and imagination present in great works. Full-color, finely reproduced images of classic artworks captivate the eye on almost every page. The text renders artistic concepts in readily accessible terms. Chapters address how shape, size, color, light and dark, motion, materials and more are applied in works of art ranging in style from impressionism to realism to modern art and much more. Simple quizzes help reinforce the lessons about art learned in this excellent, gorgeous and highly accessible book, superb for reading aloud to young ones or letting them discover on their own.
Average customer rating:
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Looking at Faces in Art (How to Look at Art)
Joy Richardson
Manufacturer: Gareth Stevens Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
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ASIN: 0836826248 |
Customer Reviews:
Good introduction to art.......2000-06-15
This is a very good resource for grades K-3. The concepts are easy to understand and the lessons are valuable. Along with a solid introduction to faces and shadowing in drawings and painting, this book provides a good introduction to some major artists such as van Gogh and Picasso. This is not an extensive book on the subject so it should only be purchased for fairly young children as a short introduction to the topics.
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- The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets
- The Bulldozer in the Countryside: Suburban Sprawl and the Rise of American Environmentalism (Studies in Environment and History)
- The Complete Oil Painter: The Essential Reference for Beginners to Professionals
- The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe
- The Film Encyclopedia 5e: The Most Comprehensive Encyclopedia of World Cinema in a Single Volume (Film Encyclopedia)
- The Last Full Measure
- The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Frères & Co.
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