Art is more than just decoration; it’s a way of expressing ideas and emotions that words can’t fully explain. From paintings to sculptures, music, and literature, art has played a key role in shaping civilizations. Art helps humans understand the world around them, both the physical and the human world. It is also an integral part of culture, supporting the establishment of a society and preventing subversive messages from being silenced — and it influences, mirrors, and reveals change in politics and morality.
The question of what is art, however, continues to be debated. In the past, art was defined as a craft that one could excel at by practice and hard work. During the era of Romanticism and individualism, it became more about personal vision and the search for originality. Today, many people still define art in traditional ways – having to do with order, harmony, and representation – while others argue that it is possible for anything – even a beautifully plated five-course meal or Madonna lyrics – to be considered as artistic.
Most people who work in art history identify themselves as specialists in the study of a particular culture or period – for example, 19th-century German or contemporary Chinese art. Others specialize in a particular medium, such as painting, drawing, or printmaking. Some people define art in very broad terms, including all works that stimulate the senses and evoke emotions. Some, like the American painter Edward Hopper, define it as a “way of grasping the world” – not just the natural world, but also the human world and spiritual experience.
Art education is a complex field, with countless options and approaches. Some students take classes that focus on the development of specific skills, such as drawing and painting. Other programs provide a more holistic approach that allows students to explore the entire history of art through different cultures, time periods, and styles. This is often a more challenging approach, but one that can help students develop a deeper understanding of the art they are studying.
Some educators are trying to create new approaches to art education by using digital tools, introducing a social-media component, and encouraging creative thinking and analysis. One major challenge, though, is finding enough time in the classroom to incorporate art lessons into a full curriculum. Fortunately, there are many online resources that offer fun, easy-to-use art lesson plans for teachers of all levels of experience.
Discovering Art History is an in-depth, comprehensive art history textbook that covers Western and non-Western art and includes studio activities throughout the text. Students will enjoy learning about the many different historical periods and movements of art while developing higher-order thinking skills. The textbook’s engaging studio activities will also help students connect and apply what they learn. In addition, this textbook provides students with the opportunity to connect their art education with literary integration and cultural diversity. These features make this a unique, innovative art history text.