Ideas About Art is an intelligent, accessible introductory text for students interested in learning how to think about aesthetics.

It uses stories drawn from the experiences of individuals involved in the arts as a means of exposing readers to the philosophies, theories, and arguments that shape and drive visual art.

• An accessible, story-driven introduction to aesthetic theory and philosophy
• Prompts readers to develop independent ideas about aesthetics; this is a guide on how to think, not what to think
• Includes discussions of non-western, contemporary, and discipline-specific theories
• Examines a range of art-based dilemmas across a wide variety of disciplines - from art and design and law to visual and museum studies

About the Author

KATHLEEN K. DESMOND is Professor of Art & Design and Byler Distinguished Faculty at the University of Central Missouri. An award-winning teacher and scholar, Desmond teaches art appreciation, aesthetics, art criticism, and art theory. Her articles about contemporary art and artists and college art learning are published in Art Journal, Art Education, Aesthetics On-line, Review, Dialogue, and New Art Examiner. Past Chair of the College Art Association's Education Committee, Desmond conducted conference sessions that yielded data supporting this text.

Reviews

"This book will engage the serious reader of art theory with accessible language and interesting imagery and personal." (SchoolArts, 1 May 2014)

"This book provides many refreshingly-new ideas about art from many people and areas of the world, as well as open-ended, non-dogmatic discussions on many topics." (Biz India, 10 December 2012)

"This text offers art-interested students and general readers a sampling of ideas on a wide range of topics, in an accessible, non-intimidating manner." (Book News, 1 August 2011)

"This book will engage the serious reader of art theory with accessible language and interesting imagery and personal stories." (School Arts, 1 May 2014)

Book Information
ISBN 9781405178822
Author Kathleen K. Desmond
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 13mm