Examine geometric and "organic" shapes in painting and sculpture and the crucial relationship of figure to ground and mass to space. Then, explore the illusionistic use of shading, shadows, and overlapping shapes in Caravaggio's and Friedrich's works, and the compositional power of shapes in paintings such as Matisse's "Dance" and Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam".

In examining the diverse functions and types of portraits, study the important elements of facial presentation and the subject's position and gaze with relation to the viewer and the pictorial space. See how Rembrandt added dramatic power to his group "corporation" portraits, and how David carefully rendered Napoleon in symbolic terms.

Across the centuries, self-portraits fascinatingly reveal the changing role of the artist. Follow this progression, from Renaissance painters subtly placing themselves within large compositions, to self-portraiture's emergence as a major form of self-revelation, noting many dramatic and colorful traditions within the form.

The richness of signs (signifiers) in art includes the use of symbols, icons, and indexes as they reveal layers of meaning. See how, in different historical eras, symbolic associations change over time, how icons visually represent a subject, and how indexes exhibit direct connections with the thing signified.

A story spanning a decade and starring a cast of characters straight out of novel-from rock icons and film stars, art dealers and art forgers-brings to life the bitter debate over the authenticity of a series of paintings by the most famous American artist of the 20th century.

"Artists are some of the great observers of history. Whether it's with a canvas and brush or piece of stone and chisel or modelling clay, art has long depicted historical events, people, and movements. In this book, readers are introduced to using art as a primary source. Through interesting yet accessible text, this volume gives struggling readers both modern and history examples of how art can teach us about the past and the world around us. Accompanying...

The music industry is a broad category that includes a variety of businesses and organizations involved in the production, distribution, and promotion of music. The industry includes record labels, music publishers, music venues, artist development and artists management companies, concert promoters and many more. The music industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies and business models have emerged in recent years. The industry has been...

Michael Hienzsch grew up in a musical family and took up piano at the age of six. He earned a degree in Music Composition from U.C. Berkeley, and took private instruction in conducting, orchestration, and jazz arranging. Michael has been the music director on over 75 musical theater productions, and has performed in Moscow, London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. His works have been performed on three continents. He has...

When a little girl asks meaningful questions about creating art, her questions are answered by a diverse group of artists throughout time and history. This inspiring picture book about making art doubles as an introduction to the multifaceted and global history of art. Making both art history and art creation accessible to all, "Time to Make Art" nourishes creativity, encouraging young readers to see the artist in themselves.

Claude Debussy holds a place as a one of the most recognizable and influential composers in the classical music. Debussy forged a new and influential sound for the twentieth century with his remarkable harmonies, fluid rhythms, airy textures, and an instinct for mystery and beauty. In Experiencing Debussy: A Listener's Companion, Teresa Davidian welcomes readers into the infectious appeal of Debussy's major works to consider how they can still attract...