Originally published as Gateways to art : understanding the visual arts. New York : Thames & Hudson, 2012.

with 1013 illustrations, 865 in colour

Contents : How to Use this Book -- Gateway Features -- Introduction Part 1: Fundamentals 1.1 Art in Two Dimensions: Line, Shape and the Principle of Contrast -- 1.2 Three-Dimensional Art: Form, Volume, Mass and Texture -- 1.3 Implied Depth : Value and Space -- 1.4 Colour -- 1.5 Time and Motion -- 1.6 Unity, Variety and Balance -- 1.7 Scale and Proportion -- 1.8 Emphasis and Focal Point -- 1.9 Pattern and Rhythm -- 1.10 Content and Analysis Part 2 : Media and Processes 2.1 Drawing -- 2.2 Painting -- 2.3 Printmaking -- 2.4 Visual Communication Design -- 2.5 Photography -- 2.6 Film/Video and Digital Art -- 2.7 Alternative media and processes -- 2.8 The Tradition of Craft -- 2.9 Sculpture -- 2.10 Architecture Part 3: History 3.1. The Prehistoric and Ancient Mediterranean -- 3.2. Art of the Middle Ages -- 3.3. Art of India, China and Japan -- 3.4 Art of the Americas -- 3.5 Art of Africa and the Pacific Islands -- 3.6 Art of Renaissance and Baroque Europe (1400 - 1750) -- 3.7 Art of Europe and America (1700 - 1900) 3.8 Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries: The Age of Global Art Part 4: Themes 4.1. Art and Community -- 4.2 Spirituality and Art -- 4.3 Art and the Cycle of Life -- 4.4 Art and Science -- 4.5 Art and Illusion -- 4.6 Art and Rulers -- 4.7 Art and War -- 4.8 Art and Social Conscience -- 4.9 The Body in Art -- 4.10 Art and Gender -- 4.11 Expression Glossary -- Further Reading -- Sources of Quotations -- Illustration Credits -- Acknowledgments -- Index

Covering various aspects of the visual arts, this book includes more than 1,000 images of art. It is suitable for the art enthusiasts.