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LOOK! by Gillian Wolfe Kirkus Star

LOOK!

Seeing the Light in Art

by Gillian Wolfe

Pub Date: Nov. 1st, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-84507-467-8
Publisher: Frances Lincoln

When we look at a painting, we receive an instant impression of subject, color, perspective and composition as they come together to form the work of art. Understanding some of the artist’s choices and techniques can enhance our appreciation and enjoyment. That is exactly what Wolfe accomplishes, as she explores the way in which artists use light in their paintings. From the “mysterious light” in a Rousseau work, the “light shapes” in a Picasso work, to Fra Angelico’s “heavenly light,” Wolfe names the light in each of 18 paintings, ranging from the 15th to the 20th centuries. She addresses the reader directly, posing pertinent questions, focusing attention on key elements and suggesting artistic experiments. The paintings are presented singly or in contrasting pairs, and many have enlarged details. The endpapers are bright orange with a variety of descriptive words associated with light printed in many different fonts. Further information about the paintings, their artists and where they can be viewed is given in an addendum. An art lover’s delight. (index) (Nonfiction. 7-12)