If you are anything like me, then you too most likely have struggled when someone asks you what you think of a certain artwork, or what your impressions of a certain art gallery visit are. Usually, I feel like whatever I might say will sound weird. Like, what is the point of saying “I liked it” if I have nothing to base it upon? How do I explain my opinion of something as subjective, so personal, as art? And then, enter this book. I’m a frequent art gallery visitor and therefore I’m often asked about those. Now I have some references to come up with my own way to describe what a certain artwork is to me.
Also, my tween often accompanies me and this book gives me new ways to talk to her about what we have seen and experienced.
I know that this most likely was not the intended use for this book, but this is what it is for me.

I have always enjoyed art but usually can't explain why I like something beyond that it pleases me. It's frustrating because I want to be able to explain why I like some pieces more than others, and I want to be able to use my preferences to find more art that I will enjoy.
This book is amazing because it goes through the basics of what makes up art, everything from light to when the piece was created to what kinds of colors were used. Then the book looks at specific important pieces and shows you what these artists did to create these amazing works of art. It's so much fun to be able to learn about art in a way I can understand.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This is an incredibly useful guide for those who are beginners at art interpretation. The guide is color coded and includes explanations as well as examples.

The Elements of Art by Susie Hodge goes beyond theseven elements of art that most art students study (colour, line, value, shape, form, texture and space) and expands upon these to Scale, colour, light, movement, medium, technique, content location, time and artist.

Hodge explains each of these concepts and how they are employed in not just examining and understanding art, but also how to enhance our own compositions. It helps the artist or viewer to become immersed in the artwork on a whole new level, a deeper level

The book is well laid out and uses well-known pieces from installations to sculptures to illustrate their point further and I really liked the "consider this" points which are helpful if you are making notes in your art journal for example

In the second half of the book, Hodge reviews famous artworks and guides the reader through using these elements to explore the artwork further. A really nice touch is the key for each artwork which clearly denotes the elements that are being used

A very useful and engrossing book and an essential for any artist, art student or art lover. Wonderful

Thank you to Netgalley, Quatro Publishing Group and Susie Hodge for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own