An Art Appreciation Primer: Elements and Principles of Design helps students develop a thorough understanding of how the elements and principles of design can be applied to the understanding of composition. Students will then be able to apply this knowledge to unfamiliar works of art, beyond those typically presented in standard textbooks. Principles covered in this primer include visual elements such as line and pattern, shape and mass, light and color. Students will also enhance their ability to appreciate and interpret space, time and motion, and texture.
The book helps students recognize and value how balance, rhythm, repetition, contrast, scale, and proportion are used in the visual arts. Each chapter includes activities and project ideas that allow students to immediately apply what they have learned.
An Art Appreciation Primer: Elements and Principles of Design takes learning beyond textbooks and makes it possible for students to use their knowledge and skills to analyze and appreciate art in non-classroom contexts. The book is an excellent companion to standard textbooks for courses in art appreciation and introductory art history. It is also a great resource for high school art teachers.
Jennifer Snyder earned her Ed.D. in art education at Florida State University, Tallahassee. She is an assistant professor at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she also works with the London Study Abroad Program. Dr. Snyder is an active conference participant, most recently at the Society for Education through Art International Conference in Melbourne, Australia. In addition to her work with the university she serves as the high school arts coordinator for the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council. Dr. Snyder is a member of the National Art Education Association and the public arts committee for the city of Clarksville.
