It can be difficult gain perspective on your own time, but these artists manage to do just that. A room full of seeds, a picture of a picture, a billboard on Times Square, and a dead shark: what does it all mean?

Two world wars, sweeping technological change, and the undoing of traditional academic art. Can a urinal count as art? What about a canvas of pure color, or a chair placed in front of a gallery wall? These artists answered yes.

The Pacific Ocean is seen to connect rather than separate the many islands of Oceania. From monumental sculpture to woven armor, navigation charts, feather capes, and more.

Mankind has been making art for at least 100,000 years. From painted rock to carved bone, tiny sculptures to monumental stele, prehistoric art gives clues to human creativity.

Only a thoroughly accomplished artist such as Borough Johnson--a nineteenth-century landscape and genre painter--could manage to illuminate the technique of pencil drawing in these exquisitely simple terms. Artists at every level of experience will appreciate the wealth of information he offers on everything from choosing the right tools to drawing the nude figure. With a host of helpful "how-to" illustrations, as well as a "mini-gallery" of finished compositions, this invaluable guide offers clear direction for artists who want to learn to draw--or sharpen their skills. Johnson starts with the basics, explaining how to hold a pencil for the greatest control, how to select the right paper, and how to add shading and tone for the best results. "The range of effects is infinite," he affirms. Moving outdoors, he tackles landscapes, seascapes, and other scenery, demonstrating where to start your sketch and where to leave off. When drawing the nude figure, he suggests quick poses to capture body structure and balance before adding detail. Best of all, Johnson explores the importance of individuality in each artist and how each one's expression should be absolutely unique. When you see the magnificent artwork included--from stunning portraits of dancers and fishermen to splendid scenes in Venice and Pisa--you'll be inspired to master this expressive art form.

Both serious students and amateurs will appreciate this guide to drawing, an ideal resource for those who want to develop their skills whether for professional reasons or simply for pleasure. Its comprehensive chapters cover all of the basic black-and-white drawing media: pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, brush and ink, quill and rush pens, felt-tip, wash, and mixed media. A showcase of technical methods allows students ample opportunity to experiment with finding their preferred approaches. Technical information includes instruction in such important basics as perspective, proportion, form analysis, light, and shade. Portrait drawing, figure sketching and outdoor sketching are also covered. In addition to the authors' sketches and studies, the text features numerous drawings in a variety of techniques by old masters as well as contemporary artists.

Historical developments in Western art from 18th century to the mid-20th century. Focus on European and American art.