How To Look at a Painting

Author: Justin Paton and Tim Flannery

(1 review)

Takes readers on a journey of artistic exploration through the centuries and across the painted world - from the luscious fruits of Caravaggio's Italy to the mysterious 'tombstones' of Japanese artist On Kawara.

(1 review)

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Summary

Description

Justin Paton's Montana Award-winning and much-loved journey through the world of art, now in a superb new format. A true treasure for art-lovers.

Awards

Winner of PANZ Book Design Awards: Best Typography 2009 Winner of Montana New Zealand Book Awards: Lifestyle and Contemporary Culture Category 2006

Critic Reviews

“"Should be compulsory reading. A cultural exploration that deserves to become a classic."”

—Christopher Moore, author, Fluke

"Paton’s purpose is to rekindle the energy generated by paintings, today too often upstaged by technology and obfuscated by “artspeak”. How to Look at a Painting is . . . an informed book and a stimulating one. Reading it while visiting galleries in Britain and the American East Coast, I found that it challenged me to look more intensely." —Elizabeth Rankin, The Art Book

"Nothing gets between Paton and a painting . . . a lively and sensual stylist with a knack for making you feel his enthusiasms." —New Zealand Listener

"An exhilarating read. Among swarms of implacably obtuse art scribblers, Paton shines like a lighthouse in the dark." —John Coley, The Press

"A terrific book, amusing, clever, insightful, generous-spirited and genuinely helpful." —Margo White, Metro books editor

"Paton presents paintings as personable and responsive objects . . . able to both draw viewers in and push them away . . . Elegant, accessible and endlessly thought-provoking." —Richard Wolfe, Art New Zealand

"Conversational, anecdotal, informative and often humorous . . . Paton encourages us to stand still long enough to read the body language of a painting." —Sally Blundell, Art News

"In this absorbing book, painting is revealed as a harbour of memories, connection with deep realities—and a source of satisfaction and fun for painter and viewer alike." —Michael Smither, painter

About the Author

Justin Paton is one of New Zealand's foremost art writers and a contributor to many international publications. His books and art catalogues include those on artists Julia Morison, Jeffrey Harris, Ronnie van Hout, Ricky Swallow, Jude Rae, Michael Parekowhai and Laurence Aberhart. He is senior curator at Christchurch Art Gallery. How to Look at a Painting was the winner of the Montana New Zealand Book Award 2006 in the Lifestyle and Contemporary Culture Category.

Product Details

Publisher

Awa Press

Published

1st September 2008

Edition

2nd

Pages

136

ISBN

9780958291606

Returns

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

01 Jul, 2022

Fantastic book pn developing a better understanding and method of looking at artworks. No surprise the book won all those awards.
By Robyn

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