Where should I start researching and learning about art history?
I have absolutely zero background in visual art (I studied music and literature), but I'm really keen to start. Obviously this is hugely overwhelming, especially as a beginner. Are there any resources you'd recommend that are geared towards absolute beginners? Something like a "For Dummies" book.
I'm looking to study all the important movements, key figures, their techniques, key pieces, different mediums, social and cultural contexts, that kind of thing.
I checked out the sticky, and the archives were really cool - super useful - but I want to do more than just look at the pictures.
>>2509544
Honestly for just a casual overview Wikipedia is surprisingly good. The fact that it is full of links too is useful since you can start looking at more art and artists that are relevant as you go.
Start here and read the main articles for each section: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_painting
If you already have studied music history then there will be some overlap since art movements are not restricted to one type of art (ie there is Baroque art and music, and there are stylistic similarities).
In my opinion it is good to get a general idea of the main movements and artists, and then once you figure out what you respond to and like just focus on that one area. Most people on /ic/ for instance will almost only focus on art from the past 150 years or so.
>>2509557
Thanks for your words! Honestly, I'd never of thought to check Wikipedia. This is exactly what I was after. Like you said, the external references are perfect, too.
Could you point me towards any physical books that you think might be useful?
>>2509676
Sorry I never took an art history course that required a textbook so can't suggest anything. I am more familiar with artists from history as opposed to the actual history itself, if that makes sense. If there is an artist I like I will read their biography (either online or a book) and I will look up other artists associated with that person. Mostly I look at their art though. If you keep this up you can start to find many connections between people and get a sense of shifts in art through history. And while some people's art will be seen in a different light when you know the entire historical context, this isn't always the case. Many artists were relatively free from political or social movements that happened in their lifetime.
>>2509676
http://www.amazon.com/Story-Art-E-H-Gombrich/dp/0714832472/
http://www.amazon.com/American-Visions-Epic-History-America/dp/0375703659
http://sparkcharts.sparknotes.com/art/arthistorywestern/
some history vids/docs
Why Beauty Matters
https://vimeo.com/101804860
The Secret of Drawing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H59cVnnF9Y&index=1&list=PLpoDH5EIbj1D4xBgDb5DOsZ71LTYlzu7n
Impressionism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk9XruRJPbY
>>2509734
If we're talking about good art documentaries, Simon Schama's Power of Art is a fantastic series. They used to be up on youtube, not sure if they are still there or not. You can probably find them elsewhere online with a bit of searching though.
You people should seriously get out more. Simple bookstore chain in major shopping mall usually has art section where you can find everything, from beautifully illustrated "History of [input your country ] design" through books on architecture, fashion or even anatomy for artists or even more specialized books like dedicated to orthodox iconography only.
Hell, most of the questions like "how do you study? how many hours? what books or exercises?" can be answered with simple thought process "hmm, I wonder how art students practice...let's check this academy website...oh, here's schedule, subjects and recommended literature".
And to add salt to the wound, your own question OP was answered with "check Wikipedia article on your subject". Jesus Fuck.
Yes, I'm bitter - but not without reason.
>>2509749
Dickhead.
>>2509749
Those types of books can be great, but they are usually focused on a narrow aspect. I myself own lots of art books (enough to fill two full bookshelves) but I still suggested Wikipedia as a starting point. It gives short overviews of major things and connects them. From there it is easy to grasp onto something and dive deeper into it at the library or used book store or other websites.
No reason to be so bitter. Though I do agree most of these questions can be answered with a bit of thought and research. I still can't fault someone for asking a board if there are any recommendations though.
>>2509544
Gombrich has a fantastic history of art book that is easy, enjoyable and very succinct.
>>2509544
Wait... Did Burne Hogarth sculpt the Statue of Liberty? lmao
>>2509544
This is a cool mini series.
Good starting point as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOAVRcI6mFU
