Picture This: How Pictures Work (Art Books, Graphic Design Books, How to Books, Visual Arts Books, Design Theory Books) - (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 152
Genre: Art
Sub-Genre: Criticism & Theory
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Age Range: Adult
Language: English

About the Book

"Everyone knows that a picture tells a thousand words. But what about the elements that make up a picture? Using the tale of Little Red Riding Hood as an example, Molly Bang uses boldly graphic artwork to explain how images--and their individual components--work to tell a story that engages the emotions: Why are diagonals dramatic? Why are curves calming? Why does red feel hot and blue feel cold? First published in 1991, Picture This fans will welcome the new edition's striking redesign and introduce its insights to many other artists and art appreciators alike."-Amazon.com

Book Synopsis

Molly Bang's brilliant, insightful, and accessible treatise is now revised and expanded for its 25th anniversary.

Bang's powerful ideas remain unparalleled in their simplicity and genius: Explore the intricate and thought-provoking ideas that Bang brings to Picture This including thoughts about how the visual composition of images works to engage the emotions, and how the elements of an artwork can give it the power to tell a story. Why are diagonals dramatic? Why are curves calming? Why does red feel hot and blue feel cold? She asks the right questions to get your wheels turning while the illustrations and thoughtful designs bring the words to life.

• Explores the mix of geometrical abstraction and emotional expressions, plus how a few clear principles can be used to build powerful visual statements.
• Encourages you to answer the question, How does the structure of a picture--or any visual art form--affect our emotional response?
• Includes powerful imagery and beautiful illustrations to help readers feel connected to the text.

First published in 1991, Picture This has changed the way artists, illustrators, reviewers, critics, and readers look at and understand art.

Molly Bang has authored and illustrated more than three dozen books and has won three Caldecott Honors, a Kate Greenaway Honor, and a Charlotte Zolotow Award, among other accolades, in her long career as a writer and artist.

Picture This makes an imaginative and inspiring gift for any artist or loved one who is interested in design.

Review Quotes

An accessible and enjoyable introduction to understanding visual narrative.-School Library Connection

Picture This is the Strunk and White of visual literacy. A must for anyone interested in reading and understanding images. -Brian Selznick, author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret

About the Author

Molly Bang has authored and illustrated more than three dozen books and has won three Caldecott Honors, a Kate Greenaway Honor, and a Charlotte Zolotow Award, among other accolades, in her long career as a writer and artist.