Beautiful.Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it.

Excellent book, I work as an art educator using the Reggio approach so it’s very open ended but even so having some historical background references and research is very valuable.
Sometimes the internet can be too full of rabbit holes when it comes to art- brilliant, of course, and so many questions have no definitive answers, so there is endless scope for discussion, but having a book at hand is so much better for my young kids and to have real visual resources at hand.
I have hundreds of art books but this one has filled a niche on the shelf.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

Since I am fascinated by the story the elements of the Art tell, this book was an interesting read for me. I like how each elements was explained, in plain speak, and that the book used examples of actual (and famous) paintings to explain how the elements were layered on and just generally an insightful and interesting read.

As someone who is basically the intended target market for this book (interested in art, occasional gallery visitor, no formal art education), I found this book really illuminating in terms of how to understand & appreciate a work, and providing a framework for this appreciation, with in-depth studies of various well-known artworks. Also great to see female artists included - this SHOULD be the norm, but sadly it's not (Umberto Eco's On Beauty, 2004, stands out as a particular failure in this regard).

Elements of Art is such a fantastic reference. It would be a perfect reference for anyone new to the study of art or someone just wishing to impress their friends on their next trip to the museum. Hodge breaks down basic principles in quick, easy-to-understand snippets that open up an entirely new way of seeing fine art of all subject matter. And I found the practical applications to classic works a great comprehension tool.

The Elements of Art outlines 10 elements to help us as viewers probe more deeply into art works -- scale, color, light, movement, medium, technique, content, location, time and artist. In each of these sections, examples are shown and discussed in a clear and informative way. Then the book dives into specific art works through the lens of different elements. I learned a lot and was able to view some iconic works in a different way meaning I noticed things I had not seen before. I really appreciated that a lot of women artists were used as examples throughout. At the end of the book is an Art Timeline as well as a glossary. A beautiful book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion and I voluntarily left this review.

An interesting and useful book about art interpretation for people who are newto the subject.
I enjoyed it very much and it made me appreciate art even more!!

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

‘Elements of Art’, subtitled ‘Ten Ways to Decode the Masterpieces’ is a fine book of text and images, providing a structured method to better looking at and understanding visual art. It is a great book. A useful book for anyone who enjoys art. I was pleasantly surprised at the content and quality.

The first part of the book examines various Elements that make up a piece of artwork. These Elements are applicable to not only painting, but also photography and 3D works such as sculpture, installations or kinetic art. The Elements, once explained and understood provide a basis for viewing art for either the novice or a more experienced viewer. They make engaging with art a more compelling and comprehensive experience.

Some of the Elements are to be expected such as scale, colour, light, movement and medium. The author discusses how the artist goes about using a particular Element and the effect, message or impact intended. It is a thought-provoking approach, concisely and eloquently explained with text and examples. Other Elements important to consider may be less obvious to the viewer. For example, the original location or placement of the artwork may be meaningful. Or perhaps the period in history when the artwork was created, which may reflect contemporary fashions, beliefs, politics, styles and so forth.

The Elements presented are from a wide variety of times in the past, various cultures, artistic movements and locations. New materials and technologies of course become available over time and the Elements themselves become more fluid, wide-ranging and open to interpretation.

The second part of the book examines some thirty works of art, with a discussion of the key Elements in each piece, accompanied by high quality photos and enlargements of particular details. Although this is a subjective and limited number of artworks, the author has selected an appropriate range of pieces. Some very well-know, others less so. As well as paintings, there are examples of sculpture, photography, digital-art and installations. All elegantly selected to demonstrate the Elements, with concise and eloquent text.

The book is well laid-out, easy to access, and enjoy. A good balance between text and images. The language used is simple, easy to comprehend and not overly specialised. A Timeline of art movements is included , from ancient times to modern day. Also included is a brief but useful Glossary and Index.

This is a great book for anyone, young or old, anyone developing an interest in art or already somewhat knowledgable. It would make a perfect book for an art class, allowing students to better appreciate, understand and ultimately enjoy a deeper, richer experience with art.I wish the author and publishers all the very best for this book.

There are many books about "how to read" a painting. This book is way more than that. Susie Hodge starts by discussing ten elements that many paintings share ~ things like colour, texture, technique, content ~ then by using this framework, she examines ‘famous’ paintings allowing us to see similarities and, more importantly, differences.

My favourite element was ‘light’ because although I’d heard of chiaroscuro, I hadn’t really understood it and I’d never heard of tenebrism and I shall enjoy looking at paintings to see if they are using this form of dramatic illumination.

Many of the paintings are familiar but the instruction brings new things to enjoy. It is also significant that Ms Hodge includes many women artists. This includes Lee Miller who I’ve often admired. It was good to understand her work a bit better.

This would be an excellent gift for an art lover of any age or just a book to leave on the coffee table to browse through. It’s the sort of book which is educational without being ‘teachy’.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

Susie Hodge’s Elements of Art: Ten Ways to Decode the Masterpieces is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of art, whether they are casual gallery-goers, students, or seasoned art enthusiasts.

Hodge meticulously breaks down complex artworks into ten essential elements: scale, color, light, movement, medium, technique, content, location, time, and the artist. The first part of the book introduces these elements with clear explanations and examples from various periods of art history. This section alone is a treasure trove of information, equipping readers with the terminology and analytical tools needed to engage with art on a more meaningful level.

The second part of the book is where Hodge's approach truly shines. She dissects 30 iconic artworks, ranging from Michelangelo’s frescoes to Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits, applying the elements she has discussed.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you NewGalley for this early copy of Elements of Art. I need to go out and buy it for myself in hardback as I enjoyed it so much. Stunning in its presentation of both the artworks shown and the detail of the various artworks and the artists who created them..
This gives a nice capsulized overview with lots of informative info pieces in a very relatable and easy to understand format.
So basically, after reading this book you can go into any museum and look at any artwork and have an entry point into seeing and understanding more. The title says it all Ten Ways to Decode the Masterpieces. Using this book you will start to think Why did the artist choose to use this color, or include this object, have the subjects facing this way or that, why did they not include something.
After getting through the beginning with explanations, the author then takes you to actual masterpieces and uses those elements of art previous outlined, and how the artist used them.
Highly recommend this book for anyone who would like to know a little more about art and those who might like a refresher class.

As a new artist, I found this to be a fabulous and informative book. I loved that structure and how the author approached each element, especially her use of examples. I wish I had downloaded it on a bigger screen because the netgalley format made the images hard to see and the text hard to read.
Will add link to my blog soon..

"Elements of Art: Ten Ways to Decode the Masterpieces" by Susie Hodge is a concise and enlightening guide that offers readers a deeper understanding of art through the exploration of its fundamental elements. Hodge's approachable writing style and insightful analysis make this book an invaluable resource for art enthusiasts of all levels.

Through ten distinct chapters, Hodge examines key art elements such as technique, style, material, location, and color, providing readers with the tools to decipher and appreciate masterpieces from various artistic movements and periods. Each chapter is filled with engaging anecdotes, practical exercises, and stunning visual examples, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable to explore.

One of the book's strengths lies in the second part of the book, with Hodge's ability to connect theoretical concepts with 30 real-world examples, demonstrating how artists use elements like form and space to convey meaning and emotion. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, "Elements of Art" offers fresh insights and perspectives that will deepen your appreciation of art and enhance your enjoyment of museum visits and gallery outings.

I found this book enjoyable and informative. I appreciated the images of various artworks. Having that visual aid helped me understand the characteristics being described. I personally don’t have much formal art training (though I do enjoy several creative pursuits at an amateur level). Even without a background knowledge in art, I still thought the book was easy to understand and fun to read. I think traditionally-educated artists might also enjoy this because it talks about art characteristics that aren’t always considered.

A few artworks that stood out for me were The Monk by the Sea by Caspar David Friedrich, The Death of Cleopatra by Edmonia Lewis, The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Composition with Figures by Lyubov Popova, From the Top of the Great Pyramid by Lee Miller, and Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View by Cornelia Parker.

Did not read for not downloading the ARC before the archive timeline. Which breaks my heart because I was incredibly excited to read this book. Nevertheless, here's a 5 star rating for compensation. I apologise for the inconvenience and best of luck.

This book is amazing!! This is exactly what I had to learn for my art history study, but explained more clearly and with great examples.
I would have loved to have to read this book for my study and it would have helped me a lot. I definitely recommend it to others who want to learn how to interpret artworks!

Having been happily married to the Permanent Roommate (a university trained artist who has made her career in art) for 39 years, I have always been rather puzzled as to what she's talking about. In all fairness, I bet she's a bit lost when my buddies and I talk about fly fishing). I've absorbed quite a bit over the years, but this book really helped to bring things into perspective.
I honestly had no idea that art had different elements! At least not until I read this book. It was like someone pulling back the curtain on what my wife talks about. Now I know just enough to MAYBE chime in with an opinion or observation once in awhile. Kind of like George Costanza at an art gallery exhibition, haha.
This would be a great book for any youngster interested in the arts, or any other person who just wishes to appear a bit more knowledgeable. It's an easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to digest book.
I just wish I would have found it 40 years ago!

What a beautiful book on the subject of understanding Art. I love Art but don't always know why. I hoped this book by Susie Hodge would help and it certainly fulfils the need. Divided into parts, the book details a lot of information in the first part. Written in a way that is informative but not condescending she explains and poses questions designed to get one thinking about the various elements of the process of painting a masterpiece. The second part is a true feast as it explores actual paintings which I personally have admired. This is a keeper and would make a marvellous coffee table book as well as an excellent addition to an art lovers library. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read Elements of Art. Simply beautiful

This is such a wonderful compilation of artistic principles. It's perfect for Art History 101 as an adult.

The first part of this book was a summary of different things to look for in art (color, materials, scale, etc). This was ok, but the reason i really enjoyed the book was the second, longer part, which consisted of a couple of pages analyzing each of several works of art. Some were familiar to me, but many were new. The analysis really opened my eyes to ways the artist was conveying their message. I love this kind of thing because I'm interested in art, but know very little about it. I also appreciated how many of the pieces were by women.