WoW............More Joy of Art by Carolyn Schlam was a beautiful book, it is an illustrated book which show both historical and modern works of art. Every page was a joy to read and study the colourful art work and features over 140 photos of beautiful art. Carolyn explains in detail how to look at all artwork and what to look for, then appreciate it through the human eye which was great especially if you are someone who just looks as you pass a piece of artwork by.

I really enjoyed looking through and reading this book. A great show off book for you coffee table and a go to book.

DNF.
Author kept mentioning “in my previous book” and other works of their own which I found to be tedious and without a variety of sources attributed within chapters.

More Joy of Art by Carolyn Schlam is a follow-up to her previous work, The Joy of Art, and expands on the concepts she introduced in the first book. As both an artist and writer, Schlam provides readers with a toolkit for understanding, appreciating, and discussing art. Divided into two main sections—Keys to Understanding and Appreciating Visual Art and The Art of Today and Tomorrow—the book is both a primer on art vocabulary and a thought-provoking reflection on the evolving nature of art in modern times. In a conversational tone, Schlam addresses various aspects of art, including beauty, originality, and modernity, and offers insights into interpreting and appreciating visual art.

Schlam's primary goal with More Joy of Art is to make art appreciation accessible to a broader audience. She strives to bridge the gap between the complex world of art and the casual observer, aiming to demystify art concepts that might seem intimidating to some. Her tone is warm and engaging, encouraging readers to view art with fresh eyes, and shedding preconceived notions and judgments. This approach is especially effective for readers who may feel that art is beyond their grasp, as Schlam’s writing emphasizes inclusivity and personal interpretation over rigid academic analysis.

The first part of the book, Keys to Understanding and Appreciating Visual Art, serves as a comprehensive guide for readers looking to deepen their understanding of art. Schlam delves into essential elements such as color, light, shape, form, and texture. Each element is explored through questions and examples, which prompt readers to engage more critically with the artwork in front of them. This section also introduces foundational art terminology, making the language of art criticism more approachable. By breaking down these components, Schlam enables readers to view art in a more structured way, while still allowing room for personal interpretation and emotional response


.

Schlam’s discussion of beauty is particularly noteworthy. She approaches the concept of beauty not as a universal standard, but as something deeply subjective and personal. This perspective encourages readers to find value and beauty in artworks that might not fit conventional ideas. Schlam raises intriguing questions about what makes art beautiful and whether beauty is even necessary for a work to be considered art. In doing so, she challenges readers to think about their own tastes and biases, fostering a more open-minded approach to art appreciation.

One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of originality and authenticity. Schlam emphasizes that each piece of art is a unique creation, reflecting the individual artist’s vision and circumstances. She invites readers to consider the artist’s intentions, as well as the cultural and historical context in which the artwork was created. By doing so, she moves beyond a purely formalist approach, advocating for a more holistic understanding of art. This focus on originality is particularly relevant in today’s world, where art is often mass-produced or digitally replicated. Schlam’s insights remind readers of the value of true creative expression in a world where imitation and reproduction are widespread.

In the second part, The Art of Today and Tomorrow, Schlam addresses the role of contemporary artists and the evolving nature of art in modern society. She divides artists into three main categories based on their focus: beauty, truth, and emotion. This classification is an interesting way to view contemporary art, as it highlights the diverse motivations behind artistic creation. Schlam discusses various living artists whose work exemplifies these qualities, though specific examples are limited due to copyright restrictions on reproducing modern artworks. Instead, Schlam includes works by lesser-known artists in the public domain, encouraging readers to discover new names and broaden their artistic horizons.

A notable feature of this section is Schlam’s reflection on the future of art. She acknowledges the impact of digital technology and the growing prevalence of new media in the art world. While she does not provide definitive answers, she raises thought-provoking questions about the future of art in a digital age. How will traditional art forms coexist with digital creations? Will new media redefine what we consider art? Schlam’s exploration of these questions is speculative, but it adds depth to the book by prompting readers to think about the direction in which art is headed.

Despite its strengths, More Joy of Art is not without its limitations. Schlam’s informal, conversational tone, while accessible, can occasionally feel overly simplistic, particularly for readers who may already have a background in art. The lack of in-depth analysis in certain areas may leave more knowledgeable readers wanting more. Additionally, the absence of well-known modern artists due to copyright restrictions could disappoint those seeking a comprehensive overview of contemporary art. However, these limitations are mitigated by Schlam’s genuine enthusiasm and passion for the subject, which shine through in her writing.

In conclusion, More Joy of Art is a valuable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of visual art. Carolyn Schlam’s approach is inclusive and encouraging, making art appreciation accessible to a wide audience. By focusing on both foundational art concepts and the changing landscape of contemporary art, she provides readers with the tools to engage with art on a more meaningful level. While the book may not satisfy those seeking rigorous academic analysis, its conversational tone and thought-provoking insights make it an enjoyable and enlightening read. For readers looking to experience “more joy” in their encounters with art, Schlam’s book offers a welcoming and insightful guide.

For anyone thinking of making a New Year’s Resolution about going to museums more frequently, this book will be a good one to read. There is much to consider in these pages.

Schlam has divided this title into two sections. The first is Keys to Understanding and Appreciating Visual Art, while the second focuses on The Art of Today and Tomorrow.

A few of the chapters in the first section include Beauty, Authenticity and Essence. Chapters in the second section are all about the foci of artists as for example, Beauty or Emotion. The final chapter is titled Becoming a Connoisseur of Art.

Throughout readers spend time with a good guide. Also terrific are the many reproductions in these pages including works by artists including Manet, Turner, Monet,Degas, Klimt, Cassatt and many others.

I recommend this title to those who are interested in art history. I learned a lot.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book was not what I was expecting. I expected more artwork and less discussion of how to be an artist. Truthfully I skipped the first 1/2 of the book which was all about what art is. The second part of the book was wonderful! It showcases current artists through interviews about their personal art making and shows the particular art piece mentioned in their interview. I found this section outstanding. I very much enjoyed the artist’s writing style. Not sure exactly how to explain it other than it felt like a conversation not a “talking to”. I would recommend to anyone with an interest in art.

Carolyn Schlam’s More Joy of Art is a celebration of visual art and its ability to enrich our lives. With its accessible insights, gorgeous imagery, and focus on the timeless qualities that make art meaningful, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone who seeks to unlock the mysteries of artistic expression. Whether you’re an art student, an avid gallery-goer, or simply curious about what makes great art tick, this book will inspire you to look closer, think deeper, and, most importantly, find more joy in the art that surrounds you.

This book does a good job of explaining the process of interpreting art and analyzing it. It’s important to understand the vocabulary of art when discussing it and this book will help you do that. Great for beginners and intermediate learners alike.

*More Joy of Art* is like having a fun, insightful guide whispering in your ear as you explore the art world. Carolyn Schlam breaks down big concepts like beauty, authenticity, and originality into approachable bites, helping you see art in a whole new way. From classics to modern pieces, she shows how to find meaning—and joy—in every brushstroke. Packed with gorgeous photos and practical tips, this book is perfect for anyone looking to turn a casual gallery stroll into a deeper, more rewarding experience. A must-have for art lovers!

A very well written and informative book. I definitely appreciate the authors introduction. Providing a foundation in art history helps the reader better understand the interpretations. The book reads like a textbook, which could be boring to some. However, I found it to the point with just enough embellishments to keep me interested.

An illustrated book which show both historical and modern works of art, and teaches the reader how to understand what they see. I enjoyed the historical art examples, but must confess I skipped over the last third of the book, with the 'living artist' examples.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

'More Joy of Art: Keys to Appreciating Art' is a book about art and learning how to analyze it. Filled with colorful pictures, it's easy to read with a smooth narrative and cleverly divided sections. Pretty informative even for amateurs!

An excellent book for those with an intrinsic love of art and its history and symbolism. A truly wonderful radio to behold for all who grab It.

Informative and digestible! I was worried I wouldn't be able to follow along because I did not read "Joy of Art", but I had no such issues.

I am from an artistic background and thoroughly enjoyed this highly informative book, so much so that although quite pricy, it will be bought to go on our bookshelf. Why you might ask, it was when I heard my youngest two grandchildren absolutely transfixed by some of the art illustrations in this book . With their young eyes being opened to great art, it is worth every penny.

This is an inviting and accessible book on art appreciation. It takes great care to give readers the vocabulary and methods for understanding and connecting with art on their own terms. I think it would be a useful text for musuem educators and docents because it models a dialogic process for discussing art. I liked the choices of contemporary artists but of course would have loved to see more diverse representation.

In More Joy of Art, Carolyn Schlam explains how to look at works of art to aquire an appreciation and an eye for the work and see the thought that goes into a piece. She asks questions from the readers to help with the experience to pick apart and recognize various elements. This book is so reader friendly and accessible to anyone and the concepts are explained in a way that anyone can understand. I don't think anyone else could have done a better job.

I think this book is well written and informative. I think the visuals chosen were excellent. I think the format and the way it was presented to the reader. I think that this book is a useful read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this beautiful book. As an amateur art student, this is exactly the kind of book I have been looking for that simple explains fundamental elements of visual art.

Beautiful photos included throughout. I can see purchasing the as a physical book as well.

I've always wanted to develop a more intelligent eye when observing art, and this fab book featuring 150 photos of iconic art and that of living artists has helped immensely. Recommended!

I liked the way this book was out together. The art paintings that were in the book are immaculate and sensational! Carolyn Schlam is such an incredible author.