How To Look at a Painting

Description

Acclaimed art writer Justin Paton takes us on a journey of exploration through the centuries and across the painted world - from the luscious fruit of Italy's Caravaggio to the lonely landscapes of New Zealand's Rita Angus, the dazzling panoramas of America's Lari Pittman and the mysterious 'tombstones' of Japanese artist On Kawara. Whether you're a keen art collector, a serious student or just visit a gallery occasionally, this brilliant exposition of painting in all its forms will open your eyes to things you've never seen before.

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.

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 A terrific book, amusing, clever, insightful, generous-spirited and genuinely helpful. --Margo White, Metro books editor An exhilarating read. Among swarms of implacably obtuse art scribblers, Paton shines like a lighthouse in the dark. --John Coley, The Press 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 Nothing gets between Paton and a painting . . . a lively and sensual stylist with a knack for making you feel his enthusiasms. --New Zealand Listener 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 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 Should be compulsory reading. A cultural exploration that deserves to become a classic. --Christopher Moore, author, Fluke