New Releases by Susie Hodge

A comprehensive yet accessible sourcebook for curators and amateurs alike that examines the finer points of 100 well-known works of art Great paintings cannot be fully understood in a single encounter. Art lovers want to revisit and reconsider the masterpieces again and again throughout their lives, perceiving in greater depth and possibly modifying their value judgments every time they look at a work. Viewing a painting as a whole is a perfectly acceptable method of interacting with art, but a deeper understanding can only be gained by analyzing the painting in detail. Art in Detail spotlights these finer points that even connoisseurs may not pick up on quickly or perhaps at all. It covers all the minutiae that a quick glance will almost certainly fail to reveal. These include subtle internal details, such as hidden symbols and artistic tricks employed by the painter to achieve particular effects. In addition, Susie Hodge writes intelligently and informatively about relevant external influences on the artist—everything from the broad socio-economic context in which he or she flourished, to smaller local difficulties, such as the level of air pollution at the time the painting was created. This book examines 100 paintings from artists such as Pollock, Courbet, Monet, Mondrian, El Greco, van Eyck, and many others.

This easy-to-follow book shows you how to draw babies, toddlers and children in easy step-by-step stages. Susie Hodge includes a wonderful selection of ages and poses, from sleeping babies to little ballerinas. Even absolute beginners will be able to create great drawings following these illustrations.

A biography and gallery of one of Spain''s great masters, stunningly illustrated throughout.

Showcasing the world-famous collection of paintings housed in London''s National Gallery, this engaging introductory guide provides a first look at art, as well as an unprecedented interactive experience through a free app that allows kids to create their own virtual gallery at home. Although it touches upon a wide range of works, the heart of the book focuses on the movements and artists of the Western European tradition between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries. Each spread is filled with glorious images of famous paintings and informative, bite-sized chunks of text that enhance understanding of each painting''s historical and cultural impact. "Did you know?" and "Art Lesson" feature boxes appear throughout to offer an extra level of information that includes art theory, fun facts, and projects.

The Art of Fine Gifts: Twentieth-century painter, designer and wood engraver Eric Ravilious was responsible for a fascinating range of different works, from illustrations for books to designs for ceramics for the established Wedgwood pottery firm. This gorgeous new book features beautiful woodcut images of countryside life, watercolours of rolling landscapes and many of Ravilious'' acute and profound war paintings.

Following on from her bestselling book How to Survive Modern Art, Susie Hodge once again tackles a dauntingly complex subject: how can we evaluate, explore and respond to art? With the power to affect us all, art can be enjoyed in many different ways. Its impact can be both straightforward and unexpected. It can change our minds or our attitudes, provoke anger or shock, or make us laugh or cry. It can intimidate, disconcert, pose conundrums or puzzles, or instruct or enlighten. Ultimately, it offers a window on society''s values and ideals, and every work of art expresses the perceptions and memories of the artist who created it. In her characteristically engaging style, Susie Hodge shows us how to interpret and respond to a broad variety of artwork and artists'' philosophies. This enormously stimulating book enriches our experience of art, and in the process enhances our own creativity.

An expert account of the post-Impressionist artist, Paul Gaughin, who defied convention to pursue his art in the South Seas; stunning illustrated throughout. ,

This expert book covers the fascinating and romantic history that surroundes the order of the Knights Templar. It charts the rise and influence of the order, its changing fortunes, losing their base in Jerusalem in the Third Crusade, the fall of Acre and the destruction of the order by Pope Clement V and Philip IV of France. The speculative myths and questions about these legendary knights are fully discussed, as are controversial claims and conspiracies that have surrounded them for centuries. Among these are whether the Templars discovered America and if they were the guardians of the Holy Grail. With well-researched text and evocative illustrations this volume shows the historical legacy of the Templars and how they have influenced contemporary organizations, art, literature and legend.

The Knights Templar are one of the most secretive and powerful religious orders in history: for over two centuries they were the elite fighting force of the Crusades. Highly trained, and adhering to a strict chivalric code, their success on the battlefield brought them both wealth and political influence. But it is the legends and secrecy surrounding the order and its Grand Masters that continue to fascinate historians and general readers alike. Secrets of the Knights Templar examines each of these mysteries in turn to reveal the truth about the Knights'' secret practices, rituals and codes, as well as the continued influence of the Templars today. From the true location of the Holy Grail to the Templars'' involvement in the Battle of Bannockburn, and from the sudden downfall of the order to modern-day claims of descent - S. J. Hodge uncovers the hidden links behind the stories and separates historical fact from fiction.

Called the greatest Spanish painter by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was born in 1599 in Seville, and as early as 1620, he was established as a painter, producing many genre scenes, notably Old Woman Frying Eggs, and religious subjects, such as The Adoration of the Magi and Christ in the House of Martha and Mary. This informative book outlines his royal connections and influences and describes his most dramatic and emotive works. There is also a magnificent gallery of 300 glorious images. This beautifully illustrated book is essential reading for anyone who would like to learn more about this master of painting, who influenced so many later artists, and whom Édouard Manet called the ‘painter of painters’. • A comprehensive reference book on the life and works of Diego Velázquez, the most important painter in the Spanish Habsburg court of King Philip IV • Offers a fascinating study of this individualistic artist’s education, family life and influences, and all his outstanding works • Explores Velázquez’ progression from painting pictures of everyday life to portraits of the Spanish royal family, notably the artist’s crowning achievement in his most recognized work, Las Meninas • Features a wonderful gallery of Veláquez’ paintings, accompanied by an expert analysis of each work, and a description of his style and technique

Artist, architect and draughtsman, one of the great masters and one of the most influential painters of the High Renaissance, Raphael produced a huge body of work during his short working life. His artistic development took place in Umbria, Rome and Florence, where he met Michelangelo and Leonardo, and was influenced by their dynamic and evocative images. Some of his subsequent work reflected his admiration for them. In Rome, he painted The School of Athens, a major fresco depicting the greatest thinkers and philosophers of the past and present. His beautiful style is reflected in the second part of the book in a gallery of around 300 of Raphael''s major paintings and drawings, with an analysis of each in the context of his life, his technique and oeuvre. Raphael was one of the greatest artists of all time; his death in 1520 marked the end of the 16th century.

Come on, you know you''ve thought it--while viewing a "masterpiece" of abstract art, you mutter, "A kid could do that." Here Susie Hodge, author of How to Survive Modern Art, explains why the best examples of modern art are actually the result of sophisticated thought and serious talent. From Marcel Duchamp''s notorious Fountain and the scribbles of Cy Twombly to Mark Rothko''s multiforms and Carl Andre''s uncarved blocks, Hodge addresses critical outrage with a revealing insight into the technical skill, layering of ideas, and sheer inspiration behind each work. In cleverly organized chapters such as "Objects/ Toys," "Provocations/Tantrums," and "People/Monsters," Hodges thoughtfully and definitively lays bare the perception that modern art is mere child''s play.

Painting.

Because teachers have so many things to do, creating new, inspiring lessons can often take a back seat. This book is designed to assist you in providing lesson ideas on everything from women''s role in WW1 to the Russian Civil War. With more than 70 curriculum-linked lessons suitable for teaching 14-16-year-olds, this fabulously user-friendly resource features activities and teaching strategies based on the latest research and best practice. The practical, task-based activities are aimed at supporting and reinforcing your teaching, and promoting pupils'' enjoyment of the subject; encouraging their curiosity and imagination and helping them to develop enquiring minds and engage with the past. There are activities for individual, pair and group work, and the worksheets are all photocopiable and downloadable. This is an essential resource for all secondary school history teachers: newly qualified, experienced and in training.

Because teachers have so many things to do, creating new, inspiring lessons can often take a back seat. This book is designed to assist you in providing lesson ideas on everything from the Roman Empire to Martin Luther King. With more than 70 curriculum-linked lessons suitable for teaching 11-14-year-olds, this fabulously user-friendly resource features activities and teaching strategies based on the latest research and best practice. The practical, task-based activities are aimed at supporting and reinforcing your teaching, and promoting pupils'' enjoyment of the subject; encouraging their curiosity and imagination and helping them to develop enquiring minds and engage with the past. There are activities for individual, pair and group work, and the worksheets are all photocopiable and downloadable. This is an essential resource for all secondary school history teachers: newly qualified, experienced and in training.

This comprehensive handbook provides art teachers with practical advice on -planning effective lessons -developing imaginative ideas for teaching art across the age ranges -developing students'' creative, technical and critical skills -preparing students for coursework and exams This book is a must for all secondary art and design teachers, whether still in training, newly qualified or experienced.

A perceptive and detailed account of the artist, Paul Cezanne, who uniquely bridged the gap between the Impressionist and the Cubist movements."

High-interest topics that make science exciting.

Latin and Ballroom provides a detailed look at the development of Latin and ballroom dancing, from the earliest social dances to the competitions and flamboyant shows of today. The book looks at how the choreography and improvisation differ from other styles of dance and explores the part played by costumes and make-up. There is also advice on how to become a Latin or ballroom dancer. Feature boxes provide detailed information on famous ballets and performances, techniques, amazing facts and biographies of key people, Stunning design and beautiful photography offer a cultural perspective on dance. Book jacket.

"Presents several types of poisons and poison delivery systems used throughout history, while using science to describe the effects that toxins have on the human body"--Provided by publisher.

Examines the art of prehistoric times, including painting, reliefs, sculpture, and pottery that has been found in Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas.

Examines the art of ancient Egypt, including wall painting, reliefs, buildings, and sculpture.

Impressionism has captured the imagination of people the world over since its first exhibition in Paris in 1874. People have long sought to understand how and why the Impressionists created their paintings and how their techniques might be replicated. Susie Hodge reveals the answers to these questions by assessing the techniques and styles of the great masters of Impressionism and showing how artists today can use their methods. An informative introduction explains how the Impressionist movement came about, explores its historical context, and defines the style and inspiration of the artists involved. The heart of the book, however, focuses on eight major Impressionist painters -- Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas, Cezanne, Seurat and Van Gogh -- revealing how they worked and analyzing their well-known paintings. Each case includes step-by-step demonstrations that show the reader exactly how to re-create Impressionist painting details in appropriate style.

This title sets out to illustrate that drawing is not a special gift - everyone can draw - it''s just a question of knowing how. The author reveals easy ways to develop skills and achieve results, while showing how quickly children can understand how to make their pictures more effective.