Arthur Wesley Dow Knihy

Arthur Wesley Dow, a pioneering figure in American art education, emphasized the importance of composition over mere imitation of nature. He taught at prestigious institutions for three decades, influencing numerous prominent artists, including Georgia O'Keeffe. His revolutionary approach focused on using elements like line, mass, and color to create art, shaping the practices of many leading creatives of his time. Dow's legacy is reflected in the innovative techniques he imparted to his students, fostering a new understanding of artistic expression.

Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It has been chosen by scholars for its importance in understanding historical contexts and societal developments, making it a vital resource for those exploring the evolution of human thought and culture.

The book presents the revolutionary ideas of Arthur Wesley Dow, an influential art teacher who advocated for a composition-based approach to art rather than mere imitation of nature. Teaching at prestigious institutions, Dow believed art should reflect personal experience and serve as a vital part of everyday life, accessible to all. His 1899 publication laid the groundwork for these concepts, emphasizing self-expression through elements like line, mass, and color. This reprint offers a full-color facsimile of his 1929 revised edition, preserving his innovative teachings.

Exploring the transformative power of art, this book invites readers to shift their perspectives and deepen their appreciation. It delves into various artistic movements, techniques, and the emotional connections that art can evoke. By providing insights into the creative process and the intentions behind artworks, it encourages a more profound understanding of visual culture. Through engaging discussions, the book aims to enhance the viewer's experience and foster a greater appreciation for the diverse world of art.

Arthur Wesley Dow and American Arts & Crafts will for the first time examine the influence of Arthur Wesley Dow (1857-1922) as both an innovative artist and inspiring teacher to students such as Max Weber, Alfred Stieglitz, Ernest Batchelder, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Including photographs, furniture, paintings, ceramics, and prints by Dow and his contemporaries, the varied selection of works reproduced in the catalogue underscores the elegance of pure design based in nature. Included in the catalogue are essays by guest curator Nancy E. Green, chief curator at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, and Jessie Poesch, an expert on Newcomb Pottery and professor emerita at Tulane University. Green focuses on Dow's printmaking and the origins of the American Arts and Crafts aesthetic while Poesch examines Dow's impact on American pottery.

Arthur Wesley Dow was an American painter, printmaker, photographer, and influential arts educator. He taught many of America's leading artists and craftspeople, including Georgia O'Keeffe, two of the Overbeck Sisters and the Byrdcliffe Colony. Dow was largely inspired by Japanese art to this work on Compositionn.