What Painting Is

James Elkins' Alchemy provides a unique perspective on the experience of painting, exploring the smells, mess, struggle, and special knowledge only painters hold. This anniversary edition includes a new introduction and preface by Elkins.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his renowned work, James Elkins delves into the realm of painting, transcending the confines of traditional art historical discourse. Through the lens of alchemy, he offers a peculiar vocabulary to unravel the enigmatic essence of a painter's studio experience. From the pungent aromas to the chaotic mess, the arduous battle to reign in the uncontrollable, the profound understanding possessed by painters of color mixing and their visual impact, Elkins vividly captures the intricacies of the painter's craft. This special anniversary edition, penned from the perspective of a painter-turned-art historian, includes a fresh introduction and preface by Elkins, where he further explores the profound significance of painting in the contemporary study of art.

In his renowned work, James Elkins delves into the realm of painting, transcending the confines of traditional art historical discourse. Through the lens of alchemy, he offers a peculiar vocabulary to unravel the enigmatic essence of a painter's studio experience. From the pungent aromas to the chaotic mess, the arduous battle to reign in the uncontrollable, the profound understanding possessed by painters of color mixing and their visual impact, Elkins vividly captures the intricacies of the painter's craft. This special anniversary edition, penned from the perspective of a painter-turned-art historian, includes a fresh introduction and preface by Elkins, where he further explores the profound significance of painting in the contemporary study of art.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 221 x 131 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138319882
Edition number: 2 New edition