ABSTRACT

Why do we enjoy art? What inspires us to create artistic works? How can brain science help us understand our taste in art?

The Psychology of Art provides an eclectic introduction to the myriad ways in which psychology can help us understand and appreciate creative activities. Exploring how we perceive everything from colour to motion, the book examines art-making as a form of human behaviour that stretches back throughout history as a constant source of inspiration, conflict and conversation. It also considers how factors such as fakery, reproduction technology and sexism influence our judgements about art.

By asking what psychological science has to do with artistic appreciation, The Psychology of Art introduces the reader to new ways of thinking about how we create and consume art.

chapter 1|12 pages

Art and psychology

chapter 2|10 pages

The neuroscience of art

chapter 3|15 pages

Why do we engage in art?

chapter 4|24 pages

Depicting space, contour and form in art

chapter 5|23 pages

Depicting colour and motion in art

chapter 6|25 pages

What makes great art?

chapter 7|10 pages

Creativity in art and science