Our 12 books of Christmas series continues with Phaidon’s hefty survey of contemporary painting, Painting Today.
The modern painting fan in your life would be happy to find Painting Today under their tree. A comprehensive look at the paintings of the last 40 years—oils, watercolors, and more—this $75 behemoth is full of stunning images and knowledgeable commentary from Tony Godfrey, who works at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and is a Fine Arts professor. The book is divided into sections by topic: neo-expressionism, pure abstraction, landscape art, the figure, post-feminism, and more, and the 500+ images are by artists of every background.
Do you have a favorite modern artist? Tell us in the comments before noon CST tomorrow, and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Painting Today. Sorry, US residents only.
Read more reviews of art books on BookPage.com.
Other great gift ideas can be found in our holiday catalog.
My favorite modern artist is my boyfriend’s mother, Lucy Krieg. I love the range of styles that she paints in and would be so happy to give her this book for Christmas!
Edward Hopper — his paintings are noir film, short story, Twilight Zone episode, want ad and epic novel all at once.
Painting is something I have enjoyed for years. I never taken classes. I have read and checked out books from the library. Haven’t had the money to buy the good books. I would love to have this in my small bookcase.
My favorite modern artist is Salvador Dali. His work takes my breath away and has such impact. He was very versatile and did sculpting as well. I teach art at a high school so this would be a wonderful gift.
Congratulations, Ruth — you’re the winner! I’m emailing you right now.
My favorite modern artist is Mary Cassatt. Her paintings of mothers and children are beautiful and all the more stunning as she was never a mother herself.
Cy Twombly – his work made me take a serious look at modern art and it changed the way I looked at things.
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I am a watercolorist & would be totally thrilled to win a copy of Painting Today!