SKU: 78470861850

Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern Art

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Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern ArtThe first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures. How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for

The first time she made a pizza from scratch, art historian Nancy Heller made the observation that led her to write this entertaining guide to contemporary art. Comparing modern art not only to pizzas but also to traditional and children's art, Heller shows us how we can refine analytical tools we already possess to understand and enjoy even the most unfamiliar paintings and sculptures.

How is a painting like a pizza? Both depend on visual balance for much of their overall appeal and, though both can be judged by a set of established standards, pizzas and paintings must ultimately be evaluated in terms of individual taste. By using such commonsense examples and making unexpected connections, this book helps even the most skeptical viewers feel comfortable around contemporary art and see aspects of it they would otherwise miss. Heller discusses how nontraditional works of art are made--and thus how to talk about their composition and formal elements. She also considers why such art is made and what it means.

At the same time, Heller reassures those of us who have felt uncomfortable around avant-garde art that we don't have to like all--or even any--of it. Yet, if we can relax, we can use the aesthetic awareness developed in everyday life to analyze almost any painting, sculpture, or installation. Heller also gives concise answers to the eight questions she is most frequently asked about contemporary art--from how to tell when an abstract painting is right side up to which works of art belong in a museum.

This book is for anyone who agrees with art critic Clement Greenberg that All profoundly original art looks ugly at first. It's also for anyone who disagrees. It is for anyone who wants to get more out of a museum or gallery visit and would like to be able to say something more than just yes or no when asked if they like an artist's work.-- "Choice"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 10/13/2002
ISBN: 9780691090528
Pages: 192
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 8.80h x 5.80w x 0.70d

Review Citations: Library Journal 02/15/2003 pg. 133
Kliatt 03/01/2003 pg. 53
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SKU: 78470861850

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Buyerone
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 2
Speaker broken
This toy is advertised as having a squeaker, but the one we had was defective and did not make any noise. Our dog still throughly enjoyed ripping this little duck to shreds through. The material was thicker than I was expecting but still only took our dog about 5 mins to completely destroy it (Golden retriever). I understand that this toy is marketed as for small dogs so I get that, but took away three starts because our came with the broken squeaker and for $10, you can find a lot better toys at TJ Max. This item is not a good value for our experience.
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Louisville, US
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Durable duck toy for man’s best friend
Although it was suggested that this toy would be best for small breeds, I found that it’s durable enough for my 80 pound Irish setter! It has literally become his best friend. He takes it everywhere he goes! There’s a small squeaky noise that comes from the neck area that he has to work to find. I’m sure he will eventually destroy this as he has with all his other toys, but it’s really holding up much better than anticipated. It is well worth the $10 cost.
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Ted and Katie
Belleville, US
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Really cute, well made dog toy. Was a huge hit with our pup
This toy was a big hit! Pros - love the heavy duty burlap-kinda fabric. Our new puppy has razor sharp teeth but this fabric is holding up really well. - size is great for a variety of breeds - shape is perfect for grabbing onto. Our puppy especially likes picking it up on the neck where the toy is more slender - the extra little feet and wing flaps add some interest that have really kept her occupied Cons - the squeaker is in the neck where the fabric has embellishments and is a little thicker. It's a little hard to activate the squeaker but maybe the toy/stuffing needs to get broken in more and then it will be easier to squeeze that section
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Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2025
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csboyd
New York, US
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A must have for active dogs
Size: Max Size, Size: Max Size
I normally do not write reviews unless a product is really good or really bad. I have a dog that thinks chasing balls is the only thing in life and unfortunately she has a mom that has anchor pins in both shoulders. We've been using this ball launcher for little over a year. It goes through about 32 dirty balls, 3 times a day and has held up amazingly. It is even full of dirt and still keeps on working, it looks like R2D2 went thru a battle. 😆 I recently bought a second one as a back up because I can't believe this poor thing hasn't given up yet. I rotate the balls because my dog brings them back wet and muddy, then they won't launch as far, so I knock some dirt off of a dry one and launch it. I would highly recommend this for active dogs.
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Terry
Carnegie, US
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Damaged...
Size: Max Size
Very well made product. But it does not work. I am so bummed. Would like to return and get another one shipped out to me. It is a Xmas gift for our dog. Thank you...
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Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2025

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