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The Greening of Art: Exploring Images

Exhibition Catalogs and Artist Monographs

Print books are still one of the best places to find high-quality images with factually reliable information. When looking for art images, exhibition catalogs and artist monographs are great resources.

Image Databases

The SMFA Library provides access to Artstor and Camio, two excellent image databases. Librarians are available to help you navigate these resources.

Publically Available Online Image Resources

Make the Most of Google

Google Advanced Image Search 

A great way to harness the power of the regular Google Image Search toward delivering quality, trustworthy results. Some tips:

  • In the "image size" menu, select a larger option to help ensure image quality.
  • In the "site or domain" field, enter .edu and/or .org. This will limit your search to sites (from museums, universities, etc.) that are more likely to include complete and accurate information with image files.
  • Try filtering your search by "usage rights." In most cases, using images for scholarly work (papers, presentations) is protected by Fair Use, but incorporating images into the output of your artistic practice is a thornier issue. Knowing the licensing information for images you use is a smart way to work. 

Google Image Search Filters

Search Google Images for any general term (for example, "art") and explore the suggested filters (contemporary, watercolor, Chinese, etc.). Try searching other broad course-relevant terms, such as:

  • Land Art
  • Earthworks
  • Sustainability 

Caption your images!

Any images you use in your work must be thoroughly and properly captioned. For more information, consult the Writing and Citing tab for links to the Chicago Manual of Style.

Contact us!

Please feel free to get in touch with a librarian at absolutely any stage of your research process.

We encourage you to schedule a research consultation with Ashley Peterson (apeterson@smfa.edu, 617-369-3653)  for an in-depth discussion about your research goals. 

For quicker questions, please feel free to stop by the Library's front desk (located on the third floor of the B side of the Fenway building). You can also email or call the front desk at library@smfa.edu/617-369-3650.

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