Photographs of visual phenomena are presented to stimulate an awareness of the visual transition between the initial discovery of sights and their utilization in creative works. The visual phenomena are grouped into four units: changes on the surface of objects, perceptions of form, variations in perceptions due to the organization or association of objects, and color as a factor in visual comprehension. The range of perception of each phenomenon is illustrated by a series of photographs showing several gradations of contrast, such as solid to dots, few to many, light to dark, untouched to encrusted. Although each unit is prefaced by capsule paragraphs describing the phenomena, the photographs comprise the major statement of the book. A lesson plan suggests art activities for elementary and secondary students to supplement the visual description of each phenomenon described in the text. A graphic chart links the various illustrations for broader studies of art elements and principles. (JY)