Synopses & Reviews
DESIGN BASICS is a popular introduction to two-dimensional design. Each concept is presented in a full two- or four-page spread, making the text practical and easy for students to refer to while they work. The modular format also gives instructors the utmost flexibility in organizing their course. Visual examples from many periods, peoples, and cultures are provided for all elements and principles of design, and the diversity of illustrations also includes examples from nature and non-art sources, encouraging students to see these principles in the world.
Review
"The best thing about DESIGN BASICS is the clarity of the writing. The division of topic areas adds to this clarity. For example, most students can understand a complicated concept like the Golden Rectangle after reading this section in the book. The illustrations clearly describe the concepts discussed in the chapters."
Review
"The material is presented in sections that make relatively complex ideas seem pretty easy."
Review
"The DESIGN BASICS book is wonderful--it was a huge help when I designed my curriculum. Whenever a student misses class, I assign them chapters to read out of this book. It is clear and concise. The strengths of DESIGN BASICS are the voice that it is written in- clear, unpretentious. In places it is lyrically written."
About the Author
David A. Lauer is Emeritus Professor of Art at the College of Alameda.Stephen Pentak is Emeritus Professor of Art at Ohio State University and recently taught design courses in Cortona, Italy, in association with the University of Georgia. He is coauthor of Color Basics (Wadsworth 2004). He is also a painter with recent exhibitions at Linda Schwartz in Cincinnati, Susan Street in San Diego, and Kathryn Markel in New York. He is also the recipient of an Ohio Arts Council Fellowship for 2002.
Table of Contents
Part I: DESIGN PRINCIPLES. 1. Design Process. 2. Unity. 3. Emphasis/Focal Point. 4. Scale/Proportion. 5. Balance. 6. Rhythm. Part II: DESIGN ELEMENTS. 7. Line. 8. Shape/Volume. 9. Texture. 10. Illusion of Space. 11. Illusion of Motion. 12. Value. 13. Color. Glossary.