Design Basics [Paperback]

David A. Lauer (Author), Stephen Pentak (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495501816 | ISBN-13: 978-0495501817 | Publication Date: February 7, 2008 | Edition: 7

DESIGN BASICS is a best-selling text for the two-dimensional design course. DESIGN BASICS presents art fundamentals concepts in full two- to four-page spreads, making the text practical and easy for students to refer to while they work. This modular format gives instructors the utmost flexibility in organizing the course. Visual examples from many periods, peoples, and cultures are provided for all elements and principles of design. The diversity of illustrations now includes more examples from visual culture encouraging students to see these principles in the world around them. Icons appearing throughout the book prompt students to access ArtExperience Online (a dynamic Web site integrated with the textbook), which contains studio art demonstrations and interactive exercises that help students explore the foundations of art.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is very in-depth and clear in its approach to the design principles it addresses. In comparison to other books I have seen and used, this text takes more time in really explaining things and giving good visual examples."

"I found the image selection refreshing, they pushed the limits of what is presented in general foundations classes--the book becomes engaging!"

"In general, the writing is very engaging. This text is appealing, because the writing gets to the point quickly and generally makes the concepts of design quite understandable. I find the writing, combined with the selected images to be very motivational, stimulating the imagination easily toward creative thinking and artistic expression."

"I think the CD-ROM exercises, demonstrations, and question and answer activities are a great addition. The ArtExperience Fundamentals CD-ROM [now incorporated into ArtExperience Online] is a good tool for teaching these concepts."

"I really like the videos on the CD-ROM [now ArtExperience Online]; they are very informative and great for students to watch on their own time. . . . A great resource."

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 7 edition (February 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495501816
• ISBN-13: 978-0495501817
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #289,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute classic for anyone working in the visual arts., February 11, 2005

By 

P. J. (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Design Basics (Paperback)

Back in college, two decades ago, one of my art professors required this book for every single one of his classes. He even offered to personally repay students who could not afford to keep their copy, if they promised not to sell it back to the bookstore. He told us that the best thing we could do for our careers in art was to keep this book. He was right. I've had my 2nd edition copy for twenty years, and no other book I've seen discusses visual theory so simply, logically and completely. The text is clear and straightforward and the examples are perfect, but it is Lauer's ability to organize a very complex subject into very specific, clearly-understood categories that makes this book remarkable.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading for any Serious Art Student, July 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Design Basics (Paperback)

Basic Design is a must for any art student who is serious about his/her talent. This book was offered as a suggested reading source in my Color Theory class and I have cherished it for years since. Design Basics is very thorough in it's explaination of every kind of art form. You would be greatly benefited to purchase this book!

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The essential art book-easy to follow and well illustrated!, September 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Design Basics (Paperback)

I have had my highschool art students use Design Basics in conjunction with my highschool introductory art courses for over ten years. It is a staple in my students' art theory reading. The book focuses on the elements and principles of design and organizes it's chapters as such. All information is correlated with artwork examples that run throughout the ages of art, from the prehistoric to the modern day. Many colour illustrations make for artistic "eye candy".