Amazon.com: Design Basics: David A. Lauer: Books

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31 Reviews

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

4.4 out of 5 stars (31 customer reviews)

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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.

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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!

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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".

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars great
I was a little nervous ordering text books used online, but I was very pleased to see everything turn out alright. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Haley

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty much the same as any updated version
If you are considering buying this previous version of Design Basics and your professor is okay with it, then by all means go ahead and order it. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Ryan Brady Rish

5.0 out of 5 stars Great shipping
After just sort of skimming through the book, it looks as though everything is kosher. I read a lot of raving reviews and thus far they seem accurate. Read more

Published 6 months ago by James D Campbell

5.0 out of 5 stars Great savings
This is required reading for my design class and so far has been a useful aide to the approach to art design concepts.

Published 10 months ago by KEW

5.0 out of 5 stars Art Book Review
Design Basics
This book was in really good condition when I purchased it! "Design Basics" is a fantastic book for those who are interested in art or those who are already... Read more

Published 19 months ago by Nicole

3.0 out of 5 stars Design Book
This book was posted as "New" but it did not look new. The cover is rubbed and has some bends. The content feels dated. Read more

Published 21 months ago by Lucyss

5.0 out of 5 stars Design Basics
Great for exactly what the title says: Design Basics
Brand new and less that half of my University's bookstore price

Published 22 months ago by Rick

4.0 out of 5 stars Good service!
The book came in a very timely manner (4 days), it is in very good condition and was well worth the money. Thanks!

Published on February 6, 2010 by Es Am

1.0 out of 5 stars Missing Images ~ Be aware.
If you purchase this book be aware that there are a lot of missing images that the text refers to. Instead of a visual clue to the reference the book is making you get a lovely... Read more

Published on November 21, 2009 by S. A. Mccall

5.0 out of 5 stars Good
I good this book for a good price, it got to my house fast, and it is brand new.

Published on November 12, 2009 by C. Hyde

› See all 31 customer reviews...

Inside This Book (learn more)
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
six letterpress, emphasis and focal point, radial balance, allover pattern, spatial device, visual unity, symmetrical balance

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
All Rights Reserved, Cengage Learning, New York, Susan Moore, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Six Constructions, Suprematist Tale, Gift of the Judith Rothschild Foundation, The Bridgeman Art Library, The Museum of Modern Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, Alex Katz, Josef Albers, Andy Goldsworthy, Still Life, Jennifer Bartlett, Georges Seurat, Smithsonian Institution, Art Director, David Smith, National Gallery of Art, Ellsworth Kelly, Henry Moore, Los Angeles, Mark Tansey

Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!