Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design [Paperback]

Mary Stewart (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072878738 | ISBN-13: 978-0072878738 | Publication Date: May 5, 2005 | Edition: 2

Designed for courses in Creativity, Two-, Three- or Four-Dimensional Design, Launching the Imagination offers a comprehensive framework on which students, teachers, and administrators can build. The approach in this second edition is refined, distilled, and updated, using over 600 examples drawn from traditional and contemporary sources. Profiles with interviews of artists and designers introduce students to working processes, career choices, and criteria for excellence from a remarkable group of masters.

Launching the Imagination is available in a comprehensive volume treating 2D design, Creativity and Problem-solving, 3D design, and time-based (4D) design; or in split volumes containing either 2D or 3D design, plus the material on Creativity and Problem-solving.

Launching the Imagination’s Core Concepts in Art CD-ROM, version 2.0, which engages students interactively with the elements and principles of art through numerous interactive exercises, has been re-organized and expanded. A copy of this CD-ROM is included free with every copy of the textbook purchased from McGraw-Hill, a student-value of over $30, and is also available individually through your local bookstore.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Stewart the Art Foundations Program Director at Florida State University. She is also the Vice President for Regional Coordinators for Foundations in Art: Theory and Education (F.A.T.E.), which is the national organization for Foundation teaching.

As an artist, Stewart has worked extensively with visual narrative, both in the classroom and in her studio. She has received two grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for collaborative choreography and has participated in over eighty exhibitions, nationally and internationally.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 2 edition (May 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072878738
• ISBN-13: 978-0072878738
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Comprehensive Book for Foundation, February 7, 2007

By 

samantha fields (los angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design (Paperback)

I am the Foundation Coordinator at a four year university, and I have reviewed MANY foundation texts. Most focus on just one aspect of foundation learning: usually 2D design. This book is different: it is a comprehensive text that covers 2D Design, 3D Design, Critical Thinking, and 4D (Time Based) Design. Rather than have students buy three or four texts for different courses, we use this book for all of our foundation courses. What truly sets this book apart, other than it's total foundations approach, is the section on critical thinking. It covers everything from brainstorming to avoiding cliches to different critique strategies & critical thinking. I even use this chapter with my upper division students, who actually thank me for using the section on "how to critique" in particular. The book contains thoughtful reflection questions and summaries at the end of each chapter, along with an excellent glossary and LOTS of color reproductions of both historical and contemporary artworks. If you need ideas for projects, the book comes with lots of supplements, including a website. The Online Learning Center is a goldmine of information, as is the Instructors Manual that can be ordered along with the book. Make sure to order the most recent edition, as the book has been updated with new information. I have been teaching Foundations for nine years, and this is by far the best book out there!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended 2nd Edition, May 23, 2006

By 

Anthony Fontana "Afon" (Toledo, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design (Paperback)

This new edition of Mary Stewart's complete guide to basic design vocabulary, concepts, and principles expands upon the essential coverage of 2D, 3D, and Time design in the first edition. Including more historic and contemporary color examples ranging from traditional masterworks, in painting, drawing, and stone carving, to graphic design, digital art, product design, comics and film stills that bring increasing aid the visual learner.

With more attention given to creating memorable works, intelligent problem solving, effective critical thinking and constructing resonant meaning this edition can be the most powerful tool for any beginning art student. Fourteen interviews of artists and designers give insight into contemporary practice and add valuable knowledge of the art world.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Launching the Imagination Comprehensive with core concepts CD-ROM v3.0, February 7, 2007

By 

Todd Slaughter - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design (Paperback)

I refer my students to Launching The Imagination as the text I feel gives the broadest, most comprehensive and comprehensible descriptions and definitions of three- dimensional design. From composition to concepts, architecture, sculpture, and a variety of design applications, this text points out major differences and commonalities by means of example and explanations in common sense terms. I absolutely recommend it.