Design Principles and Methods for Composing Artwork

About the Book

Truly great artwork achieves excellence in four areas: the arrangement of the pictorial elements, the expressive content or message, the application of the medium, and a personal creative approach that explores new avenues of visual expression. In this guide, author L. Rogers Ramirez presents an introduction to the elements and principles of two-dimensional design through the study of representational and abstract artwork.

Design Principles and Methods for Composing Artwork provides a clear, detailed guide to the elements that create good and bad design. Complemented by 465 illustrations, the concepts discussed are applicable to painting, graphic design, photography, architecture, film making, and more. Ramirez details the essential points to help you achieve the following:

• Create artwork that demonstrates competency.

• Acquire an understanding of the principles of design.

• Understand the expressive potential of visual images.

• Evaluate artwork in an effective manner.

• Employ the language of design with confidence./

• Exercise your imagination and creative abilities.

This visual exploration of design guides students to find solutions to visual problems relevant to them and their personal approach to art. It encourages artists to express themselves and to begin developing a design system that will enable them to achieve their artistic goals.

About the Author

L. Rogers Ramírez earned an MFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts, now known as the California College of the Arts. He has worked for more than 25 years at the university level in painting, drawing, color, design, and photography. Ramírez is currently painting, writing, and exploring in the Rio Grande area with his camera.