Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design

by Stewart, Mary

• ISBN13: 9780072878738
• ISBN10: 0072878738
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-05
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages

Summary

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."I have found the text very clear and concise with fabulous, diversified examples and illustrations."--Kelly M. Nelson, Longwood University"It is clear, concise, and visually appealing. My students responded immediately to its visual impact. I also appreciated the artist views for each chapter. They gave the sections more meaning."--Danielle Harmon, Valdosta State University"This text is excellent for developing projects that stimulate creativity, challenge students set in convergent thinking to open up, realize the ability to be creative when they are not visual artists."--Carolynne Whitefeather, Utica College"Main reason [for adopting LTI]: chapters on narrative and time. Helped to bridge the gap between fine arts and graphic design. Helped/introduced students to these elements/topics and reinforced 2D/3D concepts learned in other classes. Students enjoyed the book. Problem solving chapter is great."--William Britton Rowe, Ohio Northern University"Launching the Imagination is both simple and in-depth in its scope. It is thorough without being overwhelming. It is clear and succinct without losing the essence of meaning or concepts. Also the color examples and the accompanying CD is great."--Rob Tarbell, Piedmont Virginia Community College and James Madison University"I have not had a really good text for 2-D Design since Roy Behrens' Design in the Visual Arts, which is now out of print. While there is much to like about Launching the Imagination, I was most happy with the sections which talked about critical thinking and strategies for problem solving which can be employed by visual artists."--Reid Wood, Lorain County Community College"The engaging writing and variety of visual examples make this design text the most user friendly guide for both students and instructor that I've found yet. The artist profiles give an applied art/life perspective that is unique in foundations texts. I've used the text at two colleges and my students LOVE this text. The thin 2D volume is also a plus. Students do Not want a heavy book to lug around."--Tracy Doreen Dietzel, Edgewood College

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

**PART 1: TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

*CHAPTER 1: BASIC ELEMENTS

Line

Shape

Texture

Value

Profile: Phillia Yi, Printmaker

CHAPTER 2: THE ELEMENT OF COLOR

Color Theory

Color Physics

Color Interaction

Defining Color

Color Schemes

Composing with Color

Color, Emotion, and Expression

Profile: Ann Baddley Keister, Fiber Artist

CHAPTER 3: PRINCIPLES OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

Unity and Variety

Balance

Scale and Proportion

Rhythm

Emphasis

Creating the Illusion of Space

Dynamic Space: Constructing Mulan

The Illusion of Movement

Determining Priorities

Profile: Ken Stout, Painter

PART 2: CONCEPTS AND CRITICAL THINKING

CHAPTER 4: CULTIVATING CREATIVITY

Design and Creativity

Seven Characteristics of Creative Thinking

Goal Setting

Time Management

Profile: Nancy Callahan, Artist, and Diane Gallo, Writer

CHAPTER 5: PROBLEM SEEKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Problem Seeking

Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Brainstorming

Visual Research

Variations on a Theme

An Open Mind

Profile: Heidi Lasher-Oakes, Sculptor

CHAPTER 6: DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING

Establishing Criteria

Form, Subject, and Contents

Stop, Look, Listen, Learn

Types of Critiques

Developing a Long-Term Project

Turn Up the Heat: Pushing Your Project's Potential

Concept and Composition

Accepting Responsibility

Profile: Bob Dacey, Illustrator

CHAPTER 7: CONSTRUCTING MEANING

Building Bridges

Purpose and Intent

Context

Connections

Drama

Aesthetics and Anesthetics

Profile: Ken Botnick, Graphic Designer

PART 3: THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

CHAPTER 8: ELEMENTS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

Defining Form

Form and Function

Orthographic Projection

Degrees of Dimensionality

Line

Plane

Volume

Mass

Space

Texture

Light

Color

Time

The complexity of Three-Dimensional Design

Profile: Rodger Mack, Sculptor

CHAPTER 9 PRINCIPLES OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

Unity and Variety

Balance

Scale

Proportion

Emphasis

Repetition and Rhythm

Profile: David MacDonald, Ceramicist

CHAPTER 10: MATERIALS AND METHODS

Choice of Materials

Connections

Transitions

Traditional Materials, Contemporary Uses

Student Materials

Materials and Meanings

Profile: Todd Slaughter, Sculptor

CHAPTER 11: PHYSICAL AND CEREBRAL

Constructed Thought

Physical forces

Cerebral Qualities of Sculptural Objects

Contemporary Questions, Contemporary Answers

Expressing Ideas in Physical Form

Profile: Rick Paul, Sculptor

PART 4: TIME DESIGN

CHAPTER 12: ASPECTS OF ELEMENTS OF TIME

Building Blocks

Duration

Tempo

Intensity

Scope

Setting

Chronology

Schindler's List: Content and Composition

Profile: Sharon Greytak, Filmmaker

CHAPTER 13: NARRATIVE AND NON-NARRATIVE

Tell Me a Story

Working with Multiple Images

Establishing Boundaries

Causality

Story and Style in Citizen Kane

The 15-second Narrative

Non-Narrative

Profile: Jerome Witkin, Painter

CHAPTER 14: INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS

Exploring the Visual Book

Installation Art

Performance Art

Advantages of Interdisciplinary Art

Profile: Abelardo Morell, Photographer

Glossary

Credits

Index

*Each chapter includes: Key Questions interspersed throughout, Summaries, and Key Terms

**Each Part concludes with Multimedia Resources guide. For student independent study: the Multimedia Resources guide suggested relevant exercises on the Online Learning Center (OLC) and the Core Concepts in Art CD-ROM. For instructors: the Multimedia Resources guide suggests additional resources available on the password-protected teachers OLC and the Instructors Resources CD-ROM such as projects and other assignments.