Abstract

"Visual aesthetics is an attempt to bridge the gap between the orthodox method of teaching art appreciation which is mainly historical and the modern approach to design theory which predominantly visual. It is essentially down to earth, non-mystical approach which links up movements in the visual arts with related fields such as the theatre and music. It does deal with psychological and philosophical concepts, but in simple terms. An orginal selection of over 200 illustrations in an integral part of the argument of the book. In the first part the author, who is a well-known art critic and lecturer in art and design history, examines the fundamental techniques of art - linear expression, area and space (including the golden section and modules), colour theory, structure, surface and texture. He goes on to consider in the second part the philosophic and aesthetic aspects of art and design - creativity, form, criteria for art evaluation, and the value of historical study for contemporary expression." BOOK COVER.