Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice

by Otto G. Ocvirk, Robert Stinson, Philip Wigg

The original textbook that set the standard for art foundations courses across the country, Art Fundamentals has guided generations of students through both the essential elements of art and the rich and varied history of their uses. We have organized Art Fundamentals to assist with “knowing” and “feeling” the fundamental concepts of refined creation. Our intent is to stimulate without locking students into a restricted mind-set or mechanical copying of ideas.

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction, Art History, Design, Drawing, Textbooks

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1981

Reviews

[nora walid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great source to understand art! I highly recommend it for art students/ people who are interested in how to read a piece of art and to know what to see exactly in a painting/sculpture..etc..

The sad thing is that I borrowed the book from my university library so I can't go back to it whenever I need something.
I think its a kind of a book that you should keep in your own library.

[Roberto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book for art students and anybody interested in art and its appreciation. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of the fundamentals of art. In turn, I feel able to discern works of art, that I may no be particularly fond of, and appreciate them. It also clarifies art movements’ historic significance in relationship to art/design/culture today, without stuffy explanations or jaded examples. The layout is clean and easy to read and the illustrations are relevant and clean. I didn’t have to read this book for a class, it was voluntary and I’m glad I did!

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a VCD student (Visual Communication Design) I had to take a class using this book. And as a fist year student this was so helpful and I enjoyed it very much. Anyone who is interested in art should read this book. It has all the information you need written and explained in a very simple and clear way.

[Kawa Svaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suddenly realised what to look for in art.

[Hosein Kashanain · Rating 4 out of 5]

کسایی که حرفه‌شون مرتبطه با طراحی و کسایی که دنبال یادگیری تفسیر آثار هنری هستن خیلی میتونن از این کتاب یادبگیرن، فقط گاهی بیش از حد روی مفهوم "کیمیای وحدت" تاکید شده که احتمالا از سمت مترجم بوده تا مولف.
اگر به تحلیل آثار هنری علاقه دارین اما کل کتاب رو نمیخوایین بخونین حداقل یادداشت‌های کوتاهی که اطراف تصاویر نوشته شده‌ رو بخونین گاهی بسیار آموزندن.
یک ستاره کم کردم چون متن یه کم خشک بود و توقع من از متونی که درباره هنر هستن اینه که یک قدم فراتر از صرفا انتقال پیام برن و با کتاب درسی تفاوت داشته باشن.

[Justin Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather than art history in college, this would have been a great intro book to art theory and comprehension!

[Nate O · Rating 5 out of 5]

6th edition 4 stars bc dated

[Christøpher Es · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book they apparently HAVE to sell you if you walk into the kcad bookstore and say anything along the lines of, "I'm a Kendall Freshmen."

This is also the book that steers most Kendall Sophmores away from buying college text books.

This and the history books.

And those useless ass books the "art education" program makes their students buy.

[Rhonda Stephens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two-dimensional design class. Wasn't my favorite, but I learned to appreciate it over time

[Artlab]

Fundamentals and Theory

[Virginia Pulver · Rating 4 out of 5]

An artist I admire and respect recommended this book in a workshop he hosted. It contains all the basics.