Basic Design

A classic introduction to the fundamental elements of the visual arts.

Demystifying this complex subject, Maurice de Sausmarez shows students how – without art school facilities or expensive equipment – they can discover the elements of pictorial design and artistic expression and explore these for their own two- and three-dimensional work.

In this bestseller, in print since 1964, the work of recent students shows how the principles set down then still hold true today – making it an essential resource for all professional and amateur artists, students and teachers.

This second edition, revised by Maurice’s widow and lecturer in art, includes a foreword by Gyorgy Kepes, Professor of Visual Design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Further illustrations have also been added to include more colour diagrams and examples of current work done by students in recent years.

Author Biography

Maurice De Sausmarez, who died in 1969, was Head of Department of FineArt in the University of Leeds and, later Principal of the Byam ShawSchool of Drawing and Painting in London. His own work is known andcollected internationally.