A Theory of Pure Design: Harmony, Balance, Rhythm (Classic Reprint) - Tapa blanda

Excerpt from A Theory of Pure Design: Harmony, Balance, Rhythm

I am giving this book to the Public with great reluctance. Though I have had it in mind for many years and have put no end of thought and work into it, it seems to me inadequate and unsatisfactory. It will hardly be published before I shall discover in it errors both of omission and commission. The book presents a new definition of principles, a new association of ideas. It is inconceivable that this, my first published statement, should be either consistent or complete. It will be a long time, I am sure, before it can be brought to a satisfactory shape. It is simply the best statement that I can make at this time. One reason, perhaps my best reason, for publishing this Theory, before it is completely worked out.

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PREFACE ~fY purpose in this book is to elucidate. so far U!7; J can, the principles which underlie the practice of drawing alld painting as n. Fine 'Art. Art is generally regarded as the expression of redilig'S ancl emotions which have no ~xplanation €.'Xcept perhaps in such a word as insln:ratiw., whjeh is e.''{pletive rather than (',xplanatory. Art is regarJed us the one activity of man which has no scientific ha..<;is, und the appreciation of Art is sn.jd to he a mutter of taste in which no two persolls can be expected to agree. It is my purpose ill this hook to show how, in the pra.ct;ce or Art, as in all other practices, we use ccrtulll terms and follo" ... ceriain principles. Being defilled and explained, tbese terms and principles m .. lY he known and tJnd~rstood by ~verybody. The)' ure. 50 to speak, fhe fo·rm. ot lhe lan.g1J.age. ,VhiIe an understanding of the terms and principles of Art wiIlnot, ill itself, enabl~ anyone to produce important works, suc

Table of Contents

CONTENTS; INTRODUCTION 1; POSITIONS IN HARMONY, BALANCE, AND RHYTH:f 9; LINES IN HARMONY, BALANCE, AND RHYTHM • 37; OUTLINES IN HA&,WNY, BALANCE, AND RHYTHM 96; TONES AND TONE-RELATIONS 131; SEQUENCES OF VALUES AND COLORS 143; TONE-HARMONY 158; TONE-BALANCE 172; TONE-RHYTHM 182; COMPOSITION GENERAL RULES ISO; THE STUDY OF ORDER IN NATURE AND IN WORKS OF ART 190; CONCLUSION • 19~; PARAGRAPH INDEX 195

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Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore and Mythology.

Forgotten Books' Classic Reprint Series utilizes the latest technology to regenerate facsimiles of historically important writings. Careful attention has been made to accurately preserve the original format of each page whilst digitally enhancing the difficult to read text.