A Visual Guide to Classical Art Theory for Drawing and Painting Students

by Eric Mantle

Eric Mantle presents the basics of classical theory in a clear and concise manner for all beginning drawing and painting students. His book features diagrams that illustrate every concept. Students will see the complexities of color theory and understand how to create the illusion of volume and depth on a 2-dimensional surface. “As an art student,” Professor Mantle recalls, “I was frequently frustrated by instructional books that gave lengthy verbal descriptions of visual concepts and then showed small and/or unclear diagrams of those concepts. As an art teacher, I found that my students would gain a clearer understanding of a visual concept if my verbal explanation was combined with a diagram of that concept.”

A Visual Guide to Classical Art Theory is great for both traditional and non-traditional media. Each page, theory and diagram represents a different tool for the artist to use. Through their use, the artist will find an infinite number of solutions. Artists also may use the book to create a trompe-l’oeil effect in graffiti art or the illusion of volume and depth on the computer. A Visual Guide to Art Theory is presented in a unique, non-verbal format that clearly illustrates the effect of perspective on color, light and shade.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Design, Reference

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great ground work and concepts of art and design, including perspective, shading/shadows and colour. I particularly loved the colour section and all the different charts and grids explaining colour theory, which is one of my all time favourite things!

This also felt warmly familiar, I might have had it at one point because I feel like I can actually feel it in my hands. A great read and a great reference!

Bonus: This is my 10th non-fiction art book read for the year, which completes my challenge of reading 10 art books this year! Yay!!

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great basic book on the subjects of perspective, shading, and use of color in art. The illustrations are crystal clear, but you won't find more that the simplest of descriptions to go along with them. This would be an ideal text to accompany a basic drawing/painting art class.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic-best book on color & perspective

I'm a novice to coloring. But, novice or professional this is the best book I've come across to truly explain color in a way to develop pleasing palettes, depth, and perspective. Definitely a treasure in my coloring library.

[Sequoyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for artists.

This is a clear and concisely written book. An aptly demonstrated summation of key important visual elements for painters. It is an excellent book for every painter.

[Michaell Cavllaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD BOOK

This book contains a lot of information about art theory. If your just being to study art this book might to advanced.

[Rajiv Kishore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Very simple read. Author has explained beautifully all the concepts and in very simple language. Very helpful in creating a drawing or in painting.

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of information

Great book. Lots of information explained in a concise and visual manner. I highly recommend it for all artists at any level of experience.

[Robert Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the basics principles of 2D design I've ever come across. If you've struggled with understanding color theory, then I cannot recommend this book enough. Eric Mantle's approach by using a 3D model for the color wheel is revelatory and will help you understand just how color works and the depths to which you can use it in your work. Each page is visual with a drawing or image, making it much easier for those of us that learn through visual means.

Add this to your studio library at the earliest moment you have.

[Ben Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little guide to visual art and design. It covered linear perspective, color, light and shade, and atmospheric perspective. It probably wasn't very comprehensive, but it was a great starting point.

[Linda McClaren PhD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book that shares a teacher's lifetime of teaching diagrams. For artists, the visual nature of the 4-color diagrams transmits an easy-to-learn guide to classical art theory. Love it!

[Ramon de Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wish I had this book from the beginning. The only clear and thorough explanation of Munsell's color theory I've come across.