A Visual Language

This revised, second edition develops the creative principles established in the first edition, building particularly on three-dimensional forms, featuring a large number of new images.

A Visual Language is a practical introduction to the language of the visual arts, with a strong, innovative methodology. This expanded second edition begins with the basics of shape, composition and drawing, and gradually moves on to explore more complex arrangements, including abstract and representational analysis and composition. Building on the principles of visual language established in their last book, the authors now explore three-dimensional forms of increasing complexity. The final chapter of the book is devoted to a selection of sketchbook studies on ten international artists from various different visual disciplines, from architects and animators to painters and performance artists. This section demonstrates practically the methods presented earlier in the book, and helps visual artists to develop skills and confidence in their artistic work. Featuring a large number of new images, this book is essential reading for any artist in any field, regardless of their level, and is the only introduction to the visual arts that a beginner should require.