Becoming an Artist

<p>Developed for introductory courses the readings in <em>Becoming an Artist: Design Drawing Value and Color</em> breaks down major art concepts for those who have not previously studied them. Readers learn the basics of both drawing and painting with a focus on graphite charcoal and acrylic painting mediums. The material is organized into four primary concepts – design drawing value and color with each building on the previous concept. <br /><br />Specific topics include design principles and elements proportion and measuring perspectives for interior and exterior drawing parts of light and shadow and color theory. The text features representational drawings and artwork as well as paintings from life. Each chapter includes activities and assignments that help students apply the concepts to create aesthetically pleasing works of art. <br /><br />Designed to help students successfully use what they have learned no matter their level of artistic mastery <em>Becoming an Artist</em> is an excellent text for beginning art classes. With its emphasis on concepts that are universal to visual mediums it can also serve as a supplemental reader for courses in clothing floral and theatre design.</p><p><strong>Jan L. Christiansen</strong> is an artist and educator who has worked as the lead designer for <em>American Dancer Magazine</em> and a web designer for the wellness company Melaleuca. A graduate of Brigham Young University - Idaho she studied graphic design and painting and earned her degree in 2D studies. She is now a faculty member at Brigham Young University - Idaho where she teaches general art and drawing and continues to paint thus pursuing both of her passions.</p>