Category Archives: How-To

Tutorials and design exercises.

Design Exercise: The Grid and Found Objects

Posted on August 10, 2017 by infinite dictionary

Last week I wrote about the artist Leonardo Drew. During the process of researching him I came across an interview conducted by Desa Beslic of the Denver Museum of Art. Among other things she asked him to talk about a … Continue reading →

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Design Exercise: Imaginary Places

Posted on July 13, 2017 by infinite dictionary

The weather is beautiful here in California. Perfect blue skies and just the right amount of heat. It’s hard to sit inside and get work done. I’d rather be anywhere but at my desk. Perhaps you feel this way too. … Continue reading →

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How To Analyze A Painting – Revisited

Posted on May 26, 2017 by infinite dictionary

In two recent posts, How To Become An Art Critic (In A Few Simple Steps) Part 1 and 2, we guided you step by step through the process of evaluating a work of art. The discussion was general in nature. Today … Continue reading →

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How To Become An Art Critic (In A Few Simple Steps) Part 2

Posted on May 18, 2017 by infinite dictionary

In the previous post I discussed steps one and two in the process of learning how to make valid critical observations and judgements about works of art. Those steps ask you to slow down and spend some time just looking … Continue reading →

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How To Become An Art Critic (In A Few Simple Steps)

Posted on May 11, 2017 by infinite dictionary

I recently had breakfast at a diner with a couple of close friends who are not artists. In addition to serving delicious omelets the diner also exhibits artwork on its walls. During our breakfast conversation one of my friends asked … Continue reading →

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Art Out of Context

Posted on April 27, 2017 by infinite dictionary

I recently came across two unexpected environments in which to view art. This got me thinking about a design exercise for all of you. The parameters are simple: Find a unique place to display art and then create appropriate work. … Continue reading →

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Pinterest and the Elements and Principles of Design

Posted on March 16, 2017 by infinite dictionary

As many of you know this blog is an offshoot of our book Design: A Beginner’s Handbook. In addition to this blog we also maintain a Facebook page and a set of Pinterest boards. The book contains real world examples … Continue reading →

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New Year To-Do List

Posted on December 29, 2016 by infinite dictionary

This is our final end-of-the-year classic post. It was originally published last January. Hope you enjoy this reprint and we’ll resume posting all new material next week. In the meantime… 5 Things To Do In The New Year It’s the … Continue reading →

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The Art of the Map

Posted on December 22, 2016 by infinite dictionary

Happy Holidays to all of you. We will be taking our own holiday but will be back with new content on January 5. This week and next we’ll connect you to some older posts that we think you’ll enjoy. This … Continue reading →

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Design Exercise: Minimal Cuts

Posted on December 9, 2016 by infinite dictionary

Here is a great beginning design exercise for you to try. When I teach an introduction to two-dimensional design class this is one of the first assignments I give. I usually start with the Synergy exercise I presented in this … Continue reading →

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