The Elements of Art: Art 2 Notes: The Basics Name There are 7 main elements or tools that allow images to communicate. This is the VISUAL LANGUAGE. Artists need a consistent method in which to convey an idea- therefore, all comics, paintings, photographs, etc. are constructed from these building blocks... 1. (1) A point in motion, (2) A connection between points, or (3) An implied connection between points. Lines can be horizontal (calm, stable), vertical (formal, alert), or diagonal (movement, action). 2. A flat, self contained area that is 2 dimensional (only having length and width). Shapes can be geometric or organic 3. The 3 dimensional version of a shape- having length, width, AND depth. A form has volume and resides in space. 4. The surface quality of an object - rough, smooth, soft, hard, etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual (implied). 5. Color has 3 characteristics: Hue (the color s name), Intensity (a color s brightness & purity), and Value (the lightness or darkness of a color). 6. A range of tones - the lightness or darkness of a color with white being the lightest and black being the darkest. 7. (1) The area around (negative) and within (positive) an object -OR- (2) A sense of depth or perspective created on a 2 dimensional or flat surface The Principles of Design: The job of the Principles is to arrange and organize the Elements of Art into aesthetically pleasing compositions. They are not strict rules, just guidelines that can sometimes be broken. 1. Balance The distribution of visual weight so that no parts of the image overpower each other or seem out of place. can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial. 2. Using elements (line, colors, shapes, etc.) that conflict with one another to create visual interest. 3. Making one area of the artwork stand out in order to draw the viewer s attention. Contrast can be used to create Emphasis. 4. 1
The path the viewer s eye takes through the artwork. 5. The repeating of an object or symbol. Patterns are rhythmic. 6. Created when one or more elements are used repeatedly, causing a feeling of organized movement. Pattern has rhythm but not all rhythm is pattern it may be more haphazard. 7. The feeling of harmony between all parts of the work creating a sense of completeness and order. Composition: Generally speaking, artists use the Principles of Design with the following techniques to create an interesting and aesthetically pleasing art composition: 1. (1) Things in sets of 3 s are more interesting, and (2) the intersecting corners of the imaginary grid create the best focal points 2. Use symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial balance to make the composition feel even 3. Use actual or implied lines to move the viewer s eye around the composition and to the focal point. 4. Using pattern and repeating Elements of Art 5. Choose alternate viewpoints to make the composition more dynamic. Rather than eye level, you can do close up, bird s eye view, etc. 6. Pay attention to what s going on in the background. Avoid floaters and distractions. 7. Objects closer are larger - farther away are smaller. Overlapping, atmospheric perspective, placement. 8. Use the edges of the paper and the negative space to frame your subject. 9. Use the full page- placing objects in the center tends to be boring! 10. Objects in sets of odd # s tend to be more visually interesting. Ceramics (Clay): Every time you attach one piece of clay to another, you must it. When working with clay, the first thing you must do is it to remove all air bubbles. Stages of clay: = wet, easily pliable = easy to carve but too hard to bend = Bone-dry and ready to fire = Has been fired once in the kiln 2
= Has been glazed and fired TWICE in the kiln Color Theory: Primary colors: Secondary colors : Warm Colors: Cool Colors : 1. 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 3. 3. 3. Blue green Red + Yellow = Yellow + Blue = Blue + Red = = more active (excited, angry, active, hot) = more passive (sad, calm, relaxed, sleepy, cold) 4. Yellow green = Color family of 3 harmonious colors next to each other on the color wheel = A single color in a range of tones, tints, and shades Complementary colors : always across from each other on the color wheel Red & Yellow & Orange & To get a tint, you add. To get a shade, you add. 3
Art 2 Notes: Famous Artists Artist Art style/movement Name of artwork Impressionism Baroque The Dance Class The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp Abstract Expressionism Number 31 Fauvism The Dance MC Escher Anish Kapoor Takashi Murakami Edvard Munch Mary Cassatt Surrealism Post-Minimalist Neo-Pop Expressionism Impressionism Street Art Realism Early Renaissance Baroque Post-Impressionism Hope A Bar at the Folies-Bergere The Birth of Venus Girl With A Pearl Earring A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of 4
La Grande Jatte New Realism Nighthawks Anish Kapoor s Cloud Gate is also referred to as. Artist has partnered with people like Louis Vuitton and Kanye West. Watercolor techniques: Examples of poor craftsmanship: 5