Art History 1: Visual and Design Elements
Visual Element What gives a sense of depth through shadows and shading. It also conveys a sense of drama and spirituality.
Light
Visual ElementThree main characteristics: hue, value, and intensity
Color
Visual Element The bulk, density, and weight of the matter in space. Can be implied
Mass
Visual Element Surface quality of an object that we sense through touch. Can be implied and tells us how it would feel
Texture
Visual Element Three kinds: positive and negative (isolation and vulnerability), 3D, atmospheric (background is lighter, smaller, etc), and linear (converging lines in distance, non-mathematical in ancient world)
Space
Visual Element two dimensions- height and width, three dimensions (height, width, and depth). Geometric (square, rectangle, circle, stiffness and coldness) or organic (irregular or asymmetrical, warmth, natural)
Shape/Form
Visual Element identifiable path created by a point moving in space, one dimensional. can be: horizontal (rest or repose), vertical (sense of height, spirituality and heavens), both (stability and solidity), diagonal (feeling of movement, unstable), or curve (convey energy)
Line
Types of art
representational (realistic), abstracted (recognizable but simplified), or non-representational (like mandalas)
Principle of Design relationship of the work of art in comparison to other subjects, like human-sized
Scale
Principle of Design size or parts of artwork in relation to the whole (ie: big head, small body)
Proportion
Principle of Design created by repeating patterns to make organized movement
Rhythm and Repetition
Principle of Design the feeling of harmony between all parts of the art, sense of completeness. other part is use of several elements of design to hold the viewer's attention and guide the eye
Unity and Variety
Principle of Design difference between visual elements within a piece, can be created with opposite colors or symbolism and subject
Contrast
Principle of Design refer to actual movement, most often implied through diagonal lines, repetition, or change in mass
Movement
Principle of Design the part of the design that catches the viewer's attention, usually through contrast
Emphasis
Principle of Design obtained when the artist uses visual elements to move the viewer's eyes throughout the composition, like a triangle as an arrow
Directional Force
Principle of Design Distribution of visual weight of objects, colors, textures, and space. Three types: radial (elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar), bilateral (elements used on one side are similar to those on the other), or asymmetrical (sides are different but still look ____)
Balance