Introduction

The word art comes from the ancient Latin ARS which means a craft or specialized form of skill, like carpentry,
smithying, and surgery” (Collingwood, 1938).

Art in Medieval Latin came to mean something different. It meant “any special form of book- learning, such as grammar
or logic, magic or astrology” (Collingwood, 1938).

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

1. understand why art is universal.

2. recognize the good qualities of Arts

3. acquire knowledge leading to Art Appreciation

Expectations on the Topic

It is hoped that this topic will deepen the student understanding and knowledge of the Assumption of Arts, Meaning of
Arts, that will them to develop a wider range of understanding of what is Art Appreciation is all about.

Topic

introduction to Art Appreciation

1. Assumption of Arts

2. Meaning of Arts

3. Meaning of Art Appreciation

Teaching Learning activities

Assumption of Arts

Art is universal – Art has always been timeless and universal, spanning generations and continents through and through.

Art is not nature – Art is man’s expression of his reception of nature. Art is man’s way of interpreting nature.

Art involves experience – Unlike fields of knowledge that involve data, art is known by experience. A work of art then
cannot be abstracted from actually doing. In order to know what an artwork is, we have to sense it.
Understanding the Art

Art is an Introduction to the Humanities (Cerbo et al, 2010) provided the following definitions of art:

1. Art as skill or Mastery - the term art is used to simply refer to a bay skill or mastery that is manifested in the
outstanding product of an endeavor.
2. Art as a process or a product of creative skill
• Art is a process because it involves arranging the aesthetic elements in an artistically interesting and appealing
manner.
• Art is a product because it includes human creations, different activities, and manners of expression.

3. Art as Universal language -

• The language of art is diverse.
• Each art form has its own artistic elements. Painting, Dance, Architecture, Music, Sculpture, and  Literature.
• expresses feelings and ideas shared by all individuals regardless of culture.

4. Art as a representation of reality- Art is a reflection or a mirror of reality.

5. Art reflects the characteristics period of history -  In the visual arts, figures were presented in idealized ‘flat’
forms to signify a lack of focus on the material world
• Medieval period – the dominance of the church initiated the expression of spiritual truths.

6. Arts reflects on the characteristics of the period of history - The focus on the material world is shown in the
‘three-dimensional’ reality of landscapes.
• Renaissance Period – the value ascribed to the material world was shown in a more defined and realistic
rendition of the human body in the visual arts.

7. The Art is manifested by the varied experimentation of artistic expressions.

• Modern Period – characterizes the idealistic search for truth and the realization that it is not attainable; thus,
relativity is accepted as an unavoidable truth.

8. The Art shows the manner of existence of the people of long ago.
• We gain awareness that the people during the Old Stone Age lived in caves and that they manifested their
artistry by drawings and sketching.

Summary

Humanities and art have always been part of man’s growth and civilization.   Since the dawn of time, man has
always tried to express his innermost thoughts and feelings about reality by creating art.   Three assumptions on art are
its universality, it's not being nature and its need for experience.   Without experience, there is no art. The artist has to
be foremost, a perceiver who is directly in touch with art.