Contemporary Arts
SCRIBBLING – done by moving the pencil/pen
© Johnelle Cobarrubias
MEDIUM & TECHNIQUES
Two-Dimensional Media
- An artwork is described as two-dimensional if it
has length and width
- Composed of 2 parts: support/surface and the
painting/drawing medium
Support and Other Materials
- Paper – pen/ink, graphite, watercolor, gouache,
pastels
- Canvas – made from closely knit clot; oil, acrylic,
other paints (except water color and water-
based paints)
- Wood – oil, acrylic, other paints (except water
color and water-based paints); could be use for
canvas support and sculpture
- Wall/Concrete – acrylics, spray paint, enamel,
chalk; could be use for sculpture as well
DRAWING MEDIUMS
1. Charcoal – organic material from burnt wood
Two types:
• Vine – comes in thin sticks, easy to
blend and erase
• Compressed – charcoal pressed
into wooden casing, creates darker
shade
2. Graphite – a.k.a pencil; made from soft mineral;
more common and easier to use, not as messy
as charcoal
DRAWING – process of moving an instrument over a
surface; usually the first step in producing 2D artworks
KINDS OF DRAWING
1. Life Drawing – based directly upon observation
of a particular subject
2. Emotive Drawing – emphasizes emotion and
feelings and mood
3. Sketching – done at the “spur of the moment”
The artist puts down on paper his/her thoughts
and ideas that occur instantly
4. Respective Drawing – a drawing in which the
artist creates 3D objects in 2D plane ; for urban
planning, interior/industrial design (sometimes
optical illusionist)
TECHNIQUE – the manner in which artists use and
manipulate materials to achieve the desired format
effect, and communicate the desired concept, or
meaning, according to his or her personal style.
SHADING – is the use of light and shadow (degrees of
values) giving the work characteristics of having depth
and texture.
TYPES OF SHADING
1. HATCHING – this is accomplished by drawing
thin lines that runs in the same direction
2. CROSS-HATCHING – this is accomplished by
criss-crossing lines
3. TONAL VALUE/BLENDING – this is
accomplished by changing the value little by
little
4. STIPLING – tiny dashes are used to create
values
5. POINTILISM – tiny dots are used to create
values
6.
in small, circular motions.
PAINTING – the application of color to a surface
through the use of brushes, painting (palette) knives…
and even your fingers
Painting Materials
3. BRUSH – its main purpose is to spread and
transfer paint onto a surface.
There are 3 types:
a. Bristle – come’s from pig’s fur; used for
impressionist paintings and traditional Chinese
and Japanese art
b. Sable – comes from sable/weasel fur and is
expensive; used in watercolor and oil painting.
c. Nylon – synthetic and more commonly used
nowadays; almost has the same texture with
sable, and is suitable for all kinds of painting
CLASSIFICATION OF BRUSHES BY SHAPE
a. DOME-SHAPED – covers more areas and is
primarily used to paint clouds. Also used for
applying make-up
b. POINTED/ROUND – used for details and linear
markings
c. FLAT – ideal for broad strokes
FACT#1: the sizes of brush are coded in numeric
designations from 000-8 in the French scale and 0-12 in
the English scale
FACT#2: these brushes differ from the ones used in the
West, both in the materials used and in appearance
3 COMPONENTS OF PAINT
1. PIGMENTS – the minerals/substances that give
a paint its color
2. BINDER – the material that holds the pigment
together and allows it to stick to a surface
3. SOLVENT – liquids used to control the viscosity
(thickness and thinness) of the paint
DIFFERENT KINDS OF PAINT
1. OIL – BASED PAINTS – first used
predominantly during the early Renaissance.
Oil paints dry slowly
2. WATER – SOLUBLE PINTS – watercolor is the
most popular of all water-based media
3. GOUACHE – water-soluble paint which is a
mixture of transparent watercolor with a water-
soluble with white pigment
4. TEMPERA – pigments mixed and bound using
egg. Predominantly used during the middle
ages
5. ACRYLIC – probably the youngest among the
painting mediums; water soluble and becomes
water resistant when dry
PAINTING TECHNIQUES
- DRY BRUSH – applying paint undiluted by
water using a dry brush; creates strong and
intense color blending
- WASHING – applying watered-down paint to
apply translucent washes on the surface
- POINTILISM – applying layers of various tiny
paint dots to create depth in an imagery as well
as texture
 - IMPASTO – simply use the palette knife to
scrape up a bit of paint and apply it to you work
surface
- FLICKING – using a fairly wet brush, you can
flick pain onto a work surface for an uneven
splatter effect
- DABBING – using a corner of a sponge or even
a piece of paper towel, you can dab on accents
of color
Other Two-Dimensional Media
PASTEL PAINTING – used pastels and unlike other
mediums, liquids and solvents aren’t used.
3 KINDS OF PASTEL
1. SOFT PASTELS – powdery in texture. There is a
higher proportion of pigment compared to
binder
2. HARD PASTELS – also known as chalk pastels.
Good for creating details
3. OIL PASTELS – pigments used are bound in oil.
More vibrant compared to soft and hard pastels
COLLAGE – a type of art made by composing various
cut-outs from print media (magazines, newspapers,
photographs)
PRINTMAKING – process that involves the repeated
transferring of an original image from a prepared
surface called matrix/printing plate onto another
surface, usually paper or canvas
MIXED MEDIA – works of art that combine various
mediums
TECHNOLOGY AS ART MEDIA
DIGITAL ART – uses digital technology (computers,
tablets, smartphones) as an important tool in creating
art
PHOTOGRAPHY – is considered as both the science
and art of producing images using a camera
BASIC FEATURES OF A CAMERA
1. LENS – this focuses light onto the
photosensitive surface such as film
2. FILM/SENSOR – this records the image that is
take (shot) by the camera
3. APERTURE – the amount of light that enters a
camera is determined by the size of the opening
of the aperture in the lens
4. SHUTTER – opens to allow light in when a
photograph is taken
SHUTTER SPEED – stands for the length of time a
camera shutter is open to expose light into the camera
sensor.
MULTIMEDIA ART – combines texts, graphics, video
and sound into a single masterpiece
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MEDIA – solid shapes, volume,
and the interesting use of space are some of the
element that challenges three-dimensional artists in
search for their own style
SCULPTURE – many works of contemporary sculptors
are usually not found in museum but rather in different
public places
TECHNIQUE IN SCULPTURE
1. SUBTRACTION – removing pieces or parts of
the material
2. ADDITION – putting together materials or
assembling the materials
3. MANIPULATION – also known as modeling
4. SUBSTITUTION – also known as casting
KINDS OF SCULPTURE
• Relief
• Free-standing
• Constructed sculpture
• Kinetic sculpture
INSTALLATION ART – is a contemporary three-
dimensional artform that involves any arrangement of
objects in an exhibition space
Other Artforms
MUSICIANS – use sound instruments and their voices
DANCERS – uses the body and its movements
THEATRE ARTISTS – integrates every artform and uses
the stage, production design, performance elements,
and script, to enable the visual musical, dance and
aspect to come together as a whole work
FILMAKERWS AND DIRECTORS – uses the
cinematographic camera to record and put together
production design, sound engineering, performance
and screenplay
WRITERS, NOVELISTS, AND POETS – writing
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
The elements of art are the building blocks used to
create art. They convey meaning, express ideas and
feelings.
POINT – simplest and basic unit of design. It can be
used alone or as a unit in a group which forms a line of
shape in the image.
Points are rendered using stippling/pointillism method.
In digital context, points are called pixels.
LINE – extended dots or series of points; mark made
between 2 points
It gives dimension to a composition through length and
width; but no depth
PERSPECTIVE – creates an illusion of space on a flat
surface
• One-point perspective
• Two-point perspective
• Three-point perspective
SHAPE – is an enclosed spaced, limited into two
dimensions; length and width
2 TYPES OF SHAPE
a. GEOMETRIC – have the clear edges (circles,
rectangles, squares etc.)
b. ORGANIC have natural, less well-defined edges
(e.g. amoeba or a cloud)
SPACE – the area between 2 elements used to separate.
Gives importance to subject
Space can be positive or negative
• POSITIVE – is the filled space, the
object/s in the design
 • NEGATIVE (void) – Is the empty
space, or the open space between
objects, such as background
TEXTURE – perceived surface of an object, the look and
feel of it, and the perceived physical properties. Adds
depth and visual interest.
2 TYPES OF TEXTURE
a. REAL TEXTURE – the actual texture of an
object in three-dimensional space
b. IMPLIED TEXTURE – visual illusions of images
to look like a certain texture on a two-
dimensional space
COLORS – is the result when lights hits an object, the
perceived visual and physical properties is seen by the
human eye
HUE – is the primary and most basic attribute of a color
that makes it distinct from another color
SATURATION – refers to the intensity of color in an
image
DESATURATION – absence of hue
BLACK – presence of all colors
WHITE – complete absence of colors
COLOR PSYCHOLOGY
RED – the single most dynamic and passionate color
that symbolizes love, rage, and courage. Increased
appetite and metabolism
ORANGE – optimistic and extroverted color associated
with adventure and social communication. Rejuvenates
and helps restore physical energies
YELLOW – most vibrant color in the spectrum that truly
joyous and radiant. Signifies enlightenment, sunlight
and spirituality.
GREEN – lively color that symbolizes renewal and
growth. Represents life, natural environment, and
money; as well as problem solvers and visionaries
BLUE – color is associated with peace, serenity,
meditation and relaxation. It is associated to
intelligence and improves concentration and
productivity.
VIOLET – increase intuition, perception and creativity.
Conveys nasty attitude, and rude behavior. Also
associated to loneliness, misery, and sorrow.
VALUE – it is relative lightness or darkness an object
TINT – addition of white to hue
SHADE – addition of black to hue
TONE – addition of gray to hue
CMYK is the color model used in printing
RGB is used on TV, web, for viewing purposes only
(transfer video signals)
COLOR THEORY
- A set of guiding principles that can be used to
create harmonious color combinations.
- The color wheel is developed by Sir Isaac
Newton to visualize color relationships within
the spectrum.
- Color theories or principles guide designers to
make effective usage of colors
• Warm Colors (Yellow, Orange etc.)
• Cool Colors (green, blue etc.)
• Neutral Colors (black, white, gray,
brown)
MONOCHROMATIC – colors are derived from a single
base hue and extended using its shade, tones and tints.
COMPLIMENTARY – these are color pairs that are
directly opposite each other on the color wheel. The
represent the most contrasting relationships
ANALOGOUS – color combinations of two or more
colors that are adjacent to each other on the color
wheel. These are similar light ray wavelengths, so they
are pleasing to the eye.
TRIADIC – these are color combinations three colors
are equally spaced from each other on the color wheel.
SPLIT COMPLEMENTARY – three-color schemes in
which one color is accomplished by two others that are
spaced equally from the first color’s compliment
TETRADIC – this is the combination of two pairs of
complementary colors
PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION
COMPOSITION – the arrangement and structural
elements of a work of art. The way which theses
principles are applied affects the expressive content, or
the message of the artwork. Sometimes, creative artists
purposely break the rules.
PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION
B – Balance
E – Emphasis
M – Movement
U - Unity
C - Contrast
H – Harmony
BALANCE – a concept of visual equilibrium and relates
to our physical sense of balance. It is a compromise of
opposing forces in one composition that results in visual
stability.
SYMMETRICAL – equal weights on both sides
ASYMMETRICAL – placement of varying weights
LEAD ROOM – is the space in front, and in the direction
of, moving stationary subjects.
HEADROOM – It refers to the space between top of your
frame and your subject’s head.
ESTABLISHING SHOT – establishes the context for a
scene. Shows where and when the film is set.
LOW ANGLE SHOT – a shot of an object from below
looking up (WORMS EYE-VIEW)
HIGH ANGLE SHOT – a shot of an object from above
looking down. (BIRDS EYE-VIEW)
CLOSE-UP SHOT – a shot of a part of the body with little
background.
EXTREME CLOSE-UP SHOT – magnifying a part of the
body showing almost no background (ex. eyes)
LONG SHOT – a shot of an object or person from a EXAMPLES
distance, showing the whole body from head to toe.
• A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY
AERIAL SHOT – a shot taken from a bird’s eye view, CHARLES DICKENS (The subject
establishing a setting. matter is CHRISTMAS, theme is
GIVING AND BEING UNSELFISH)
POINT-OF-VIEW SHOT – a shot of what the subject can
• The Film “On the Job”
see.
SUBJECT: COPS VS. CRIMINALS
ZOOM IN/OUT – a shot of the subject where the camera THEME: BETRAYAL, SACRIFICES
appears to move closer/further away from it. AND CORRUPTION
• The film “Pamilya Ordinaryo”
PANNING – movement that scans the scene SUBJECT: SACRIFICES AND
HORIZONTALLY. BEING UNSELFISH
TILTING – movement that scans the scene vertically. • The Film “Honor Thy Father”
SUBJECT MATTER:
RULE OF THIRDS – applied by aligning a subject with FAMILY/CORRUPTION
the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the THEME: SACRIFICES
horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear
features in the image to flow from section to section

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE – is created by adding things

together, which makes it arithmetic sequence.

EMPHASIS – “center of interest” Most artist put t a bit

off center and balance it with some minor themes to
maintain interest. Hi! Here’s an important note:

MOVEMENT – is the visual sense and flow through the Study hard,
artwork; the path where the viewer’s eyes takes through
No matter if it seems impossible,
the artwork.
No matter if it takes time,
CONTRAST – arrangement of two or more opposite
elements. Also called VARIATION No matter if you have to stay up all night,

CHIAROSCURO – is a strong contrasting light and Just remember that the feeling of success is the best
shadow from ONE DIRECTION in a painting for thing in the entire world.
drawing. ITALIAN WORD for LIGHT-DARK

TENEBRISM – predominantly dark tones over light for Good luck and God Bless friends!! <3
dramatic effect.
- Jo
UNITY – when all the elements of an art synchronized
within the composition that gives meaning; also the
attractive whole; visual orderliness

HARMONY - is the visually satisfying effect of

combining similar, related elements; the attractive
whole.

Harmony can be achieved through RHYTHM and

REPETITION.

REPETITION – repeated used of an element; makes

visual echo and accent

RHYTHM - continuity, recurrence and sequence in time

and space

UNITY is somehow equivalent to HARMONY, but

there’s slight difference.

UNITY – different elements synched with one another

HARMONY – same elements (usually on repeat)

synched with one another

SUBJECT AND THEMES

SUBJECT MATTER – the branch of knowledge what the

concept is all about

THEME – is the main idea or central point.

What an artist or anyone wants to communicate with
the audience.
Moral lesson of the story.