Discussion Proper

UNIT 1: ENG 111 Reading Visual Arts

HANDOUT 2
A. ELEMENTS OF VISUAL ARTS
Elements of Visual Arts are the stylistic features that are included within the art piece to help the artist
communicate. The elements of art are components or parts of a work that can be isolated and defined. They
are the building blocks used by the artist to create a work of art. When analyzing these intentionally utilized
elements, the viewer is guided towards a deeper understanding of the work.
1. Lines in Art
A line is an identifiable path created by a point moving in space. It is one dimensional and can vary in
width, directions, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or
diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. They lead your eye around the composition and can
communicate information through their character and direction.

• Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of

rest or response because object
parallel to the earth are at rest.
Horizontal lines also help give a sense
of space.
• Vertical lines often communicate a
sense of height because they are
perpendicular to the earth, extending
upwards towards the sky.
• Diagonal lines convey a feeling of
movement object in diagonal position
are unstable. Because they are either
about to fall or are already in motion.
• The curve of the line can convey
energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the
curves of the human body and often
have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the composition.
2. Space
Real space is three-dimensional. Space in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth or three-
dimensions. It can also refer to the artist’s used of the area with the picture plane.

• The area around the primary

objects in a work of art is known as
NEGATIVE SPACE, while the space
occupied by primary objects
is known as POSITIVE SPACE.
• The relationship of positive to
negative space can greatly affect
the impact of a work of art.
• Three-dimensional space the
perfect illusion of three-dimensional
space in a two-dimensional work of
art is something that many artist’s,
such as Pieter Saenredam, labored
to achieve
 3. Color
Color is an element consisting of hues, of which there are three properties; hue chroma or
intensity, and value. Color is present when light strikes an object and it is reflected back into the eye, a
reaction to a hue arising in the optic nerve. Color has three main characters.
• Hue - which is the distinguishable • Color Temperature – a) Warm Colors: are
color, like red, blue, green or made with red, orange, or yellow and
yellow. combinations of them tend to feel warm
• Value - describes the darkness of reminding us of heat and sunshine; and b)
color. Artist use color value or Cool Colors: are made with blue, green, or
create different moods. Dark colors violet and combinations of the, tend to feel
in a composition suggest a lack of cool reminding us of water and sky.
light, as in a night or interior scene.
Dark color can often convey a
sense of mystery or foreboding.
Light color often described a light
source or light reflected within the
composition.
• Intensity - describes the purity or
strength of a color. Bright colors
are undiluted and are often
associated with positive energy
heightened emotions. Dull color
has been diluted by mixing with
other colors and creates a sedate
or serious mood.

4. Texture of an Artwork
Texture is used to describe the surface quality
of the work, referencing to the type of lines the
artist used in his creation. It can be tactile (real)
or strictly visual (implied). In two-dimensional
work of art, texture gives a visual sense of how an
object depicted would feel in real life if touched:
hard, soft, rough, smooth, hairy, leathery, sharp
etc. in the three-dimensional works, artist used
actual texture to add a tactile quality to the work.

5. Shape and Form

Shape and form define objects in space.
Shape has two-dimensions- height and width
and usually defined by lines. Forms exist in
three-dimensions, with height, width and
depth. *Shape is a close line. Shape can be
geometric, like squares and circles; or organic
like free-form or natural shape.
*Forms are often used when referring to
physical works of art, like sculptures, as
form is connected most closely with three-
dimensional works.
• Geometric shapes and forms include
mathematical, named shapes such as
squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres
and cones, geometric shapes and forms
are often man-made. However, many
natural forms also have geometric shapes.
• Organic shapes and forms are typically
irregular or asymmetric. Organic shapes
are often found in nature but man-made
shapes can also imitate organic forms.
B. PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
The principles of design are essentially a set of criteria which are used to explain how the visual elements are
arranged in a work of art. These principles are possibly the closest thing we have to a set of objective criteria for
analyzing and judging art.
1. Balance- it is a distribution of visual weight of objects, colors, texture and space. If the design was a scale, these
elements should be balanced to make the design feel stable.
• Symmetrical Balance conveys a sense of stability. The elements used on one side of the design are similar to those
on the other side.
• Asymmetrical Balance- often conveys sense of movement since the elements of the composition are unbalance.
The sides are different but still look balanced.
• Radial Balance- the elements are arranged around the central point or may be similar. The parts of pattern of the
design seem to move outward from the center.
2. Emphasis- Is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area
standout by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
• Dominance it is manner of creating one element in an artwork as the strongest or most important part.
• Focal point (Center of Interest) Isolation is the process that makes the element stand out from the pictorial field.
3. Movement- is e path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be
directed along lines, edges shape and color within the work of art.
4. Rhythm- is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized
movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.
• One-best Rhythm oblong repeatedly drawn from one another in similar size with various warm color on an
oversized ground (mural size) exemplifies rhythm in a simple way or one-beat rhythm.
• Alternating Rhythm two geometric shapes painted or drawn on alternating manner manifest alternating rhythm,
like series of square-triangle alternating each other in different size and position.
• Progressive Rhythm the repeated element is manifested in a consistent change. Size can be good example wherein
a series of stars slightly larger than the other is shown.
• Flowing Rhythm is observed as a composition of repeated element in a graceful movement. The manner of changes
still include the sense of consistency but distinct on a gradual movement, like a flowing liquid above different
strength of currents.
5. Pattern- is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art. Elements that are in repeatedly used like
line, color, shape, and texture creates pattern.
6. Proportion- is the feeling of unity created when all parts (size, amount or number) relate well with each other.
When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.
Proportion is identified as normal and expected.
7. Variety but leading to unity- is the used of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide
the viewer’s eye through the work of art. Variety is employed in a work of art using opposing or contrasting
elements in achieving visual interest; stimulating movement as often observed in life the “contrast” may be subtle
or obvious but leading to unity.
8. Unity- is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the works of art, which creates a sense of completeness. The
sense of feeling that everything that fits together.
• Repetition method of the elements like shape, color, line, etc. it achieves unity in art by way of consistent
repetition.
• Through simplicity a single major color, type of shape or an appropriate visual element can be utilized to unify a
work.
• Harmony is an approach where the visual elements are related, and may include medium.
• Theme and variation of an artwork revolves around one major element, say a round shape in appropriate size. The
rest of the shapes are similar with major one in variations, complementing the former.

ACTIVITY 1: Identify the lines that you can observe on the images below.

Activity No. 2: Space

Directions: Determine the subject/object represented by the negative and positive spaces in the following images.

1. Positive Space: ________________________

Negative Space: _______________________

2. Positive Space: ________________________

Negative Space: _______________________

3. Positive Space: ________________________

Negative Space: _______________________

4. Positive Space: ________________________

Negative Space: _______________________

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ASSIGNEMENT:
Draw one signage or symbol on a 1 short-seized bond paper. Make sure to draw it with its correct colors and
the letter should be how they would actually appear (size, style, and thickness).