ART APPRECIATION notes (SEMI-FINAL)

Elements of Art
LINE

line
- refers to the path created between two points.
- mark made using a drawing tool or brush.
- used to define shapes and figures, but also to indicate motion, emotion, and other elements.
- fundamental to any artwork’s overarching form or shape.

vertical line
- described as moving in an up and down or down and up direction and are known as being
“perpendicular” to the earth’s surface/horizon, or any other horizontal line.
- often attributed to qualities like strength, power, and spirituality, as well as giving height and
prominence to the subject matter.
- EXAMPLE: Parthenon, Notre Dame Cathedral

horizontal line
- move from left to right, or right to left, in other words across.
- are usually described as being straight lines that are “flat” and “parallel” to the earth’s horizon, which
is the line we see when the sky meets the earth or where the sky meets the ocean.
- also termed the “horizon line”.
- EXAMPLE: The Monk by the Sea

diagonal line
- usually described as straight lines that “slant”. It can go in any direction like left or right, but it will
appear seemingly skewed or angled in that direction. This type of line can often provide a sense of
movement and dynamism in a visual composition because of its “unstable” angle.
- diagonal lines can also be utilized in perspective to draw attention to a specific focal point or create a
sense of depth and three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional visual artwork.
- EXAMPLE: Le Pont de l’Europe

curved line
- often described as bending in form and can be spiral-shaped or wavy.
- also attributed to aspects of “sensuality”, conveying the natural curves we see on the human body, or
other aspects like fluidity or softness.
- EXAMPLE: Heydar Aliyev Center, The Starry Night

zigzag line
- can be thought of as almost the opposite of curved lines.
- appear more angular and geometric, as well as more energized in their appearance because they
move from one point to the next and up and down.
- can be applied to give a sense of dynamism and rhythm in visual composition and are often attributed
to qualities like “chaos” or evoking heightened emotions because they are not static or as fluid as we
see in curved lines.
- applied to indicate a pattern or decoration in any type of artwork, which will create diversity and a
more interesting subject matter, whether it is in a realistic or abstract portrayal.
- EXAMPLE: Guangzhou Opera House

COLOR
- one of the basic artistic elements.
- has the strongest effect on our emotions; used to create the mood or atmosphere of an artwork.
- organized by different types, temperatures, harmonies, and other properties.
 - Isaac Newton (the one who discovered color) – English physicist and mathematician (began a series
of experiments with sunlight and prisms & demonstrated that clear white light was composed of seven
visible colors.

color theory
- first appeared in the 17th century when Isaac Newton discovered that white light could be divided into
a spectrum by passing it through a prism.

TRADITIONAL MODEL
- qualitative attempt to organize colors and their relationships.
- based on Newton’s color wheel and continues to be the most common system used by artists.
Primary Colors: red, blue, yellow
- equidistant from each other on the color wheel
- elemental colors (not produced by mixing any other colors)
Secondary Colors: orange (mix of red and yellow), green (mix of blue and yellow), violet (mixture of blue and
red)
Tertiary Colors: obtained by mixing the above colors at different intensities.
- White and black lie outside of these categories.
- Used to lighten (tint) or darken (shade) a color

additive color theory

- used when different colored lights are being projected on top of each other.
- produces color by selective projection of part of the spectrum.
- common applications are theater lighting and television screens.
Primary Colors: red, blue, and green
Secondary Colors: yellow (mixture of red and green), cyan (mix of blue and green), and magenta (mix of blue
and red.)
Tertiary Colors: obtained by mixing the above colors at different intensities.
- White is created by the confluence of the three primary colors, while black represents the absence of
all color.
- The lightness or darkness of a color is determined by the intensity/density of its various parts.

subtractive color theory (“process color”)

- used when a single light source is being reflected by different colors laid one on top of the other.
- produced when parts of the external light source’s spectrum are absorbed by the material and not
reflected back to the viewer’s eye.
- reverse of additive color theory
Primary Colors: yellow, cyan, and magenta (yellow, blue, and red)
Secondary Colors: red (mix of magenta and yellow), blue (mix of cyan and magenta), and green (mix of cyan
and yellow.)
Tertiary Colors: obtained by mixing the above colors at different intensities.
- Black is mixed using the three primary colors, while white represents the absence of all colors.
- Because of impurities in subtractive color, a true black is impossible to create through the mixture of
primaries.
- The lightness and darkness of a color is determined by its intensity and density.

hue
- refers to color itself, but also to the variations of a color.
value
- relative lightness or darkness of one color next to another.
- can make a difference in how it is perceived.
- Josef Albers (protracted study in color relationships.)
tone
- gradation or subtle changes made to a color when it’s mixed with a gray created by adding two
complements.
saturation
 - refers to the purity and intensity of a color.
- the primaries are the most intense and pure but diminish as they are mixed to form other colors.
- two colors work strongest together when they share the same intensity. (equiluminance)

COLOR INTERACTIONS

monochrome / monochromatic
- use of variations of a single hue
- simplest color interaction.
- high level of unity throughout the artwork because all the tones relate to one another.

analogous colors / adjacent colors

- similar to one another.
- can be found next to one another on any 12-part color wheel.
- EXAMPLES: purple/blue-purple, green/ yellow-green, orange/red-orange

COLOR TEMPERATURE
- divided into warm and cool colors.
- warm colors range from yellow to red, while cool colors range from yellow-green to violet.

complementary colors
- are found directly opposite one another on a color wheel.
- EXAMPLES: purple and yellow, green and red, orange and blue

split complementary
- uses one color plus the two colors on each side of the first color’s complement on the color wheel.
- creates visual tension but includes the variety of a third color.

COLOR SUBTRACTION
- refers to a visual phenomenon where the appearance of one color will lessen its presence in a nearby
color.

SIMULTANEOUS CONTRAST
- neutrals on a colored background will appear tinted toward that color’s complement, because the eye
attempts to create a balance.

TEXTURE
- element of art that refers to the way an object feels to the touch or looks as it may feel.

Four Kinds of Texture:

1. Actual Texture – also known as literal texture, is texture that’s actually there and something you can
feel when you touch it.
2. Implied Texture – also referred to as visual texture or simulated texture, is texture that isn’t actually
there, but looks like it should be.
3. Invented Texture – texture that is created by the artist and would not be found naturally.
4. Abstract Texture – using different textures in places they don’t belong; sometimes this creates
juxtaposition (two things are placed together to emphasize contrast.)

Seven elements of Texture:

1. 3-D Texture – refers to the way an object feels to the touch.
2. 2-D Texture - refers to the way an object looks as it may feel.
3. Visual texture – the illusion of a 3-D surface
4. Simulated – imitate real textures.
5. Invented – 2-D patterns created by the repetition of lines of shapes.
6. Rough textures – reflect light unevenly
7. Smooth textures – reflect light evenly.
matte
- surface that reflects a soft, dull light.
- shiny surfaces are the opposite of matte.

impasto
- a painting technique in which the paint is built up on the surface to create a texture.

• When drawing or painting texture, it is important to pay close attention to the values – they reveal the
illusion of texture.

FORM
- refers to objects that are 3-dimensional, or have length, width, and height.
- role is to create three-dimensional, tangible objects or the illusion of depth and volume in two-
dimensional artworks, enabling artists to represent and explore the physical and conceptual aspects
of their subjects.

geometric forms
- can be used to create regular patterns in artwork or to draw attention to certain areas of a composition.

organic forms
- are more free-flowing and irregular in shape.

FORM IS SHOWN IN TWO DIFFERENT WAYS:

1. Real forms – occupy space, such as sculptures or buildings.
2. Implied forms – can be considered one if it appears to have depth; can be created with perspective,
tone/value or color.

SPACE
- one of the classic seven elements of art, refers to the distances or areas around, between, and within
components of a piece.
- can be described as the distance around and/or the area between design objects or elements.

TWO TYPES:
1. positive space – term used to refer to the areas of interest and focus in a piece of artwork; often the
subject of a work of art such as a person, landscape, or object.
2. negative space – term used in art to describe the space surrounding a subject; also called as white
space and is typically empty and lacks details as to simplify an image and keep the focus on the
subject.

PERSPECTIVE
- to the technique used to represent three-dimensional objects and depth on a two-dimensional drawing
surface.
- creates the illusion of distance and volume on a flat surface like canvas.

TYPES OF PERSPECTIVE IN ART:

1. Linear Perspective – uses vanishing points and converging lines; is seen when parallel lines meet at
a point on the horizon of a 2D composition to convey a sense of depth that mimics 3D recession or
depth.
2. One-point Perspective - a technique in visual art that utilizes one vanishing point on the horizon line
to depict depth and distance. It’s typically used for compositions viewed straight on, where all parallel
lines appear to converge towards this solitary point.
3. Two-point Perspective - occurs when the vertical edge of a cube is facing the viewer, exposing two
sides that recede into the distance, one to each vanishing point.
4. Aerial Perspective / Atmospheric Perspective – is an artistic technique on a 2D plane that mimics
what the eye sees when looking at forms in the distance; also deals with color and clarity to suggest
depth.
HARMONY
- created when elements are utilized in such a way that they complement or relate to one another
(EXAMPLE: similar color schemes are used, or the same shapes or forms are combined.)

UNITY
- all about tying it all together.
- about all the parts working to create a composition that speaks a thousand words or says nothing at
all, either way, it is understood on a deeper level and its impression is felt.
- art is one of the seven principles of art and responsible for the harmonious arrangement of art
elements within a design.

5 ways to express UNITY:

1. Simplicity - unity in art refers to excluding or limiting one or multiple art elements (line, shape, color,
etc.) from your artwork. By doing so, you purposefully limit your work’s potential for variety.
2. Repetition - unity in art refers to repeating shapes, values, textures, or colors to create a visual
relationship between the compositional elements. Repeating similar elements creates a sense of
consistency and completeness.
3. Proximity - unity in art refers to grouping objects or figures by placing them close to one another in
composition. This prompts viewers to perceive them as one group rather than separate elements.
4. Alignment - unity in art refers to arranging shapes or elements in a way that makes lines or edges of
the elements lead into other elements. This allows the eye to group these elements together, which
creates a sense of unity.
5. Continuation - unity is achieved by using continuing edges, shapes, and lines, that connect different
objects or areas to one another, making them “flow” into each other.
EXAMPLE used by the reporters: Santa Trinita Maestà (1290-1300) by Cinne De Pipo
CONTRAST
- creates interest and diversity and without it, a painting, sculpture, drawing, or any form of art would
be bland and boring.
- the technique of using distinct visual art elements in juxtaposition with each other that often work
together to create balance and depth.
- can be used for multiple purposes, such as to convey meaning, draw attention to the piece, and
dramatize the characteristics of the work.

4 types of Contrast:
1. Value - utilizes light and dark tones to add a layer of depth and three-dimensionality to the artwork.
Value in art is based on a color’s relative light or darkness, regardless of its hue.
2. Color – also known as hue contrast, refers to the contrast between the hues and saturation of an
image.
EXAMPLE: Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Pipe (1889) by Vincent Van Gogh
3. Shape – is the use of rigid vs. organic shapes, long vs. short shapes, or circular vs. rectangular shapes
in an artwork.
EXAMPLE: The Laundry Boat of Pont de Charenton by Henri Rousseau
4. Texture – achieved by using smooth and rough surfaces in an artwork.

REPETITION
- the repeated use of particular elements of visual arts to create a pattern, movement, rhythm, or
unity.
- used to make patterns in an artwork. This makes the artwork more active and creates unity within it.
With repetition, parts of the artwork match with one another.
Types of Repetition
1. Regular Repetition
- occurs when elements are placed in an even manner and are also evenly spaced.
EXAMPLE: Untitled (Stack) (1967) by the American artist Donald Judd
2. Irregular / Random
- the opposite of evenly spaced elements, elements will appear more unevenly spaced or arranged.
EXAMPLE: Composition with Yellow, Blue and Red (1937 – 1942) by Piet Mondrian
3. Alternating Repetition
- includes different or contrasting elements arranged in corresponding patterns.
EXAMPLE: Flying Fish (1954) by M. C. Escher
4. Radiating / Emanating
- consists of elements that emanate outwards from the center, where there is usually a point of
connection.
EXAMPLE: The North Rose Window (c. 1250) of the Notre Dame Cathedral by Oliver Mitchell

PATTERN
- design that repeats and can be found anywhere. They can be made by repeating shape, line, or color.
- often used symbolically to represent many things: people, beliefs, the natural world, history, tradition.
Colors and shapes have specific meanings and are passed down from generation to generation. The
predictability of pattern is important in establishing a historical tradition and cultural practice.
Types of Pattern
1. Natural / Organic
- are organic in their composition. Since patterns are found throughout nature, artists often use the
natural world as a reliable source of creative inspiration.
EXAMPLE: William Morris’s Strawberry Thief pattern (1883)
2. Man-Made Pattern
- are patterns made by humans, and they can either be created for structural or decorative purposes.
EXAMPLE: Floral Patterned Arch
3. Geometric Pattern
- are based on math principles and are typically characterized by their use of clean lines, bold colors,
and shapes.
EXAMPLE: Geometric, triangle modern
4. Irregular Pattern
- created when the pattern deviates from its expected “perfect” condition.
EXAMPLE: Broadway Boogie Woogie(1942 – 1943) by Piet Mondrian
Repetition and Pattern Artists: M.C. Escher, William Morris, Piet Mondrian, Yayoi Kusama

BALANCE
- one of the principles of organization of structural elements of art and design, along with unity,
proportion, emphasis and rhythm.
- balance does not necessarily imply a complete visual or even physical equilibrium of forms around a
center of the composition, but rather an arrangement of forms that evokes the sense of balance in
viewers.

Types of Balance:
1. Symmetrical Balance
- when each half of the artwork is identical or very similar.
- described as having equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. It may also be
referred to as formal balance When the elements are arranged equally on either side of a central
axis.
2. Asymmetrical Balance
- typically off-centered or created with an odd or mismatched number of disparate elements.
- when the left and right sides of the design are unequal it is said to have asymmetrical balance.

HARMONY
- principle of art that refers to how well all the visual elements work together.
- should have some kind of logical progression or relationship.
- should just look like it works.
- uses the elements of art (color, line, shape, form, value, space, texture) as a vehicle to create a
sense of togetherness amongst otherwise separate parts.
Harmony of Lines & Shapes
1. Repetition – if a small rectangle is placed within another bigger triangle so their sides are parallel.
2. Repeating – repetition shows harmony.

Harmony of Color
- means using two or more colors in decorating an article or object.
- does not mean mixing the colors.
- color combination giving the most pleasure is most likely to be those possessing harmony or unity.
• Harmony brings our focus back into the present moment, how you are experiencing your emotions,
and placing a focus on feeling at peace in your life in any phase. Balance places our focus on one or
two aspects of life and prioritizes the end result, rather than the feeling through your experience.
RHYTHM
- the visual or auditory pattern created by repeated shapes, elements, colors, sounds, and movements.
- used to create a sense of flow and connection within a work of art, as well as draw attention to certain
areas of the composition.
- can be achieved through repetition and variation, contrast, gradation and echo.
What is rhythm in art used for?
- create a sense of movement and flow.
- draw attention to certain parts of the composition.
- create harmony and connection between elements.
What does rhythm mean in art and composition?
- Rhythm is a fundamental concept in the field of art. It refers to the way in which an artwork is structured
in terms of its visually elements such as colors, lines, shapes and patterns. In art, rhythm is the
repetition and variation of these visual elements in a structured and deliberate manner.
Five types of rhythm in art
1. Regular Rhythm
- the elements in an artwork are arranged in a systematic and orderly way.
EXAMPLE: “Composition II in Red, Blue and Yellow”
2. Flowing Rhythm
- used to create a sense of movement or action in a still image.
EXAMPLE: Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh
3. Progressive Rhythm
- the elements in an artwork are arranged in a sequence that suggests a gradual increase or decrease
in size, color, or texture.
- creates a sense, progression or flow.
EXAMPLE: Bird in Space by Constantin Brancusi
4. Alternative Rhythm
- the elements in an artwork are arranged in a pattern that alternates between two or more contrasting
elements.
EXAMPLE: Campbell’s Soup Cans” by Andy Warhol
5. Random Rhythm
- the elements in an artwork are arranged in an unpredictable or spontaneous manner.
EXAMPLE: No. 61 (Rust and Blue”) by Mark Rothko
Techniques used to create rhythm:
1. Repetition - is a key technique used to create rhythm in art. It involves creating similar elements within
a place of artwork either of their content composition.
2. Variation - involves creating a degree of difference between elements within the work such as shape,
size, color, or content.
3. Contrast - an important technique used to create rhythm in art. This involves using elements of
difference within a piece of artwork, such as color, size, shape, or content.
4. Graduation - is a technique that involves the gradual progression between elements such as color,
size, or shape.
EMPHASIS
- principle of art that helps the audience put the story of a painting together in their own minds.
- any object or area of emphasis is called a focal point. The focal point is meant to be the part of an
artwork to which the viewer’s eyes are first attracted.
Variety of ways to create emphasis:
1. Shapes - one of the common examples is to highlight certain elements by making them larger than
other elements. Ex: "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer
2. Color - this can be achieved by making certain elements brighter or darker, creating a sense of
contrast.
How to create emphasis in art
- Emphasizing certain points of an artwork, the artist can direct the viewer’s eyes around the piece.
- Contrast creates tension by presenting differences between elements and directing the viewer’s eye
to a certain point or area.
- Hierarchy is the presentation of visual elements in order of importance, with the most important
element at the top.
- Variety is essential in creating contrast between elements which will draw attention to certain areas
or points in an artwork.
VARIETY
variety in visual arts
- refers to the use of the seven visual art elements to create interest, contrast, and complexity in the
artwork.
- a principle of design that allows artists to add depth, dimension, and complexity to their compositions
and enhance the viewer’s overall visual experience.
3 Types of Variety:
1. Contrast – using forms, textures, and colors that differ significantly from one another; makes the
artwork more dynamic and eye-catching.
2. Change and Difference – repeating similar art elements but changing one aspect of them (ex: hue,
position, size.)
3. Elaboration – refers to adding extra details and complexity to increase interest in your work.
How artists add variety to their artwork:
1. Color Variety – implies varying your saturation, value, and hue.
• Saturation – represents the intensity of your color, and how vivid it is.
• Hue – means the color’s location on the color wheel.
• Value – defines how dark or light the color is.
2. Brushwork Variety – is not only about the result within the painting; it’s also a lot about what’s on the
“artist’s side” of the painting process. By altering your technique, you can bring incredible changes to
your artwork, almost unlimited in its diversity.
3. Line Variety – can influence your artwork greatly since it is one of the fundamental art elements.
 4. Shape Variety – or its absence, is usually very easy to notice. The same shapes throughout the
composition looks repetitive and bland.
5. Size Variety – it is self-explanatory, and even if you repeat the same object multiple times, you can
change up their sizes to add visual appeal.
6. Technique Variety – in a way, it is similar to the brushwork variety, but in different art mediums, it can
be applied differently.
7. Edge Variety – an edge in art represents the transition between two shapes which can be hard, firm,
soft, or lost.
EXAMPLES OF VARIETY OF ART:

• The Ideal City – Fra Carnevale (1480 – 1484)

• Italian Landscape with Umbrella Pines – Hendrik Voogd (1807)
• Joshua Commanding the Sea to Stand Still upon Gibeon – John Martin (1816)
MOVEMENT
movement in art
- refers to the way an artist creates the illusion of motion or action in a static image.
- used to direct the viewer’s eye movement through an artwork, often toward the focal point.
4 Types of Movement in Art:
1. Physical Movement
- refers to artists using different art elements to create a sense of motion in a picture.
- can create literal movement – when lines, such as zigzag or spiral, are used to create an illusion of
movement – when contrasting shapes and colors are used to create a sense of dynamism.
- can be conveyed by drawing lines coming from the moving object or multiplying.
2. Implied Movement
- when there is a suggestion of movement in a static image,
- not a literal representation of movement but a hint that makes the viewer imagine it.
- often a simple visual clue that suggests that a movement has just happened or is about to happen.
3. Rhythmic Movement
- refers to a repeated or alternated pattern of shapes, colors, or lines that create a sense of flow in an
artwork.
- artists achieve it through variation, alternation and repetition of visual elements.
4. Optical Movement
- an illusion of movement created with the use of contrast, shapes, patterns, and colors.
- creates an impression that a static image is moving, shifting, or pulsing when it’s not.
Ways to achieve Movement in Art:
1. Color - creating movement with color element comes in various forms, such as using contrasting hues,
juxtaposing light and dark colors, or warm and cool hues.
2. Lines - creating movement with lines can be done in two different ways – physical lines like those in
comics and implied lines like perspective lines. A great example of this is “Starry Night” by Vincent
Van Gogh.
3. Brushwork-texture - loose and gestural brushwork can create a sense of movement and spontaneity
in a painting. On the other hand, tighter and more controlled brushwork can suggest a sense of
stillness or order.
4. Scale, Proportion and Placement - by adjusting the scale, proportion, and placement of objects with
the composition, artist can evoke motion.
5. Composition - artists achieve movement with composition by deliberating arranging different elements
on a page that suggests motion.
EXAMPLES OF MOVEMENT IN ART:

• Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – Albrecht Durer (1497-1948)

• The Threatened Swan – Jan Asselijn (1650)
 • The Fall of the Rebel Angels – Luca Giordano (1660-1665)
SCALE
- a principle of art that is defined as the relative size of one object compared to another, typically the
size of the artwork to the viewer’s body.
- plays an important role in the visual impact of artworks as it can create a sense of awe and
monumentality or evoke intimacy and familiarity.
Kinds of Scale:
1. Actual Scale - is when the artwork has been created to match the true size of its subject matter. An
example of this is a life-sized statue of a human figure.
2. Relative Scale - is when the artwork reflects the relative size of its objects. The relative size of an
object or figure produces the appearance of space on a flat 2D plane.
3. Representative Scale - is when an artist employs proportions to reflect accurate scales in their work,
even if they are not working from measurements of the subject matter.
PROPORTION
- a principle of art that refers to the size of elements within the composition in relation to each other.
- frequently used to convey a sense of realism.
Kinds of Proportion:
1. Standard Proportion
- refers to proportions that are created correctly when compared to proportions that exist within
reality.
- important for artists looking to create realistic compositions.

2. Altered Proportion
- refers to the manipulation of proportion to achieve a specific visual effect.
- often used intentionally, typically to create more stylized and expressive compositions.

3. Hierarchical Proportion
- the intentional use of proportion to depict a hierarchy within a composition.
- denotes levels of power, status, or importance based on the proportions the artist chooses.

4. Out of Proportion
- entails one or more elements of a subject to be too large or too small in proportion to the rest of the
subject.
- usually done accidentally.