The Elements of Visual Arts: Part 2
Exploring Space, Texture, Color, and Value
Introduction to Space
- Space is where the artwork is organized
- Two types of space: positive and negative space, and three-dimensional space
- Positive space is the main focus, while negative space surrounds and separates the subject
- Three-dimensional space indicates the length, height, and depth of an artwork
Special Indicators in Space
- Size: the relative scale of objects within the artwork
- Position: the location of objects within the plane of the artwork
- Transparency: the clarity of objects in the image
- Fractional representation: showing parts of an object in the artwork
- Sharp and diminishing detail: level of detail based on proximity to the foreground
- Converging parallels: lines that guide the viewer's focus to the focal point
- Linear perspective: a technique for creating depth in a flat surface
Types of Linear Perspective
- One-point perspective: a single vanishing point on the horizon
- Two-point perspective: two vanishing points on the horizon
- Three-point perspective: three vanishing points on the horizon
Understanding Texture
- Texture is the look or feel of a surface
- Experienced optically through sight and physically through touch
- Actual texture: physical texture in the artwork (e.g. Alfonso So's textured artwork)
- Simulated texture: optical texture that tricks the eye into perceiving texture (e.g. hyper-realistic paintings)
- Invented texture: texture created from the artist's imagination (e.g. glitch art)
Understanding Color
- Colors are light waves absorbed or reflected
- Color has three qualities: hue, value, and saturation
- Color wheel: primary, secondary, and tertiary colors
- Warm colors: advancing and stimulating; cool colors: receding and relaxing
- Color harmonies: complementary, analogous, and triadic
Revealing Colors in Ancient Greek Sculptures
- Research shows that ancient Greek sculptures were originally painted
- X-ray scans and advanced technology reveal the use of bright colors
- Examples of colored Greek sculptures and their discoveries
Exploring Value
- Value is the lightness to darkness of a color
- Differentiating shades, tints, and tones
- Value scale: highlights, midtones, and shadows
- Low contrast vs high contrast
Conclusion: Recap of the Elements of Visual Arts
- Recap of the elements discussed: space, texture, color, and value
- Highlighting the key points of each element
- Emphasizing the interconnectedness and significance of these elements in creating visual art