The Nature of Art and Elements of Visual Arts

Study Notes

Art is a concept that provides color and substance to everyday life.
It's a tangible manifestation of human activity, expressing individuality through skills.

Lines are paths created by moving points in space (one-dimensional).
Shape is where lines cross, creating images representing reality (two-dimensional).
Geometric shapes include circles and squares; organic shapes lack a defined structure.
Form includes shape and perceived volume (three-dimensional).
Color is derived from reflected or absorbed light, defining mood.
Texture describes the smoothness or roughness of an object.
Space encompasses foreground, middle ground, background, and the area between or around objects, which can be negative or positive.

Drawing involves creating images using tools like pens, ink, brushes, pencils, etc.
Painting uses pigment or color on a surface.
Photography captures images with camera features.
Architecture involves building design and construction.
Sculpture involves creating three-dimensional forms.
Weaving involves interlacing threads to create fabrics.

Literary arts are collections of writing that depict emotions, history, and culture.

Performing art involves creative activity in front of spectators.
Music combines vocal or instrumental sounds to create beauty in form, harmony, and expression.
Theater (from the Greek word "Theatron") is a place where spectators watch performances.
Cinema is the production of films as an art form and industry.

Balance is a physical equilibrium where weight distribution is even.
- Formal balance involves equal weight on both sides.
- Informal balance has uneven but balanced weight distribution.
Rhythm creates patterns or movement using art elements (line, color, texture, space, shape form, value) to guide the viewer's eye.
Proportion is the relationship in size between shapes and forms.
Emphasis draws attention to specific parts of a work.
Appropriation uses pre-existing objects or images with minimal transformation.
Hybridity combines unlikely materials.
Technology is used in creating and disseminating art.