Understanding Art: Functions and Elements

• Art uses imagination, creativity, and skill for human expression through objects, performances, or visual works.
• Art definitions vary across cultures, histories, and individual interpretations.

Functions of Art

• Personal: Expressing emotions, ideas, or personal experiences (e.g., painting as therapy).
• Social: Communicating messages impacting society (e.g., political propaganda).
• Physical: Serving practical purposes (e.g., architecture).

Elements of Art

• Line: A continuous surface mark (curved, straight, thick, thin).
• Shape: A two-dimensional enclosed space (geometric or organic).
• Color: Hue, value, and intensity evoking emotions.
• Texture: The surface quality (smooth, rough, bumpy).
• Space: Area within, around, or between objects.
• Form: Three-dimensional shapes (e.g., sculptures).
• Value: Lightness or darkness of a color.

Principles of Art

• Balance: Symmetrical or asymmetrical visual weight distribution.
• Contrast: Difference between elements (light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth).
• Emphasis: The part of the artwork that attracts attention.
• Movement: How the viewer's eye is guided.
• Pattern: Element repetition creating rhythm.
• Rhythm: Visual movement through repetition.
• Unity: Harmony in a composition.

Forms of Art

• Visual Arts: Paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography.
• Performing Arts: Dance, music, theater, film.
• Applied Arts: Architecture, fashion design, industrial design.

Mediums in Art

• Medium is the material used by an artist.
• Painting uses oil, acrylic, or watercolor.
• Sculpture uses wood, clay, metal, or stone.
• Photography uses digital or film cameras.
• Printmaking includes engraving and screen printing.
• Mixed Media combines different materials

Techniques in Art

• Painting: impasto (thick application), glazing (thin layers), stippling (dotting).
• Sculpting: carving, casting, assembling, modeling.
• Photography: exposure, composition, lighting.

Traditional vs Contemporary Art Mediums

• Traditional Art uses natural/historical materials such as wood, and charcoal.
• Contemporary Art uses modern materials like digital art, installations, and performance art.

Effects of Medium

• The choice of medium impacts the artwork's message and experience.
• Marble statues feel grand, watercolors feel delicate.

Basic Components of an Artwork

• Subject: the "what;" the image/theme.
• Content: the "why;" the meaning/message.
• Form: the "how;" the elements/techniques.

Types of Art Based on Subject

• Representational Art: Depicts real-world objects/scenes.
  • Mona Lisa: Realistic portrait.
  • The Starry Night: Recognizable night sky, stylized.
• Non-Representational Art: Focuses on colors, shapes, & emotions; does not depict real-world objects
  • Number 1A: Abstract splashes of paint.
  • Black Square: Simple square, represents minimalism.
• Abstract Art: A mix between representational and non-representational.
  • Head of a Woman: Distorted human face.

Sources of Subject in Art

• Nature: Landscapes, animals, plants.
• History: Events from the past, historical figures.
• Mythology: Greek, Roman, and other folklore.
• Religion: Christian, Islamic, Buddhist themes.
• Dreams & Fantasy: Imaginary worlds, surreal elements.

Kinds of Subject Matter

• Still Life: Arranged objects like fruit, flowers.
• Animals: Depictions of animals in nature/culture.
• Figures: Human bodies, portraits.
• Landscapes & Cityscapes: Nature/urban environments.
• Historical Events: Depictions of important moments.

Levels of Meaning in Art

• Factual Meaning: Obvious, literal meaning based on what is seen (e.g., battle scene = war).
• Conventional Meaning: Culturally accepted interpretations using symbols (e.g., dove = peace).
• Subjective Meaning: Personal interpretations based on emotions, experiences (e.g., a painting seen as joyful or melancholic).