M3-Overview & Objectives

Module 3 - Artistic Elements

OVERVIEW

Just as spoken language is based on fundamental letters, sounds and grammar, visual art is based on elements and principles that, when used together, create works that communicate ideas and meaning to the viewer. We can refer to them as the building blocks of composition in visual art. A composition is the organized layout of an image or object according to the rules of design. The best way to understand the elements and principles is to study them within a variety of artworks.

In this module you will begin to learn the “language of art” through a structured approach to terms and examples used to describe and analyze any work of art. The basis of this language is the artistic elements– the irreducible and abstract ingredients that generate creative form. This module includes the exploration of the following artistic elements:

• The point
• Definitions and qualities of line
• Shapes: positive, negative and planar issues
• Figure / Ground Relationships
• Mass
• Space
• Color: its qualities and combinations
• Texture

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Define and describe the artistic elements and principles
• Compare and contrast art as a social activity and a singular creative act
• Explain the historical forms of artistic training
• Disuss the cultural ties to artistic process and training