Module 3: Manner of Presenting Art & Levels and Meaning of Subject Abstract Expressionism

is a manner of art presentation that is also known as color field or action painting
Manner of Presenting Art as a Subject or “gestural abstraction” because the work of art becomes an event. In this
Presenting an art subject requires some tools and authority. An artist may presentation, the “manner of production” is the subject of the art. Characteristics
convey a particular method or approach, and in order for his work to be of this presentation include messiness and exceptionally energetic applications of
understood, there are different ways of looking into art. paint which have been introduced into the art scene after World War II.

Art critics may vary in their thoughts, ideas, and evaluation. However, their Surrealism
conventions are clear in presenting art as a subject. These are the common is a way of representing the subject by combining realism and distortion. Surrealism
ways of presenting art: (a) Realism, (b) Abstraction, (c) Surrealism, (d) involves contradictions of situations of reality and that of
Fauvism, (e) Dadaism, (f) Expressionism, (g) Futurism, and (h) Symbolism. absolute reality. There are elements that may seem believable, but some parts of it
are not, causing “suspension of disbelief.” Surrealism is often compared to a dream
Realism state in art.
The common aphorism that goes ‘what you see is what you get’ best fits
this art presentation. In this method of presenting, artists portray subjects Fauvism
exactly in replicas in either 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional by product. employs colors in art presentation. Artists use colors as bright as they can be to
express joy, fun, quirk, and freedom. This means that artists do not use dark colors.
Abstraction Artists under this method include Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, and Paul
Abstraction finds its meaning with the artist. The predisposition of meaning is Cezanne to name a few. These artists are distinguished as the Fauves, avant-garde,
deposited with the maker of the work. One may find difficulty in understanding the or the “wild beasts” because they belong to a group of loose French painters
work but the artist is given the task of creating the essence of his work. Abstraction Admired for personal expression and freedom from the conventions of elitist art.
is the manner or the process of simplifying or reorganizing objects and elements
either with shapes or colors. Dadaism
Cubism Started as a protest against art in Zurich Switzerland. Dada means hobby horse
Takes precedence as a highly influential visual art in the 20th century. Pablo which technically means “non-sensical” way of presenting art. One theory
Picasso’s work became a landmark in this visual art presentation. The common postulates that it came from a meeting of the group when a paper knife was stuck
characteristics of this art comprise the two- dimensional surface of the picture into a French-german dictionary that pointed to the word ‘dada’.
plane or apply geometric forms or figures, that emphasize the flatness, and also
reject the traditional forms of foreshortening, modeling, coloring, and perspectives. Expressionism
Is characterized by free brushwork, generous and textured pigment, the color is
Mangling intense and non- naturalistic. Further, the artist lets the viewers see the depiction
is a Dadaist approach (a rebellious movement towards realism) to art, and it was of subjects with swirling, swaying brushstrokes. The strokes are like pieces of a
introduced around 1918. The common characteristics of this presentation are the jigsaw puzzle that when joined together would create a greater image.
qualities of being mutilated, cut, crushed, slashed, and disfigured; an exaggeration
beyond distortion. Futurism/Modernism
Is characterized by technology, modernity, youth, and speed. Common themes and
objects seen in this art presentation include airplanes, cars, modern inventions or
technological advancements, and urbanized cities. Advocacy of this art inculcates
thrusts of modern technology to express the dynamism and movement of modern They are typically irregular or asymmetrical and are associated with things from the
life. natural world, like plants and animals. On the other hand, geometric shapes are
circles, rectangles, squares, triangles and so on, that have the clear edges one
Symbolism achieves when using tools to create them. Most geometric shapes are easily
Conversely, compared to realism and surrealism, symbolism art depicts reality measurable.
however incorporates images, subjects, elements, or references that are almost
universally recognizable. Symbols such as white dove for peace, or the grim reaper Element #3: Form
for death, or a rose for the woman's genitalia are incorporated in a scene that the Form connotes something that is three-dimensional and encloses volume, having
artist imagines. length, width, and height, versus shape, which is two-dimensional, or flat. A form is
a shape in three dimensions, and, like shapes, can be geometric or organic.
Module 4: Elements and Principles of Visual Arts
Element #4: Color
Elements vs. Principles Color is the element of art that involves light. It is produced when light waves strike
When we talk about elements, we are talking of the basic components that make an object and are reflected into our eyes. It consists of three properties: hue,
up the artwork. Elements are observable parts of the artwork, particularly with intensity, and value.
visual arts, which are directly seen by the eyes or directly felt by the sense of touch.
On the other hand, the principles are the rules that the artist follow or defy from. Hue simply refers to the name that is given to a color, such as red, yellow,
Principles cannot be seen immediately, rather have to be reflected upon, because blue, purple, green, orange, etc. On the other hand, intensity (or saturation) refers
these are decisions that the artist has made so s/he could achieve what is ought to to the purity or dullness of a color. Purity is determined by whether or not a color
be exhibited or portrayed in the work. has been mixed with another color and if so, to what degree. There are two
methods that can be used to dull the intensity of a color: 1) Mix the color with gray,
The Visual Art Elements and their Underlying Principles and 2) Mix the color with its complement. Lastly, value is the lightness or darkness
Element #1: Line of a color. A color’s value changes when white or black is added. Adding white
Lines are used to control where they eyes will lead and focus or are used to creates a “tint” of that color and adding black creates a “shade”.
delineate shapes and indicate texture whether it is rough, smooth, thin, or thick.
Lines are important because they indicate movements and directions. Basic Color Wheel
 Horizontal line- expresses serenity, rest, stability in general The color wheel (sometimes called a color circle) is a handy tool often used by
 Vertical line- implies growth, authority, confidence, and poise artists and interior decorators as a visual aid in understanding the relationship
 Diagonal line- growth, pursuit, persistence, dynamism between colors. It was developed in 1666 by Sir Isaac Newton when he took the
 Curved line- connotes change, direction, movement, femininity, color spectrum and bent it into a circle. The color wheel is a circular chart divided
uncertainty, grace into 12 sections with each sector showing a different color. It is made up of three
 Jagged line- expresses erraticism, anxiety, turmoil, inconsistency different types of colors – primary, secondary, and tertiary. The term “tertiary”
means third, by the way.
Element #2: Shape
Shapes are two-dimensional, flat elements that are generally enclosed spaces. Primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These colors are equally distanced apart
Shapes in art can be used to control how the viewer perceives a piece. There are on the color wheel. There only three primary colors and they are the most basic
two major classifications of shape which are the organic and the geometric shapes. colors on the wheel. They cannot be created by mixing any other colors together
Organic shapes are those with a natural look and a flowing and curving appearance.
and can only be derived through natural pigments. All other colors found on the important roles in the overall success of a work of art. By understanding the
color wheel can be mixed from these three basic colors. difference between the two, you will:
 Become better at designing unified compositions.
Secondary colors are orange, green and purple (or violet). These colors are created  Be more successful in visually communicating your story.
from mixing equal parts of any two primary colors together.  Gain important clues about the meaning of an art piece.
Red + yellow = orange There are two types of space that exist within art — positive space and negative
Yellow + blue = green space. Positive space is the actual objects or shapes within an artwork and negative
Blue + red = violet space is the space around and between those objects.
(purple)
Positive Space is the area or part of the composition that an object or subject
Tertiary colors are red-purple, red-orange, blue-green, blue-purple, yellow-green, occupies. It is usually the main focus of the painting, such as a vase of flowers, fruit,
and yellow-orange. There are six tertiary colors and they are the result from mixing or candle in a still life, a person’s face in a portrait, or an animal in a wild life
equal parts of a primary color with a secondary color. The proper way to refer to painting, or a building, trees and hills in a landscape. When used skillfully, positive
tertiary colors is by listing the primary color first and then the secondary color. space will add interest by enhancing and balancing the negative space in a
That’s why tertiary colors are referred to by a two word name. composition.
Red + violet (purple) = red-violet (red-
purple) Red + orange = red-orange Negative Space is that empty or open space that surrounds an object. It helps to
Blue + green = blue-green define the object, gives it some breathing room to prevent the painting from being
Blue + violet (purple) = blue-violet (blue- too crowded and has a huge impact on how the art piece is perceived.
purple) Yellow + orange = yellow-orange
Yellow + green = yellow-green Element #7: Value
Value is a basic element of art that refers to the gradual change of lightness or
Element #5: Texture darkness of a color. It is created when a light source shines upon an object creating
Texture refers to the surface quality in a work of art. We associate textures with highlights, form shadows and cast shadows. Value is most evident on the gray scale
the way that things look or feel. Everything has some type of texture. We describe where black is represented as lowest or darkest and white is represented as the
things as being rough, smooth, silky, shiny, fuzzy and so on. highest or lightest value. Or more simply said, they are the various shades of grey
Texture is experienced in two ways — with touch (tactile) and with our eyes between white and black. Artists us them to create highlights and shadows
(visually). Fine artists often use texture in the following ways to: (shading) in objects and create depth in their paintings or drawings. Colors can
 Create a focal point have value too. In painting, value changes can be achieved by adding either black or
 Add interest white to the chosen color. Some colors, like yellow and orange, are naturally light in
 Provide contrast value.
 Visually balance their compositions
Principles of Design
Element #6: Space The principle of design describes the ways by which an artist makes use of the
Space refers to the distance between or the area around and within shapes, forms, elements of art in his or her artwork. The artist is guided by different rules to
colors and lines. Space can be positive or negative. It includes the background, carefully plan and organize his or her work to hold interest and command attention
foreground and middle ground. Both positive and negative space can play from the audience.
Unity elements, it is said to be harmonious. Proportion can also be used to create a
Unity, also called harmony, is one of the most important principles of design. It is feeling of depth and drama.
the combination of similar elements (color, lines, shapes, etc.) to create a sense of
wholeness in art. It is the measure of how the elements belong together. Emphasis and Subordination
This principle concerns the giving of Importance to certain aspects of an artwork in
Rhythm relation to the whole. When the artist wants to emphasize an image, he or she
Rhythm is a feeling of movement achieved by the repetition of visual elements. It is tends to make it more noticeable using a different color, different shape, making it
only a "feeling because there is no actual movement. The artist combines more significant and dominant, adding more detail to it, contrasting it, or isolating
elements to create a pattern of movement. This pattern directs the Viewer’s eyes it from other objects.
from one element to another.
The Rule of Thirds
Variety The rule of thirds is one of the basic techniques that has been used in the visual
Harmony may be achieved by repetition. However, too much repetition could be arts. The general guideline of the rule of thirds is dividing the image into grids by
monotonous and boring. Hence, variety is needed. Variety refers to the creating two parallel vertical and horizontal lines, creating nine equally
combination of elements that differ from one another, like combining different proportioned boxes. The important element is then placed on either of the lines or
colors, shapes, and textures. But too much variation can make the artwork look at any of the four intersections. It is used by artists to achieve balance and visual
busy and overwhelming. That is why it is important to combine unity and variety. impact in their work. It also helps the artist with the placement of the objects and
to emphasize the focal point in the composition.
Balance
Balance is the feeling of visual equality of objects, shape, color, texture, and space. Modules 5: Mediums and Techniques: Music; Auditory Arts, Sculpture,
There are three kinds of balance that an artist can use: Architecture, Mediums and Techniques of Painting
1. Symmetrical balance. It is also called a formal balance. An artwork with
symmetrical balance is well-balanced and stable. One side mirrors the other side. The Medium of Music
There is a saying which says, “The language of the soul is music.” It is music that we
2. Asymmetrical balance. This kind of balance is more of a "felt balance. It is are able to express how we feel and experience in music. Its material is imbedded
achieved when the visual element on each side are not identical but so placed or with sound. Music produces sound while tones are produced by man-made
arranged that it still produces a feeling of equality or stableness. For example, in instruments and by the human voice.
the painting of James Abbott Whistler, he balances the heavy figure on the right
with a dark curtain on the left. There are three mediums produced by music: (1) produced by instruments
by vibrators like piano and guitars wherein strings produce the sound or music (i.e.
3. Radial balance. Objects or patterns in the artwork are arranged in a circular musical instrument objects that are made to produce sound and resonators (i.e.
manner, and they seem to move out of the center. sound produced by any instrument that amplifies the vibrators or reinforcing the
sound like the “belly” of a stringed instrument; (2) produced by groups of musical
Proportion instruments; and (3) music or sound produced by human voices.
Proportion is the relationship of the objects in the picture to other objects and
their relationship to the whole picture. The elements fit together in terms of size, These are the FOUR GROUPS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:
quantity, and spacing When there is a correct relationship that exists between the 1. Stringed. It is made of string and produces a hollow sound box across which
nylon, wire or guts strings are stretched. Stringed musical instruments are
composed of the smallest (e.g. violin, viola, etc.) to the biggest (e.g. cello,  The French Horn is the most expressive member of the brass choir.
double bass). The smaller instruments produce the higher tone; the bigger ones  The Sliding Trombone has sliding u-shaped tubes that change the length of the
produce the lower tone. The stringed instruments are considered as important vibrating column of air inside the tube.
pieces of the orchestra. Other brass instruments are Cornet, and the Tuba is the biggest of all the brass
instruments that produce a low tone.
The harp is optional in an orchestra. On the other hand, it is one of the oldest
stringed instruments. The guitar is the most popular stringed instrument. However, 4. Percussion Instruments. These are instruments played by means of sharp
it is seldom used in the orchestra but always part of the jazz band. It is always used striking of one body against another. It is composed of all instruments played by
to accompany the singing of the folksongs. It could also be used as a solo striking. It is used to emphasize the rhythm, generate excitement and enliven the
instrument. A classical guitar is used to accompany a solo player while the electric orchestral sound. It also highlights the program when it is about to end. Examples
guitar is used to play with amplifiers. of the percussion instruments are the following:
 Chimes are instruments consist of a set of tuned metal tubes of different
2. Woodwind Instruments. These are found behind the stringed instruments in an lengths, suspended from a frame and struck with a hammer. It is
orchestra. It is played by blowing into them. Examples of wood wind instruments frequently used to imitate church bells.
are the following:  Glockenspiel is a series of tuned steel plate, variously arranged on a table
 Flute is a slender pipe made of wood and metal. It is a melody instrument. It is like frame.
often played a solo part in the orchestral composition.  Bell-lyre is a lyre shaped form attached when used in the marching bands.
 Piccolo is replica of the flute and woodwind with reed at the mouthpieces.  Xylophone is made of tuned wooden blocks which produce clicking sounds
 Clarinet is a flat piece of cane place against a flat surface. It is a cylindrical, and when struck. It is associated with exotic dance music.
it plays alto when the flute places the melody.
 Oboe is a slender instrument about the same length as the flute. The tone is
nasal.
 Cor-Anglais is known as English horn. It usually plays solo passage expressing
sadness and mystery.
 Bassoon is longer and larger than the others. It looks like two wooden tubes
fastened together. When it plays solo, it often suggests the humorous or the
grotesque.
 Double Bassoon is longer than the bassoon. Its ends point upward instead or
downward like the others. It produces the lowest tones among the
woodwinds.
 Saxophone is not a regular member of the orchestra. Although made of brass,
it is classified as woodwind, equipped with a reed.

3. Brass Instruments. These are made of cylindrical brass metal of is either doubled
on itself or coiled for ease in handling and expands into a bell-shaped end. In the
orchestra, it is positioned at the back of the woodwind.
These are the brass instruments:
 The trumpet produces a piercing tone. It is associated with martial pomp.