Art Appreciation Online Terms

one point perspective

A way to show three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface, using one vanishing point.

low art

be conventional and catchy like flashy magazine ads, can be appreciated by almost everybody

realistic

Through optics artists have been able to replicate one-point perspective that allows one to see something similar to what we see through our two eyes. Whether one uses optics directly as a tool or has learned the look of optics, an artist can build a world through optics that will be called realistic. Because there is no motion in a painting or a fixed sculpture, the term realistic does not represent our actual perception.

two-dimensional art

Two dimensional art is the term that is used to describe drawing, painting, the graphic arts, and photography. The use of this term is a description of the fact that most of the time the processes described above are on a two-dimensional surface. It is obvious that a painting or drawing is a three-dimensional object. But most of the information of all of these works is on the surface of a piece of paper or canvas and therefore it has little depth.

bas-relief

low-relief sculpture

rhythm

rhythm can be called a pattern of arrangement. The way an artist repeats brushstrokes in groups with varying spaces between the groups can create a sense of rhythmic repetition. The relationship of a group of brushstrokes to another group of brushstrokes and the relationship of the brushstrokes to the entire artwork, that relationship, can be called its rhythm.

lithography

the process of printing from a flat surface treated so as to repel the ink except where it is required for printing.

etching

an intaglio printmaking technique in which a metal plate is covered with an acid-resistant ground and worked with an etching needle to create an image.

style

how the artist chooses to use the medium

contour line

the outline or the edge of a figure or a volumetric object. Contour is neither a line or an edge but is made up of one or the other. In Picasso's work Portrait of Igor Stravinsky the contour of Stravinsky in the chair is drawn to give the information that the artist wanted to show, to capture the character of his subject.

mixed-media

Artwork that has many different processes and art materials is mixed-media work. Media is the plural of medium

lunette

a crescent-shaped space, sometimes over a doorway, that contains sculpture or painting. ex- The lunette is next to the roof so that the viewer looks up at the image, a man on a hilltop surrounded by sheep.

content

the message in the work

U-3 b. Icon and Iconography What are the differences of meaning of the terms icon and iconography? (Rublyov, Trinity)

An icon can have many meanings but personally, the definition that comes to mind in relation to art are objects that have meaning in a piece of work. The object can come in the form of a word, symbol, image, emblem, etc. It can also be abstract or realistic as mentioned in our Unit 3 Visual Art Terms. An iconography is described as the subject matter or content of an artwork. As an observer, you are looking for the meaning behind the particular work of art. In the following example, the work's icon is the Holy Trinity whereas the iconography is the Christian doctrine that the Father, Son, and the Trinity are united as one.

chiaroscuro

An object in drawing and painting can appear to be three-dimensional with the use of modeling and chiaroscuro. Chiaroscuro, as discussed in the light and shade lecture in week six, is an Italian term and is an enormously important concept for certain visual realities. Chiaroscuro is frequently used and it relates to the use of light and dark to create the illusion of a volumetric object on a two-dimensional surface. Chiaroscuro in translation to English means light and dark.

orthogonal lines

Lines on an object that lead to the vanishing point. The orthogonals or the lines that indicate the top edge or bottom edge of the volume of an object as it moves away from the observer travel to the horizon line.

Intensity (chroma)

With intensity we talk about how much of the color is in the medium of paint or ink.

offset lithography

late 19th century advance making possible printing from photographic plates rather than from metal casts

corbeled

with a series of corbels- architectural feature made of stone, brick, wood, etc.- each projecting beyond the one below

portrait

a drawing, painting, or photograph of a person, especially the face

asymmetry

In an artwork if there is no symmetry, the artwork is called asymmetrical.

reverse perspective

A graphic system for depicting three-dimensional images, commonly seen in traditional East Asian art, in which the "parallel" lines of objects or their parts seem to converge toward the viewer, rather than away into the distance.

intuitive perspective

A method of giving the impression of recession by visual instinct, not by the use of an overall system or program.

oblique perspective

A method of showing three-dimensional objects in a drawing by rendering all receding planes at thirty degrees from the ground line.

engraving

Art form in which an artist etches a design on a metal plate with acid and then uses the plate to make multiple prints

representational

Art work that uses forms that are recognizable is called representational. If you can see that there is a tree in a painting, the work is called representational. That tree can be realistic so that you see the leaves and the bark on the trunk, or it can be abstracted into more of a shape, but you still see that it is a tree.

U-10 a. Architects and Design Elements What elements do architects use in their design work to make buildings that encourage people's positive needs?

Buildings are designed to suit people's needs such as housing, protecting, and gathering. To be made suitable for needs, architects take into consideration the weather and environment. This could affect the decision of materials, such as stone, to withstand the buildings' surroundings. In addition, even the shape of a building is determined to suit needs as one can choose between arches, domes, vaults, etc. The function of the building will determine the design by the architects.

cartoon

Cartoons can be full-sized drawings that plan out an entire painting with the intention to use a tracing of the cartoon for a painting. And as we know cartoons exist as an expression of their own as single images, long story lines with multiple images or in animated film.

composition

Composition is a description of the complex relationship of and between the elements in an artwork. How elements of the artwork are put together and how they relate to each other is what we describe when we talk about composition. We tend to use many of the other vocabulary words when we talk about composition. Composition can be complex and composition can be simple. It is the relationships in the artwork that we are talking about.

content

Content is the word used to talk about subject matter in an artwork. The ideas that are included in a work are called the content.

drawing

Drawing is a very important part of art making, many artists think and plan with drawing ideas and schematic designs. This thinking and planning can range from sketches to studies to finished work. Sketches tend to be a capturing of information or an arrangement of ideas. Printmakers frequently rely on drawing as the language they use to prepare the surfaces that will be used to make their prints.

edge qualities

Edge qualities describe the border of an object or an area. Drawing, painting and sculpture all have their own particular ways of portraying edge qualities.

fresco

Fresco is a type of painting that employs water-based, pigment paint on top of freshly applied, wet plaster. A drawing, traditionally called a cartoon, created to the exact proportion of the wall that will receive the fresco is prepared so that it can be quickly transferred onto the fresh plaster. Then the artist can paint on the fresh plaster before it dries.

positive space

Imagine a table against the wall with a great big pumpkin sitting on top of the table. You are looking at the table straight on, everything parallel and perpendicular, the table and the pumpkin are considered positive space. They are physical objects that take up space; but everything around them is negative space.

medium

Medium is the word used to describe the material of the art object or its technical process. In today's world in the 21st Century all objects and all ways of making objects and performances can be considered a medium by an artist.

perspective

Perspective is used to create the illusion of space by recreating a system that mimics the way our binocular vision accepts information on the nerve endings of our retinas. Perspective is used as a system for reproducing three-dimensional space on a flat surface. There are several different techniques or systems; atmospheric perspective, one-point and multiple point perspective, intuitive perspectives, oblique perspective, reverse perspective.

U-4 b. Representational Art What is representational art? Explain, then post a sample of one kind of an artwork in your response

Representational art can be both abstract or realistic, but the common aspect between the two is that the artwork has forms that are recognizable. Essentially, it represents something that is discernable to the human eye. The level of abstraction and how realistic the subject is is dependent on the artist. A sample of this type of art is Paul Cézanne's Four Apples. You can see the representation of apples on a surface that is most likely a table.

master

The word Master is part of the Guild system. A Master was an accomplished craftsman and was capable in all aspects of his craft. A master had his own shop and he hired Apprentices and Journeymen. Artists have made their own work and they have also throughout time worked with or hired skilled craftsmen.

image

When we talk about artwork and an artist's image in a work, that image can be a representation of a person, a thing, or an idea in an artwork. Therefore the word image can have many different meanings. There is no one simple definition for image in artwork, the word defines what you see.

iconography

When you are looking to find the subject matter or the content of an artwork you are studying the iconography. The meaning of a representation in an artwork is its iconography.

conceptual art

art in which the idea presented by the artist is considered more important than the finished product, if there is one.

linear perspective

can be either one point perspective or multiple point perspective. Linear perspective is also called mathematical perspective or scientific perspective. A horizon line that relates to the eye level of the viewer or a human figure in a painting is established. The orthogonals or the lines that indicate the top edge or bottom edge of the volume of an object as it moves away from the observer travel to the horizon line. The orthogonals move towards one point when it is a one point perspective system and toward more than one point when it is a multiple point perspective system. The point where the orthogonals converge is called the vanishing point.

negative space

empty spaces surrounding shapes and forms

additive sculpture

modeled, a kind of sculpture technique in which materials (for example, clay) are built up or "added" to create form.

dry point

printmaking where the design is scratched into the steel plate with a hard, steel tool

high art

refined and unique like the design of fine books

multiple point perspective

system of perspective in which there are a number of vanishing points caused by multiple buildings or other objects

form/formal elements

the visual aspects such as line, shapes, color, texture, spatial qualities and composition

three dimensional mediums (sculpture, installation)

three spatial qualities: space, mass, and volume

mediums

tools and materials that artists use

hue

Hue is the word for the color itself. Blue is a hue, red is a hue, yellow is a hue, etc. A particular shade of a given color

commercial art

It can be crafted strictly to sell products like store fliers

intuitive perspective

giving the impression of recession of objects in space by approximating the appearance of things as smaller or larger, not accurate system/proportions to show this

space

A definition of space in an artwork is the distance extending without limit in all directions; and the distance, interval or area between or within things. Space is pretty comprehensive.

Earthworks/Land Art

Outdoor works that use the earth and natural materials as their medium

geometric shapes

shapes

cinema/film

Cinema or Film is a name used for the medium of moving images when traditional film it is being used. There are different formats for moving images on film; 16mm, 8mm, super eight, etc. Artists tend to use a medium to create a desired look rather than use what is commonly seen or expected. By using an old technique it is possible to create a situation where the observer will pay more attention to the imagery because it is not in an everyday, often-seen format. The observer's attention is more acute when there is a challenge to understand what one sees.

color

Color is very powerful and very complex in what it can communicate. Not all artists use color as an element in their work. Color can be understood in three different categories; hue, value, intensity. We learn at an early age in school that there are primary colors and secondary colors. The primary colors are blue, red, and yellow and the secondary colors are green, orange, and purple. The tertiary colors are any combination of one primary and one or two secondary colors, for instance a red-green

edge

Edges are the end of an event, such as the edge of a green leaf. Edges are not lines.

history painting

History painting includes figures in any kind of historical, mythological or religious narrative generally conveying a high moral or intellectual idea and conveying detail as information in a grand pictorial style. Before photography and film, painting was a way to visually document or recall historical events.

bas-relief

Sculpture whose ornament or figures are somewhat raised above the background

typography

Typography and handmade books exist in the space between printmaking and graphic design, they do not belong exclusively to one side or the other. Artists use both typography and handmade books to create fine art as well as commercial art.

woodcut

a print created from an incised piece of wood

photogravure

an image produced from a photographic negative transferred to a metal plate and etched in.

abstract expressionism

An artistic movement that focused on expressing emotion and feelings through abstract images and colors, lines and shapes.

texture

Another ability of the human eye is to use the texture in the world to judge distance. On a two-dimensional plane such as a piece of paper or canvas the artist uses texture to create detail for close-up views of an object such as bricks in the road, and finer texture as the road diminishes in the distance. The term texture describes visual information that includes coarse to fine surface manipulation. The change in size and detail allows the brain to read the illusion of space on the flat surface. Textures can be created by applying different types of brushstrokes or spattered paint in painting; or by using crosshatched marks, soft to hard marks, or sparse to dense marks, etc. in drawing and printmaking. Marks on a two dimensional plane are implied texture. The human brain reads the marks as information about an object or space. With impasto painting (thick application of paint) the mark made can be three-dimensional. Actual texture is used in three-dimensional work where the surface of clay or metal or any other sculptural medium is distressed or scratched to create physical surface texture whether the surface texture is rough or smooth.

art for art's sake

Artists have always attempted to delight or instruct the patron or viewer. But since the enormous change in artwork and the development of thinking of art for art's sake since the 19th century, artists are frequently on a quest to create something that is new. (Art for art's sake is an idea that art is not or does not need to be functional or need to serve a purpose. This idea proposes that art is an expression of truth made by the artist and it exists in a realm by itself, it exists for itself.)

expressionism

Artwork that relies on expression of subjective feelings, and is work that appeals to the subjective response of the beholders is called expressionism. Expressionist work tends to be less charted, less drafted and used more gestural mark making. There are many kinds of expressionism, Abstract Expressionist, German Expressionist, Neo-Expressionist etc. Expressionism tends to be a term that is used more when describing work of the twentieth century. Expressive gestures in brushstrokes can be read as a desire to express meaning beyond a recording of visually accurate reality. Expressionist work can also identify a kind of brushstroke technique even in more realistic work

biomorphic shape

Biomorphic is a term that describes shapes that reference the shapes of living beings. Flowers, leaves, seed pods can be used to create biomorphic shapes. Shapes of humans, animals and even cell structures can be the source for or the visual information that artists use in building their work. The viewer can see the reference. The term biomorphic is not always appropriate for all abstracted figures, the meaning of biomorphic is specific to the reduction of information of living organism or part of it to a shape. That shape can be a part of a being (i.e., an eye) or a reduction of the being to the complete outward appearance. Biomorphic shapes are not always symbols a symbol can be biomorphic rather than geometric!

atmospheric perspective

Creating the illusion of depth of space by fading colors and eliminating detail in objects that are further away.

ephemeral art

Ephemeral arts is a term that describes less traditional or permanent art. Performance art and installation art are types of artist's work that have crossed lines from other art forms to exist in the world of the visual arts. Performance art uses some of the disciplines of singing, dancing and acting to create the artwork. The fact that performance and installation art is changeable is the reason for the use of the word ephemeral. Performance and installation art are real physical arts but they play with a sense of time and permanence using them as components of the art.

gold leaf

Gold leaf is a gold metal, real gold or not, that has been hammered into a extremely thin film. The gold film is capable of being attached with a type of glue to many surfaces such as paper, gessoed wood, and smooth metal. Gold leaf is versatile. It has been used in illuminated manuscripts and to cover details of architecture, such as domes.

graphic design

Graphic design is also part of the graphic arts. Graphic design tends to be work that is made to communicate information and ideas about events, products, diagrams and the written word such as visual information and arrangement in magazines and books.

abstract

In Twentieth Century abstract art, observable aspects of nature and perceptual information can be represented by the feelings, the gestural brushwork or mathematical systems conceived by the artist. Abstract art continues to have strong content that is derived from reality but it does not rely on recognizable real-world imagery. There are many types and forms of abstract art. This is a newer concept

balance

In an artwork the quality of weight, mass, strength, etc. that is in equipoise or is in equal proportions is called balance. Balance gives us the feeling of rest in an artwork rather than the feeling of agitation or motion.

symmetry

In an artwork visual forms that are similarly arranged in a similar position or way on either side of a dividing line or plane (actual or implied) create symmetry.

icon

In contemporary language the word icon is used to talk about a famous person whose attitude represents a way of being or the group experience of that person's followers. The persona that person presents to the world, such as Marilyn Monroe. Traditionally in the world of painting an icon is a panel painting, an image painted on wood. The image is usually a miraculous image or a picture of a saint.

volumetric

In drawing and painting the illusion of three dimensions can be created by making something volumetric. Achieved through chiaroscuro

printmaking

In printmaking there is woodcut, engraving, etching, dry point, lithography, offset lithography, photogravure, polymer plates to name many of them. The different mediums of printmaking have technical differences

sculpture

Sculpture along with painting is the most recognized and written about medium of fine art. Sculpture is a three-dimensional medium. Sculpture can be carved (reductive) or modeled (additive) or assembled and can be freestanding or in relief, high relief and low relief (bas-relief).

relief sculpture

Sculpture that projects from a flat background. high relief or low relief

style 2

Style is the characteristics in an art work's form and content that identifies a particular artist's or group of artist's work. Style is a word used to define a kind of work. It describes the consistent use of form and content and is called an artist's style. Artists develop and refine their thinking and their response to the medium they use to make art.

signature style

The uniqueness of his work makes it a signature style. ex- The work of Jackson Pollock has a very recognizable style. Because Pollock is credited with creating the style of painting that he developed, Abstract Expressionist Drip Painting; that style is almost always ascribed to Pollock.

mass

The word mass describes any area in an art work that is broad and cohesive, that is a significant element in the composition; mass takes up space whether it is two-dimensional or three dimensional.

videotape/video

Videotape has already become an antiquated medium. Because magnetic tape is seldom used now to capture moving images, artists are calling the medium video. Video as art dates back to the time when a video camcorder (camera) became small enough so that individual artists could carry it around and not rely on an expensive, large studio set-up for the camera and recording equipment. The ease of point and shoot equipment as well as the use of a memory chip versus loading rolls of film or carrying videotape cassettes, has made the use of digital moving images an everyday occurrence.

idealized

When an artist has taken real objects and real human beings and presented them as an idea or a perfect example of the values of a culture it is said that the artwork or the subject of the artwork is idealized.

surrealism

When an artwork appears to be real but absurd and has no religious meaning it can be called surreal. Surrealism in art work is a style where the artist creates a presentation of realistic objects that depict situations that are strange and impossible.

linear perspective system

* Developed during the Italian Renaissance * Based on the way we see * Lines converge at a vanishing point * Horizon line represents eye level * Entire picture constructed from a single, fixed position or vantage point

Describe what you might find in an art work that would fall under the term: visual dynamics.

A person, place, or thing described as dynamic would be categorized as energetic and active. A dynamic thing has a lot of stuff going on. This also applies to art, therefore visual dynamics in the artwork would have an abundant amount of detail, color, shape, size, etc. They come together to represent motion and movement. When thinking about the term, I expect the components of the work to pop. In the example above, the horses and lions look as if they are in motion. The person riding the carriage is also in the midst of shooting an arrow. The viewer can feel the energy of the work and the sense of urgency.

Methods: Describe the difference between the reductive sculpture of Carpeaux's Dance and Segal's cast and assembled Depression Bread Line.

A reductive sculpture is made by removing material from the source. The Dance is an example of this type of sculpture made from marble, and depicts the dance of the Bucchus. It uses positive and negative space, and depicts in the human form as an idealized representation. The sculpture depicts active movement. A cast involves making a mould and then pouring a liquid material, such as molten metal, plastic, rubber or fibreglass into the mould. Depression Bread Line is an example of this type of sculpture that is then assembled as one art piece. Here, Segal shows men during the depression waiting in line for bread. Meant to depict the time in which he grew up, Segal's sculpture is static and shows no movement. It is also more realistic, as the scale and proportion of the men in the sculpture are like-like.

U-7 b. Time in Visual Art Give an example of how visual artists who use paint and sculpture can add a specific element of time to their work.

A specific element of time can be added to sculptures and paintings through the use of colors, symbols of time, or the physical formatting of the work. In terms of colors and hues, paintings and sculptures can both utilize darker hues to be associated with later times in the day. In contrast, bright hues are associated with morning and day time, Symbols of time are also very effective in adding the element of time, such as the sun and moon. The physical formatting of an artwork can vary widely. In the example above, the tapestry can be viewed from left to right as this is the natural tendency of individuals to look at things this way. Another similar object is a scroll that can depict time as it is being opened. Another example that was mentioned in the lecture was the column which required viewers to physically walk around. This can allow individuals to travel with the events as it is being told.

atmospheric

Atmospheric Perspective is the use of the change of value and clarity of objects as they are located further into space away from the observer. uses sfumato

U-2 b. Distortion in Sculpture Describe distortion in Sculpture. What can distortion communicate? (Clamdigger Sculpture by Willem de Kooning)

Compared to the last visual piece observed and discussed, this is a sculpture. The difference here is that we are now dealing with a 3D piece of art and we must take into account not only space and mass, but also volumetric components and attributes within the spaces and frames of the piece. We learned that distortion which simply means the scale is disproportionate to the way they are normally to be seen and perceived. In this case, the reference point we must use is the proportions of a human body. Through the rugged and coarse texture of the sculpture we see that the left leg (from the observer's POV) is a lot longer and, to me, fatter than the right leg which stands out to the eye. Additionally, the right arm is disproportionate to a regular human arm as it takes on almost a double helix shape rather than the conventional shape of the arm. Additionally, compared to the other aspects of the sculpture the right side of the sculpture is asymmetrical to the left side which helps to emphasize the disproportions embedded in the sculpture as a whole. The head is also a lot smaller in scale to the rest of the body bringing attention to distortion between body and head scale. Also in the shadow, the right thigh area seems a lot bigger in scale to the left thigh and even compared to a normal human thigh. Distortion can bring across a vast array of messages. It can bring across a sense of confusion and to this sculpture that is perceived to be of a human species, confusion can be interpreted as a form of identity crisis allowing a seemingly lifeless sculpture to portray meaning and breathe artistic life. Distortion and disproportion can also bring across abnormality and can allow the artist or sculptor, in this case, to bring across discussions of what a perceived standard of physique can be and can also bring across themes of isolation but also uniqueness. These themes serve to construct or deconstruct a sense of identity within the subject of the sculpture and possibly help observers feel a sense of human presence in a still figure. That is the power and messages that incorporating distortion in a visual art piece can bring across.

U-4 a. Artists Change Style Why do artists change their style as they move through their career?

Different art styles are used to express different emotions. This is the main reason why artists change their styles as they move through their careers. An example of such an artist is Philip Guston. As we learn in Unit 4, Guston became a master of figurative and narrative art first, then moved to abstract expressionist, then finally back to figuration. Each style is a cumulation of what the artist themselves have learned to contribute to their growth. Each style reflects their experiences in life and is relative to the situation they are in. Some changes also come from wanting a new pace or the desire for exploration. Overall, learning styles of art is like learning a new language to be able to express yourself properly.

U-11 a. Direct Observation Methods What are some of the direct observation methods that an artist uses to create their images?

Direct observation methods allow the artist to make their work more representative of the object. Methods in the past and future have generally stayed the same except for the fact that technology has allowed us to advance and easily capture what couldn't have been before. In the past, artists such as wall painters would use methods such as their memories of what they observed in order to paint the subject and details. Now, we have methods such as photography and printmaking that allow artists to make their work more realistic. Such methods make us observe objects more intently.

U-3 a Line vs. Edge What is the difference between an edge and a line in a etching?

Edge in etching refers to the end of a figure to finalize its shape, lines are used to give the etching texture, depth and volume. Since you cannot shade in etching, it is important that the artist uses lines in different patterns (I.E. Close together or far apart and thick or thin) to show depth within the piece. There is several ways that lines can be used to show shading such as cross hatching, meanwhile the edge of the piece really does nothing more than solidify the shape of what ever is being etched.

genre painting

Genre painting is a type of painting that is popular from time to time. In genre painting the artist records scenes from everyday life and treats them realistically. Genre painting records the small activities that are taken for granted in our everyday life, they are not heroic or specific such as the Thomas Eakins paintings of surgery amphitheaters. While the doctors might operate everyday, their activity is not universal. The example genre painting below of a woman looking out a window is universal. Genre painting is a record of life that had a different importance before the invention of photography.

U-1. b Biomorphic Shape - Geometric Shape Describe the inspiration for any biomorphic shape and the origin of any geometric shape. Miro, The Hunter 1924

Geometric shapes are more defined and in The Hunter we can see quite a few of them . There are two triangles on the bottom left which I looked at first because of their proximity to each other. They also have contrasting colors where one triangle is a light teal and the other is a darker color maybe black. I think these triangles maybe represent the back of the animal. The animal at the bottom seems to be a rabbit which is a mix of geometric shapes such as the circular eye and semicircular head, but also biomorphic ears, tongues and whiskers. The head of the rabbit definitely grabs my attention because it looks so unusual especially since the relation of size between the features is skewed. The human eye is biomorphic with lines radiating out from the pupil. These lines draw more attention to the center of the eye and similarly, the larger tan circle to the right of the eye also has a line radiating out from the center towards what seems to be a heart. There are quite a few of cylinders which could be geometric. These cylinders have shading going on and suggests something 3 dimensional as opposed to the rest of the shapes which seem to be 2 dimensional. Very nice work exploring the details within this composition to access these different terms. There is a lot of negative space in this painting, so the use of lines is critical in how we visually move through the space. With the multiple flattened shapes throughout we see the high use of the geometric form. You point out the biomorphic shapes well, in addition to these shapes there are a lot of biomorphic lines (like what you referred to as the whiskers) that twist and turn, like that are dancing throughout the painting. This is another good example of how curvilinear lines can guide our eye through the pictorial space.

Compare the images of Herbert Bayer's Lonely Metropolitan, David Hockney's Photomontage in the Photo Lecture and Martha Rosler's Sadam's Palace.

In Herbert Bayer's Lonely Metropolitan, it appears as if the images are cut on and laid on top of each other. The title of the work suggests the sentiments of being lonely in a big city. This is a feeling common to many as one can feel very small in the large scale of the area around them. The photos are all in black and white, adding to the dark and dreary mood. By only having one pair of hands and eyes, there is isolation from the rest of the world. The eyes seem to also be constantly watching, which also represents today's society and how everything is through the lens of a camera. In David Hockney's Photomontage in the Photo Lecture, rather than being cut, there seems to be a larger amount of images taken and combined. Unlike a photograph that appears stationary, this work seems to contrast the typical photo by having many reference points. By doing so, it resembles cubism. There is also the inclusion of color in this image, however, the vast majority is a green hue. In Martha Rosler's Sadam's Palace, there is a large contrast between the foreground and background. Due to this contrast, it is hard to tell where the observer should focus. In the background, a soldier is roaming a destroyed building. This chaos is very different from the woman cleaning her couch. Unlike the other two pieces that seem to have images combining similar meaning or related topics, this work combines two completely separate worlds, creating a stark contrast. The colors also stand out as the background is filled with rubble that are grey and dull whereas the woman is wearing bright clothing while cleaning a green couch.

U-9 b. Perspective Sysytem What does a perspective system add to a painted landscape?

In many artworks today, we see the portrayal of a three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface. This is through the usage of a perspective system. These aim to add more details to separate the work from a normally flat surface painting. This is done by changing the relationship of objects in terms of scale, space, and shallowness. In the work above, I believe that there are multiple perspectives. My eyes are drawn to the light, which is emphasized due to the change of hues leading up to the center of the waterfall. In addition, the lighter hues that make up the background allow the observer to focus more on the darker hues used in the foreground.

realism

In realism the visual information is not necessarily a re-creation of a found place but it is a surface reality, a recording that is visible recording, even if it is a composite, of real objects, imagined or supernatural, such as flying beings that look like people but have wings, e.g., Persian miniatures or Christian religious painting.

romantic/romanticism

In the tradition of the writing of fictitious tales, when people places and things are shown in an idealized view that is extraordinary or extravagant the work is called romantic. Romanticism is a broad movement or attitude developed in the late 18th century. It emphasized emotion. It concentrated on the imaginative powers of the artist to poeticize and uplift the subject matter and the observer. The Romantics in England and in France created work that spoke of worlds that had been imagined by writers.There was also a desire to portray the high courts of the Kings and Queens and the Aristocracy.

U-11 c. Agnew Clinic Describe the painting below in detail. Contribute a detail or description of the visual events and content. Use terms we have learned. Limit yourself to a few each, so that everyone can participate. Art History students! don't tell us too much about the history, tell us about the power of this visual record Agnew Clinic by Thomas Eakins painted in 1889.

In this realism work of art, the first detail that comes to my mind is the use of hues to place emphasis on the work. By creating a contrast between light and dark, the focus goes towards what appears to be a surgery within a lecture hall. There seems to be a spotlight on the center surgery. The use of chiaroscuro is also involved as the observer can see the shadows on the coats and on the faces of the teachers. In addition, there is the use of perception. The presenters and surgeons are painted with more detail compared to the students in the back where, although you can make out their expressions and gestures, you cannot see the details in their face or clothes.

U-4 c. Non-representational art What is non-representational art? Explain, then post a sample of one kind of an artwork in your response.

Non-representational art is defined as the opposite of representational art, where the subject or forms present in the artwork are not recognizable as objects in the real world. There is a departure from reality in this style of art. The artist relies more on imagination and imagery to create such pieces, and therefore the work is usually deemed more obscure and up for interpretation. One example is Vasily Kandinsky, The Bird Painting. Despite having a title that references a real subject matter, the work is still very ambiguous, leaving viewers with more interpretations of the piece.

painting

One of the most recognized mediums in fine art is the discipline of painting. Putting imagery on a wall with pigment and a vehicle to hold the pigment to the wall is a most ancient human endeavor. As mentioned before cave painting has been carbon-dated as existing as far back as 30,000 years ago. There are many kinds of painting and many kinds of paint that artists use to make those paintings. Paintings are made on paper and canvas and walls of many types. There is water color and acrylic and oil paint, gouache, enamel and fresco to name some of the kinds of paint.

photography

Photography has two different kinds of systems that record imagery. There is the traditional photographic system that uses the chemical interaction of light on silver on sensitized surfaces. And the more recent development of digital photography that uses a system where light is captured through electronic information on a computer chip. Both systems can be used to capture the original image, many artists are using scanners and computers with software along with the traditional darkroom developing machines and chemicals. Early photographs were looked upon as records of history, common, everyday situations or grand events. They were relatively easy to make and there was such a flood of images that it took time and dedicated artists to show to the world that photography was another medium that could be used like any other medium to make fine art.

U-12 a. Photography, Optics to Art What changed the acceptance of photography from a technique for capturing a record of reflected light as optical information to a fine art medium?

Photography is a medium that is constantly used in everyday life, as it is so readily available with our technological advances such as the cell phone. Currently, a cell phone's camera can be comparable to an actual camera. Photography began as a sort of novelty but then began playing a role in passing on information. Its ability to capture history and significant events with accuracy unlike any other medium contributed to the acceptance of photography as a fine art medium. Aside from this, we can see the usage of photography to capture specific subjects to be filled with intent and control. There is also a creative aspect as technology allows photos to be edited and manipulated to express one's thoughts.

U-11 b. Printmaking What distinguishes printmaking in comparison to other art mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.? What do you think is the benefit for an artist to make prints?

Printmaking differs from other art mediums because of the technique used. Printmaking creates impressions of the original work by transferring images to a surface. Paper is one of the most common materials to transfer on, as this method revolutionized how books were made in the past. Other mediums seem to be more interpretive and solely up to the artist. There is a creative freedom that allows the artist to convey their emotions and put meaning behind the work. I think the benefit of prints is the accuracy of the work. In addition, there can be multiple impressions made from one original work or matrix.

U-2 a. Proportion How does an observer describe proportion in an artwork? Give some examples. (temptation of st anthony)

Proportion is the relation of the size of one element in a work compared to another in the same work. It describes more so a part of a whole rather than simply comparing one object's size to another. It can be used to emphasize certain aspects within the work and make something seem more realistic. An observer would describe proportion as to how logical it appears. Examples would be the relationship between facial features on a face. Parts of a face, such as eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, are all relatively smaller than one's head. When creating realistic art, this proportion would be greatly emphasized. Straying away from realistic proportions would make the artwork seem more abstract. One main topic of proportions revolves around the female body. Art revolving around human proportions has been attempted to be standardized but body types come in all different forms. The female body is portrayed almost like a trend of the time period. During the Renaissance period, wide hips and bigger frames were aesthetically popular however this trend has slowly changed to skinnier frames. An observer could view and describe these trends as familiar in terms of height, depth, and width of the human body. As an observer of the image above, I would describe the horse and the rest of the animals as having long legs in proportion to the body. In contrast, the human on the bottom left is proportionate.

three-dimensional art

Three-dimensional arts is the term that is used for sculpture, architecture and ornamental practical art. All of these art forms leave the wall, some are freestanding and some move into space even if they are hung on a wall. Therefore they exhibit a stronger presence in the dimension of depth while maintaining a presence in height and width.

U-10 c. Public Space and Gardens Discuss the benefits of public space and gardens? How often and how do you encounter public space/gardens?

Public spaces and gardens bring a better quality of life. They can promote interactions, relaxation, and freedom. They also serve many benefits by working as a place of gathering. They are open for everyone's own pleasures. Oftentimes, I make the time to go to public spaces such as a park because it gives me more appreciation of nature. Places such as Central Park, which encompasses such a huge area, allows everyone to enjoy and relax during their time spent there. Other times, I will come across a public space randomly and enjoy my time walking past it.

shape

Shapes can be visual shorthand; they can be geometric shapes or biomorphic shapes. Usually a shape shows the external appearance of an object rather than its structure. For example the symbols used for restrooms show the simplified, flattened outward shapes of a man and a woman with no indication of the skeleton or structure inside.

polymer plates

Simply put, a photopolymer plate is a sheet of polymer with one side that is light sensitive. ... It is then exposed to light in a controlled exposing unit. The exposed areas harden and the rest stays soft and pliable. (definition from google)

U-6 b. Space and Light What are some of the ways artists can depict different spaces, views or light in one art work?

Some of the ways that artists can depict different spaces, views, and light in one's artwork is by using dark and light colors. By contrasting colors, you can emphasize an object, hide features, create mood, etc. Depending on how light is dispersed through a painting, the viewer can differentiate between the foreground and background. Using hues of white and black can allow the viewer to also associate time with the painting, giving more context to the work. In terms of space, the artist can use positioning and scales to establish a different perspective in the work. In the piece above by Winslow Homer, we can see the use of darker hues to create shadows that imitate waves and the dark sky. Lighter hues are used to highlight the high point of the wave and the boat.

U-10 b. Decoration vs. Function What is the benefit of architecture that is designed with decoration? What is the benefit of architecture that emphasizes function and discourages decoration? Think about the structures you frequent and comment on architectural decoration vs. function.

The benefit of architecture that is designed with decoration is creating something worth admiring. Being adorned with decorations can make a structure look regal and something worth visiting. An example that comes to mind is churches and cathedrals. They are complex-looking and a place of worship. I believe the structure emphasizes the significance and draws people in. The benefit of architecture that emphasizes function and discourages decoration is when the focus is elsewhere other than the structure. Examples that come to mind are classrooms and grocery stores. Most of these buildings are filled with other objects that function to serve the purpose of the building more closely. There is no need for a visually appealing structure as individuals are not coming for that.

U-6 a. Chiaroscuro What is a benefit in a painting if the artist uses a developed sense of Chiaroscuro? Is the use of Chiaroscuro necessary? Do the images of Illuminated Manuscripts suffer a lack of beauty or clarity of meaning because they do not tend to use a chiaroscuro systems?

The benefit of using Chiaroscuro is to define form in an artwork. Chiaroscuro describes the movement of light, expressing how light hits a form. An artwork becomes more realistic with the addition of Chiaroscuro because it shows how light moves around a three-dimensional object. In everyday life, we see shadows and highlights. Art using this practice helps accentuate forms but is not necessary as there are many styles that do not involve this. The images of Illuminated Manuscripts do not suffer a lack of beauty or clarity of meaning because despite not using a chiaroscuro system, they employ skills that we learned about in previous units such as color and texture. The beauty in art is the way everyone can interpret one piece differently. Just because a select style is not used does not mean it cannot express beauty in someone's eyes.

Installation Art

The combining of elements into a singular artwork that is specifically located in one place; an artwork that exists only in the place in which it was/is installed, and is not able to be relocated like a painting or print.

sfumato

The concept of sfumato called attention to the fact that distant objects would be less clear and detailed to the human eye than the same object that is close. Part of the change in clarity is the reduction of color intensity. The human eye does not see an object that is bright red or solid black as bright red or solid black if it is viewed in the distance. The brain reads the fullness of color from memory, but the retina captures the atmospheric information that transforms the color to a diminished value. Color does not maintain its intensity as it travels away from the viewer. We may know what the color is and see that color in our mind's eye, but the actual color we experience on our retinas is more grey and less full.

What is the difference between Fine Art objects and the finely crafted art objects of jewelry and adornment objects like the Aztec Priest's headdress? What do you think about the distinction that separates them into hierarchical levels?

The difference between fine art and finely crafted art objects is the intention behind the work. For finely crafted objects such as jewelry, there is a lower purpose as they serve to please individuals in only aesthetic value, whereas fine art holds more significance by representing grand ideas and recording historical events. Specifically, the Aztec Priest's headdress was created with the intention to awe non-priests. In the past, Fine art had a set of requirements that involved the ideal human form along with lofty concepts and technical expertise. I agree with the distinction as fine art has the ability to impact and express emotions.

What is the difference between realism and idealism in visual art? Where do you see examples of idealistic visual art in daily life?

The difference between realism and idealism in visual art is that idealism is a direct product of envisioning things in an ideal manner. It is presented mainly presented as an idea. Realism focuses more on realistic and actual situations, showing us the effects over time. Examples of idealistic visual art in daily life are posts I see on social media. Influencers and even non-influencers post the ideal picture that makes life appear as if nothing is wrong. There are no obstructions in the photo and facial expressions are usually happy.

U-5 b. Realistic, Naturalistic, Representational What is the difference between realistic and naturalistic visual art? What is the difference between realistic and representational visual art?

The difference between realistic and naturalistic visual art lies in the portrayal of the work. In realistic art, the use of optics allows for the viewer to see the world through the painting from the perspective of another individual. It contains something we can likely see with our own two eyes. In naturalistic visual art, there is recognition of the basis on the real world however some abstraction is included. Although we recognize the forms in the work, we would never see the direct portrayal in our everyday life. Representational art presents the viewer with recognizable subject matters however sometimes includes a touch of abstraction. It differs from realistic art because it is not necessary for representational art to look or be colored the exact way as the original subject whereas realistic art depicts it as the same.

Watch the short video (below) on Theo Jansen's sculptures. Using terms we have learned this semester, what do you observe about his work?

The first thing I noticed about Theo Jansen's sculptures is that they are symmetrical to create some type of balance. The medium used (plastic tubes) naturally create shapes. The sculpture does not have many tones and hues as the medium used is kept in its natural form. The three-dimensional sculptures look as if they come to life, especially utilizing the wind and elements. When looking at the sculpture, I am amazed at the scale of the works. They are enormous and look larger than life, moving like a living organism.

still life

The still life has a long history, it is an artwork that depicts an arrangement of objects. Those objects can be chosen for their beauty or can be chosen to comment about aspects of life or death. Objects in a still life are not living; for example, a cut flower, a piece of fruit, a bowl, a beautiful pheasant that is freshly hunted and killed, etc. There is no visible human presence in still life painting.

perspective systems

The systems that visual artists developed to create space on a two dimensional plane are called Perspective Systems. Some of the systems are based on mathematical calculations. These systems were developed to wrestle the three-dimensional world onto two dimensional picture plane.

U-9 a. Space in Landscape For the artist and for the observer, what is the value or importance of creating space in a landscape?

The value and importance of creating space in a landscape is to create balance but also to let the imagination of both the artist and observer grow. Space can serve many purposes. The most common usage that pops into my head is determining the proximity of objects within a work. When space is used, the observer can imply that one object is closer compared to another by the largeness and space between the two. Space also gives the work some depth and dimension.

conventional

The work of all painters is not always exciting, when painters conform to accepted models or traditions and their work does not show natural or original or spontaneous brushstrokes; imagery or content it can be called conventional. Because there are so many artists, the artists who are more conventional usually are forgotten in the history of art. Objects may exist in museums and art books that are more conventional, but frequently they are noted for having escaped the decay of time rather than being particularly unique in themselves, they are archaeological examples rather than the best example of the time.

U-9 c. Compare Visual Dynamics Compare the visual dynamics (the elements that keep the viewer interested in looking at the work) between the two paintings above, on the left, by Matisse, The Joy of Life; and on the right, Ambrogio Lorenzetti Allegory of Good Government in the City.

The work on the left titled The Joy of Life by Matisse is entrancing due to the bright hues and abstract shapes within the work. In terms of perspective, the artist used scale to determine the proximity of the figures to the observer. The group that is interlocked and dancing and the figure that is playing an instrument are drawn smaller than the figures located in the front. There is also a loss of clarity in the landscape which allows for more interpretation. Ambrogio Lorenzetti's Allegory of Good Government in the City contrasted the work of Matisse through the different use of color palette and detailing. The buildings present are much more realistic and detailed and the hues used are accurate in resemblance to real life. Through the use of lines and linear perspective, the work looks three-dimensional.

avant-garde/cutting edge

These terms are used to describe artwork that changes human thinking and challenges the conventional ways of seeing. The concept and the quest for the avant-garde and for cutting edge work is a new phenomenon. Artists have always attempted to delight or instruct the patron or viewer. But since the enormous change in artwork and the development of thinking of art for art's sake since the 19th century, artists are frequently on a quest to create something that is new.

What role did the thinking of the artist play in the creation of Visual Art in the Twentieth Century.

Thinking fosters new ideas and creativity allowing for the expansion of visual art. New styles are created through imagination as a process. During this century, more individuals became open-minded to different forms of art and art forms. This experience allowed for the inclusion of films, photography, videos, etc. Within one's imagination, one can create anything and have ultimate freedom.

fine jewelry

This example is fine, it is not considered sculpture when it is on this small a scale, it is considered fine jewelry. Fine jewelry has always been used to demonstrate the wealth and rank of the owner. This reason for making jewelry and other objects such as fine furniture and cast crystal is considered to be a lower purpose than the grand ideas and purposes of historical recording of events and intellectual discourse.

U-1. Sharing Visual Art Terms Why do we focus on vocabulary as a way to understand visual art?

We focus on the terminology to allow us to accurately (or as accurately as possible) describe works of art in words. Art to me is a depiction of one's mind and most often times, cannot be represented by a few words. By having focus on vocabulary, it gives individuals the ability to formulate words that can express one's thinking. Although an artist is the creative mind behind a work, individuals interpreting such works all have different perspectives. Words, in this case, give us ability to express our different perspectives and understandings.

U-5 a. Mediums Compare some of the different mediums artists use to make work. What artistic medium do you see the most often? Have you seen any artwork made with surprising materials?

When I think of the most common and widely used artistic mediums, I automatically think of acrylic and oil painting, as well as a graphite pencil for sketching and shading. There are dozens of different mediums that all contrast in terms of color, hardness, drying time, ability to erase, and more. Specifically, two mediums that come to mind that have variable differences are oil paints and acrylics paints. Oil paints take a long time to dry and therefore can be changeable within that timeframe. Acrylic paints dry fairly faster and become water-resistant. Artworks that surprise me with the use of materials are typically in the form of sculptures. The incorporation of trash and recyclables still amaze me today. I remember going to New York for a pop-up gallery and to raise awareness of all the trash in the world and the importance of recycling, they made amazing sculptures, such as a whale out of plastic. I loved the idea of this. Another thing that comes to mind that I often see nowadays as a debate is whether digital art, specifically drawing on an iPad, is considered art. When thinking about mediums, I did not know where this would be categorized under.

naturalistic

When an artist is basing his visual work on the physical appearance of the real world it can be less literal. That work is called naturalistic. Naturalistic and realistic are slightly different in that realistic images are related to the visual language of optics while naturalistic images are realism with some simplification or some level of abstraction; or interpretation but not in the sense of the supernatural.

non-representational

When an artwork has forms that are not recognizable as objects in the real world that artwork is called non-representational. Another artist whose work moved from one style to another is Vasily Kandinsky. In his earlier work the objects or forms were abstracted but they are recognizable.

gravity

When using the word gravity to describe the visual weight of an object or an area in an artwork the observer is using the understanding that all bodies tend to be drawn toward the center of the earth. Therefore a large object in a painting at the upper left corner will appear to be heavier or potentially in motion more so than a large object in a painting at the bottom left corner. A large object in a painting sitting at the bottom left corner will tend to feel as though it is at rest.

value

When we talk of a value we talk about how much black or white has been added to a color. A frequently used system when talking about and writing about the values of a color and an easy way to distinguish between the colors is to talk about them on a 1 to 10 scale. Ex- blue, if number one is the lightest sky blue and number five is pure blue, like what you see on a crisp autumn day, then number 10 on the scale will be dark blue-black midnight blue. So when you use the term value, you are talking about the quantity of white or black in the hue, in the paint or ink.

idealism

When we talk of representing things as they ought to be according to a certain philosophy we speak of idealism, the look of the objects and people portray the thinking in the philosophic viewpoint.

Comment on the effect and benefits of technology on the Visual Art of the Twentieth Century.

With technology, visual art has expanded vastly in terms of ability and creativity. One such way is the ability to make models. This is beneficial for commercial use where designs can be changed constantly to suit the needs of the customers. With today's technology being advanced, it can even help make design decisions prior to actually doing the task such as painting or constructing architecture. Another benefit of technology is the decrease in labor and materials. Taking the iPad for example, with just the device and the Apple Pencil, you are able to switch between many different tools within the device. In addition, many things can be done automatically which decreases the amount of work it takes artists.

line

a mark that is made on a two-dimensional surface or a three-dimensional surface. A line is a mark that is more or less continuous that will define a shape or depict a motion. Lines have greater length than they have width. Lines can divide space, they can lead the eye out into space, and they can create a contour line by following a chosen edge of a form. But lines are not edges. In the art terms of this course line is not synonymous with the edge of a three dimensional form. Used in drawing not painting

contraposto

a pose in which the weight of the body is balanced on one leg while the other is free and relaxed. Shows the body is in motion

crosshatched line

can be used to create atmosphere or volume

reductive sculpture

carving away the base material

assembled sculpture

creating a work of sculpture by putting together pieces that are already formed by the artist

implied line

describes the suggested lining up of juxtaposed objects. There is no actual line created by the artist, rather the compositional elements of an artwork allow the eye to see a directional suggestion through this lining up of elements; points, objects, etc.