Visual Literacy:
Elements of Art
1. Line - is 1D and can vary in width, direction and length.
2. Shape - 2D and flat, artists use both geometric and organic shapes.
3. Colour - can vary with the use of tinting and shading. Often the intensity of a
colour reflects the artist's intention.
4. Value - describes the lightness or darkness of a surface.
5. Texture - describes the surface quality.
6. Space - creates the illusion of depth within an artwork.
7. Form - 3D, have volume and can be viewed from many angles.
Principles of Design
1. Balance - artworks arrangement. 3 types: symmetrical, asymmetrical and
radial.
2. Contrast/Variety - difference between elements such as size of colour
differences.
3. Emphasis - creation of a focal point, draws the viewer's attention.
4. Pattern - regularly repeated elements (shapes/colour).
5. Unity - all elements within artwork are in harmony.
6. Movement - how the eye travels through artwork. Can be influenced by line.
7. Rhythm - regular repetition of elements (line,shape,forms) to create interest
and consistency.
Writing Descriptions
● Write artists name, artwork title, and year (if possible)
● State the mode (painting, photograph, sculpture…)
● State the media (oil painting, watercolour, steel, bronze....)
● State the format (portrait, self-portrait, landscape…)
● Describe KEY elements, state what you see. For example, describe the
colours and subject matter of the landscape rather than saying “The
landscape is pretty.”
● You may mention the style (naturalistic, expressive…)
● Should be 5 to 6 lines.
,Early International Art (1900 - 1970)
Dada
1916-1922
➔ Dada and Surrealism dominated between the 2 world wars.
➔ Both a revolt against WW1 and questioned traditional values of society.
➔ Heavily influenced following art movements.
➔ Originated in Zurich Switzerland, where WW1 German writer and poet, Hugo
Ball created “Cabaret Voltaire.” Here, artists and writers protested against
society. It was a cross between a nightclub and art society.
➔ There are various ideas of the origin of the name “Dada”.
- It means “hobbyhorse” in French.
- Also the first word of a child, showed search for freedom and new
beginnings.
Influences
❖ WW1, millions killed and many pondered human existence.
❖ People’s emotions
❖ Greedy and materialistic government that made war possible.
Characteristics
➢ State of mind, not a style. Wanted to ‘mock and shock.’
➢ Movement to destroy all traditions in art. Avoided using traditions in art.
➢ Revolt against logic and reason. Explored subconscious.
➢ Controversial - seems as if there was no skill used. Not aesthetic.
➢ Protested against the middle class, art often displayed publicly instead of in a
museum, for all classes to view.
Artists
Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948)
● Born in Hanover, Germany.
● Produced collages and installation created with junk.
● Used formal elements (colour,shape…)
, ● Sowed everything can be used to create art.
“Merzbau” (1923) - Kurt Schwitters
● Found objects used.
● Cubism-like grottos.
● Started in a single room, then spread to 6 rooms.
“Merz Pictures 29A, Picture with Flywheel” (1920)
- Kurt Schwitters
● Found objects used.
Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968)
● French.
● Considered most important and influential artist of the 20th Century.
Elements of Art
1. Line - is 1D and can vary in width, direction and length.
2. Shape - 2D and flat, artists use both geometric and organic shapes.
3. Colour - can vary with the use of tinting and shading. Often the intensity of a
colour reflects the artist's intention.
4. Value - describes the lightness or darkness of a surface.
5. Texture - describes the surface quality.
6. Space - creates the illusion of depth within an artwork.
7. Form - 3D, have volume and can be viewed from many angles.
Principles of Design
1. Balance - artworks arrangement. 3 types: symmetrical, asymmetrical and
radial.
2. Contrast/Variety - difference between elements such as size of colour
differences.
3. Emphasis - creation of a focal point, draws the viewer's attention.
4. Pattern - regularly repeated elements (shapes/colour).
5. Unity - all elements within artwork are in harmony.
6. Movement - how the eye travels through artwork. Can be influenced by line.
7. Rhythm - regular repetition of elements (line,shape,forms) to create interest
and consistency.
Writing Descriptions
● Write artists name, artwork title, and year (if possible)
● State the mode (painting, photograph, sculpture…)
● State the media (oil painting, watercolour, steel, bronze....)
● State the format (portrait, self-portrait, landscape…)
● Describe KEY elements, state what you see. For example, describe the
colours and subject matter of the landscape rather than saying “The
landscape is pretty.”
● You may mention the style (naturalistic, expressive…)
● Should be 5 to 6 lines.
,Early International Art (1900 - 1970)
Dada
1916-1922
➔ Dada and Surrealism dominated between the 2 world wars.
➔ Both a revolt against WW1 and questioned traditional values of society.
➔ Heavily influenced following art movements.
➔ Originated in Zurich Switzerland, where WW1 German writer and poet, Hugo
Ball created “Cabaret Voltaire.” Here, artists and writers protested against
society. It was a cross between a nightclub and art society.
➔ There are various ideas of the origin of the name “Dada”.
- It means “hobbyhorse” in French.
- Also the first word of a child, showed search for freedom and new
beginnings.
Influences
❖ WW1, millions killed and many pondered human existence.
❖ People’s emotions
❖ Greedy and materialistic government that made war possible.
Characteristics
➢ State of mind, not a style. Wanted to ‘mock and shock.’
➢ Movement to destroy all traditions in art. Avoided using traditions in art.
➢ Revolt against logic and reason. Explored subconscious.
➢ Controversial - seems as if there was no skill used. Not aesthetic.
➢ Protested against the middle class, art often displayed publicly instead of in a
museum, for all classes to view.
Artists
Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948)
● Born in Hanover, Germany.
● Produced collages and installation created with junk.
● Used formal elements (colour,shape…)
, ● Sowed everything can be used to create art.
“Merzbau” (1923) - Kurt Schwitters
● Found objects used.
● Cubism-like grottos.
● Started in a single room, then spread to 6 rooms.
“Merz Pictures 29A, Picture with Flywheel” (1920)
- Kurt Schwitters
● Found objects used.
Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968)
● French.
● Considered most important and influential artist of the 20th Century.
