Learning Objectives

In addition to being able to recognize all of the key terms, artists, and artworks presented to you in the chapter, after reading the chapter you should be able to:

1.

distinguish between the visual elements of a work of art and other aspects of it, and explain how the visual elements are the primary ingredients in the construction of any work of art.

2.

define each visual element listed below, and discuss its use in specific examples of art:

line
shape
mass
light
value
color
texture
space

3.

explain the many uses of line in creating additional visual elements such as shape, mass, and value, and in implying motion or directing the viewer's eye.

4.

distinguish between actual line and implied line in specific works of art.

5.

distinguish between shape and mass, between two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms, and between geometric and organic shapes, and identify these distinctions in specific works of art.

6.

describe the use of smooth gradations of value to create a modeled effect in two-dimensional art forms, as well as the use of lines or dots for a similar effect, and identify these techniques in specific works of art.

7.

discuss the importance of actual light in the design of architecture and sculpture for creating mood and adding emphasis.

8.

explain the difference between the additive and subtractive color-mixing systems and identify the primary colors of each.

9.

label a blank 12-part color wheel with the primary, secondary and tertiary colors of the subtractive color-mixing system in correct relationship to one another.

10.

define the three physical properties of color: hue, value, and intensity.

11.

discuss relationships between colors through color harmonies, simultaneous contrast, and optical color mixing, and describe these relationships in specific works of art.

12.

discuss the emotional impact of color in specific works of art, and offer examples of how its symbolic use is culturally determined.

13.

distinguish between actual and implied texture, and explain texture's role in creating pattern.

14.

describe the sculpting of actual space performed by architects and sculptors, and discuss specific examples.

15.

describe each of the following devices used to suggest depth on a two-dimensional surface, and identify their use in specific works of art:

overlapping
positioning
linear perspective
foreshortening
atmospheric perspective
isometric perspective

16.

discuss time and motion as two latecomers to the list of visual elements, and describe their function in specific works of art.

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