Week 5

Elements and Principles of Art: An Overview

In Module 1 of Arts in the Philippines, we explore the elements and principles of art to understand contemporary art forms from various regions of the Philippines, including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The elements of art are the building blocks of any artwork, while the principles of art describe how these elements are used to create effects and convey meaning.

Elements of Art

1. Line
   • A line is used to define shape, contours, and outlines, and can suggest mass and volume. It can be continuous or implied and may vary in form (curved, dotted, or broken) and direction (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal). Different types of lines convey different meanings:
     • Horizontal Line: Implies serenity and stability.
     • Vertical Line: Suggests strength and stability.
     • Diagonal Line: Implies action.
     • Curved Line: Indicates gradual change in direction.
     • Circular Line: Suggests abrupt change in direction.
   • Types of lines include:
     • Outlines: Made by the edge of an object or its silhouette.
     • Contour Lines: Describe the shape of an object and the interior detail.
     • Expressive Lines: Capture the movement and gestures of an active figure.
     • Sketch Lines: Capture the appearance of an object or impression of a place.
     • Calligraphic Lines: Elegant handwriting or lettering done by hand.
     • Implied Lines: Lines that are not actually drawn but created by a group of objects seen from a distance.
2. Shape
   • Shape refers to an area enclosed by lines, typically two-dimensional with height and width. Types of shapes include:
     • Geometric Shapes: Circles, squares, rectangles, triangles.
     • Organic Shapes: Irregular, free-flowing shapes found in nature.
     • Positive Shapes: Solid forms in a design.
     • Negative Shapes: The space around the positive shapes.
     • Static Shapes: Stable, resting shapes.
     • Dynamic Shapes: Shapes that appear to be moving or active.
3. Color
   • Color is the way we perceive light reflected from surfaces. It can be categorized as:
     • Primary Colors: Red, blue, and yellow.
     • Secondary Colors: Purple, green, and orange (mixed from primary colors).
     • Tertiary Colors: Amber, vermilion, magenta, violet, teal, chartreuse.
     • Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., yellow, orange, red).
     • Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red and green, blue and orange).
     • Monochromatic Colors: Different values of a single color.
     • Warm Colors: Yellow, amber, orange, red, magenta.
     • Cool Colors: Purple, violet, blue, teal, green.
4. Space
   • Space refers to the area around, between, or within components of an artwork. It can be positive (inside a shape) or negative (the surrounding area). Perspective is used to create the illusion of distance and depth:
     • One-Point Perspective: Objects meet at one point on the horizon line.
     • Two-Point Perspective: Objects meet at two points on the horizon line.
5. Texture
   • Texture refers to the surface quality of an artwork, whether rough, smooth, bumpy, or slippery. It can be:
     • Real Texture: The actual texture of the object.
     • Implied Texture: Texture that appears on the surface but isn’t physically there, like a drawing of a rough tree trunk on smooth paper.
6. Value
   • Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is altered by adding white (tint) or black (shade) to a color:
     • Tint: A lighter version of a color.
     • Shade: A darker version of a color.
7. Form
   • Form is the three-dimensionality of an object, with height, width, and length.

Principles of Art

1. Rhythm - The repetition of elements to produce a pattern.
2. Movement - The illusion of motion in the artwork.
3. Balance
   • Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in an artwork. It can be:
     • Symmetrical Balance: Equal elements on both sides.
     • Asymmetrical Balance: Balance achieved through contrast or difference in elements.
4. Proportion - Refers to the size relationships between different elements in a work of art.
5. Contrast - Highlights the differences between elements, enhancing their impact.
6. Variety - Uses different elements to make the artwork more engaging.
7. Emphasis - Directs attention to a focal point in the artwork.
8. Harmony - Achieved when elements in an artwork work together to create a unified composition.

Evaluation of Artworks Based on Elements and Principles of Art

A prime example is “Genesis” by National Artist Hernando Ocampo. The artwork showcases lines (curved), shape (amorphic), light, and color, and exemplifies principles like variety, asymmetrical balance, and emphasis. Viewers interpret the artwork differently, but many agree that the use of colors like red and yellow conveys passion and positivity. The curvy, flowing lines contribute to a sense of calm, while the asymmetrical balance creates dynamic tension.

Summary

The elements and principles of art are fundamental in both creating and appreciating art. Elements like line, shape, and color are the visual tools used by artists, while principles such as rhythm, movement, and balance guide the composition. Understanding these concepts allows artists to effectively communicate their ideas, and helps viewers engage with and interpret artworks. By mastering the elements and principles of art, both students and enthusiasts can enhance their appreciation and creation of art, particularly in the context of Philippine art.