• Unit 4: How Art Works – The Principles of Visual Language

    In this unit, you will begin to learn the terms that used to describe and analyze any work of art, and you will explore the principles of design – the means by which the elements in a work of art are arranged and orchestrated. Just as spoken language is based on phonemes, syntax, and semantics, visual art is based on elements and principles that, when used together, create works that communicate ideas and meaning to the viewer. We can think of them as the building blocks of an artwork's composition – the organized layout of an image or object, according to the principles of design.

    Completing this unit should take approximately 8 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • define and describe artistic elements and principles of design; and
      • compare and contrast artworks from different cultures using the language of art.

    • 4.1: The Basic Elements

      • The Point Page

        This article is about the most basic visual element: the point.

      • The Line Page

        When you put two or more points together, you create a line between them. Put more lyrically, a line is a "point in motion". Read about the many different types of lines and their functions in art.

      • Shapes and the Figure-Ground Relationship Page

        This article defines what a shape is and how shapes are used to articulate figure-ground relationships in artworks.

      • Mass Page

        This article defines mass and its significance for two- and three-dimensional works of art.

    • 4.2: Space, Value, Color, and Texture

      • The Element of Space Page

        This section introduces the various kinds of space that artists represent in their works, and the different techniques of perspective for creating the illusion of space on a 2D surface.

      • The Element of Value Page

        Value is the relative lightness or darkness of a shape in relation to another.

      • The Element of Color Page

        In this article, you will discover color theory, which is used to guide the composition and combination of the colors in art.

      • The Element of Texture Page

        Texture is the tactile sense we get from the surface of a shape or volume, such as smooth, rough, velvety, or prickly.

      • Discussion Topic 5: Objective Description and Subjective Analysis URL

        Reflect on this discussion prompt. If you wish, post your thoughts on the discussion forum. Leave a reply to your classmates' posts as well!

        Find two works of art from this list of online galleries. The first work should be two-dimensional, and the second should be three-dimensional. For each one, write four sentences describing the elements present in the work using the Formalist Method. This method describes what you see in a totally objective way. Do not refer to any subject matter. Remember, be objective in your descriptions. An example might be; "The work uses a majority of organic shapes", or "It uses the complimentary colors yellow and violet for contrast".

        Then, for each work, write one sentence that describes your subjective reaction. An example might be "the artwork has a chaotic feeling to it", or "looking at the work made me feel lonely".

      • Activity 7: Translating an Image Quiz
        Complete this ungraded activity using the Formalist method of interpretation, which you learned in this unit.
      • The Elements of Art Quiz

        This is an ungraded assessment. Don't pay close attention to the score you receive; the important part of this assessment is that you have processed what you have learned and you have reflected on it.

    • 4.3: The Principles of Design

      • The Artistic Principles Page

        This subunit explores the artistic principles, which are the means by which the elements in a work of art are arranged and orchestrated. They include visual balance, repetition, scale and proportion, emphasis, time and motion, unity, and variety.

      • Balance Page

        Read this article to get a sense of visual balance in art, of which there are three kinds: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

      • Repetition Page
        Repetition has a dual role in art: it can be used to organize and plan artistic elements, and it can help to create interest and command attention.
      • Scale and Proportion Page

        Like repetition, the element of scale and proportion is both a planning tool for artists and adds an attractiveness that commands the attention of the viewer.

      • Emphasis Page
        The main idea of a work of art is often expressed through the artist's treatment of the element of emphasis.
      • Time and Motion Page
        One of the problems artists face in creating static (singular, fixed images) is how to imbue them with a sense of time and motion. Some traditional solutions to this problem employ the use of spatial relationships, especially perspective and atmospheric perspective. Scale and proportion can also be employed to show the passage of time or the illusion of depth and movement. For example, as something recedes into the background, it becomes smaller in scale and lighter in value. Also, the same figure (or other form) repeated in different places within the same image gives the effect of movement and the passage of time.
      • Unity and Variety Page

        Ultimately, a work of art is the strongest when it expresses an overall unity in composition and form, a visual sense that all the parts fit together; that the whole is greater than its parts. Read this section to learn more.

      • Activity 8: Balance, Unity, and Variety Quiz
        Complete this ungraded activity using the Formalist method you learned in this unit.
      • Discussion Topic 6: Objective Description of Artistic Principles URL

        Reflect on the following discussion prompt. If you wish, post your thoughts on the discussion forum. Leave a reply to your classmates' posts as well!

        Find two works of art from this list of online galleries. The first work should be two-dimensional, and the second should be three-dimensional. For each one, write four sentences describing the artistic principles present in the work. Do not refer to any subject matter. Remember, be objective in your descriptions. Be objective in your descriptions. An example might be "the work makes an abundant use of pattern" or "this work uses asymmetric balance in its composition".

        Then, for each work, write one sentence that describes your subjective reaction. An example might be "the artwork has a dynamic feel to it" or "the scale in this work disorients me".

    • Unit 4 Wrap-up

      • Activity 9: Compare and Contrast Quiz
        This is an ungraded assessment. Don't focus on the score you receive, as the important part of this assessment is that you have processed what you have learned and you have reflected on it.
      • Artistic Principles Quiz
        Complete this ungraded quiz.
      • Unit 4 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.