Information Sheet 1

INTRODUCTION TO ART APPRECIATION

Learning Objectives:

After reading the information sheet 1 the students are expected to:

a.) Define and understand the key characteristics of Pointillism, Coffee Arts, Ukir/Ukkir:
Distinctly Mindanaon Art, and Scribbling Soul.

b.) Enumerate and identify prominent artists and artworks associated with Pointillism,
Coffee Arts, Ukir/Ukkir, and Scribbling Soul.

c.) Value the cultural and artistic significance of Pointillism, Coffee Arts, Ukir/Ukkir, and
Scribbling Soul, and develop a deeper appreciation for their unique contributions to the
world of visual arts.

Welcome to the fascinating world of art appreciation! In this course, we will delve into the
diverse and dynamic realm of visual arts, exploring various styles, techniques, and cultural
influences that shape the artistic landscape. From classical masterpieces to contemporary
creations, we will embark on a journey to understand, interpret, and appreciate the beauty and
significance of art in its many forms.

POINTILLISM
Pointillism: A Luminous Revolution in 19th-Century Paris

In the vibrant artistic milieu of 19th-century Paris, amidst the fervor of Impressionist
innovation, Pointillism emerged as a groundbreaking painting technique that captivated artists
and art aficionados. Characterized by its meticulous method and scientific foundations, it was
through the pioneering efforts of artists such as Georges Seurat and Paul Signac that Pointillism
redefined the artistic canvas, transforming it into a radiant mosaic of color and illumination.
This technique not only showcased the artists' exceptional skill but also celebrated the human
endeavor for artistic exploration, creativity, and perpetual innovation.

The Revolutionary Essence of Pure Color Dots:

At its core, Pointillism is distinguished by the application of discrete dots of pure, unblended
color. Innovators like Seurat and Signac championed this approach, intending for the viewer’s
perception to blend these colors visually, thereby achieving a richer, more vibrant harmony and
depth than could be attained through traditional color mixing. Iconic works such as "A Sunday
Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" and "Bathers at Asnières" exemplify the Pointillist
technique, showcasing the profound effect of color juxtaposition and immersing the audience
in an almost magical realm of aesthetic pleasure and visual fascination.

Influences from Scientific Discovery:

The evolution of Pointillism was significantly influenced by the scientific research of Michel
Eugène Chevreul on color theory and optical effects. Chevreul’s studies on color contrast and
harmony provided a theoretical backbone for Pointillist artists, who then applied these insights
to imbue their creations with unparalleled vibrancy and luminosity. This fusion of art and
science opened new avenues for expression, allowing artists to experiment with the perception
of light and color in innovative ways.

The Craftsmanship of "Dot Painting":

Coined by art critic Félix Fénéon, the term "Pointillism" succinctly captures the quintessence of
this meticulous technique. Despite Seurat’s preference for terms like "Divisionism" or
"Chromoluminarism," "Pointillism" has endured, highlighting the movement’s commitment to
precision and the labor-intensive process of applying color dot by dot. Fénéon’s advocacy
played a pivotal role in elevating Pointillism within the art world, emphasizing the importance
of support and recognition in the flourishing of artistic innovation.

The Discipline Behind the Dots:

Emerging as a branch of Neo-Impressionism, Pointillism both inherited and diverged from the
Impressionist legacy. Pointillist artists adopted a more deliberate and laborious approach
compared to the freer brushstrokes of their Impressionist counterparts, focusing on the
strategic placement of color dots to meticulously convey optical phenomena. Their dedication
to this exacting method not only captivated audiences but also elevated painting as an art form,
inspiring future generations to marvel at their technical prowess and artistic vision.

Van Gogh and Pointillism:

Vincent van Gogh’s engagement with Pointillism during his Paris period underscores the
technique’s broad influence on late 19th-century art. Although van Gogh eventually pursued
other styles, his exploration of Pointillism reflects the interconnectedness of artistic
movements, with each influencing and enriching the others through a vibrant dialogue of
creativity and experimentation.

Harmony in Colors and Sounds:

Pointillism transcended the visual to draw analogies with musical composition, suggesting a
symphonic interplay of colors. Artists like Signac conceptualized the selection of colors as akin
to composing a musical piece, where each dot contributes to the overall harmony and rhythm
of the artwork. This analogy invites audiences to experience art as a multisensory journey,
blending sight and imagined sound into a cohesive and immersive experience.

Paving the Way to Fauvism:

The legacy of Pointillism extended its influence to movements like Fauvism, exemplified by
Henri Matisse’s "Luxe, Calme et Volupté," which transitions from Pointillist techniques to
Fauvist boldness and expressivity. Pointillism’s innovative use of color and form laid a
foundation for artists to further experiment with emotion and sensation, marking a pivotal
moment in the evolution of modern art.
Pointillism, thus, stands as a beacon of human ingenuity and artistic evolution, intertwining
meticulous technique, scientific insight, and metaphorical depth to embark viewers on a
journey through the nuanced interplay of color, light, and emotion. It represents not just an
artistic movement, but a profound exploration of human creativity, leaving a lasting impact on
the tapestry of art history.

COFFEE ARTS

Coffee, beyond being a beloved beverage, has also inspired artistic expression across various
mediums. From the intricate designs adorning a latte to the rich tones of a coffee painting and
the sculptural forms crafted from coffee-related materials, coffee arts encompass a diverse
range of creative practices that celebrate the cultural significance of this ubiquitous drink.

In this exploration of coffee arts, we delve into the realms of latte art, coffee painting, and
sculpture, each offering its own unique perspective on the intersection of coffee culture and
artistic expression. These forms of art not only enhance the sensory experience of consuming
coffee but also serve as a canvas for creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural exploration.

Through the lens of coffee arts, we embark on a journey that unveils the beauty, complexity,
and richness of coffee as both a medium and muse for artists around the world. Join us as we
delve deeper into the world of coffee arts and discover the myriad ways in which coffee inspires
and enriches our appreciation of art and culture.

Early Depictions (15th-18th Century):

In the early days of coffee consumption, artists began incorporating coffee-related scenes into
their works. This included paintings depicting coffee houses, social gatherings around coffee,
and even portraits of individuals enjoying coffee.

Coffee's spread across the globe during the Age of Exploration also influenced artistic
depictions, with European artists capturing scenes of coffee cultivation in distant lands.
Rise of Coffeehouses (17th-19th Century):

Coffeehouses emerged as hubs of intellectual and artistic exchange during the Enlightenment
period. Artists, writers, philosophers, and thinkers gathered in coffeehouses to discuss ideas
and showcase their work.

Coffeehouses became subjects of paintings and literary works, immortalizing them as cultural
icons in the history of art and society.

HISTORY

The Birth of Coffee Culture (19th-20th Century):

The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of coffee culture as we know it today. Artists began
exploring coffee as a subject matter, capturing its essence through various artistic mediums.

Painters depicted coffee-related scenes with heightened realism or used coffee as a pigment to
create sepia-toned artworks.

Coffeehouses continued to inspire artists, with cafes becoming popular settings for scenes of
everyday life and social interaction in paintings and literature.

In the modern era, coffee arts have expanded beyond traditional mediums. Baristas have
elevated coffee presentation to an art form with the rise of latte art, showcasing intricate
designs and patterns on the surface of coffee beverages.Artists experiment with coffee
painting, using coffee as a medium to create unique and environmentally friendly artworks that
explore themes related to coffee culture, nature, and society.

Coffee sculpture has emerged as a contemporary art form, with artists utilizing coffee-related
materials to create three-dimensional artworks that celebrate coffee's cultural significance and
explore issues such as sustainability and consumerism.Throughout history, coffee has served as
a source of inspiration for artists, influencing their work and shaping cultural perceptions of this
beloved beverage. From its early depictions in paintings to its modern interpretations in latte
art, coffee arts continue to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing relationship between coffee,
art, and society.

Latte Art

Latte art is a creative practice where baristas pour steamed milk into espresso to create
intricate designs or patterns on the surface of coffee drinks, particularly lattes and cappuccinos.
Developed in Italy during the 1980s, latte art has since become a global phenomenon,
celebrated for its visual appeal and the skill required to master it.

Baristas use specialized techniques, including free pouring and etching, to create designs such
as hearts, rosettas, and ferns, enhancing the aesthetic experience of coffee consumption. Latte
art not only elevates the presentation of coffee but also serves as a form of artistic expression,
reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship of the barista while enriching the cafe experience for
patrons.

Coffee Painting

Coffee painting involves the use of coffee as a painting medium of pigment to create artworks
on various surfaces, including paper, canvas, and wood.Coffee has been used as a pigment in
art for centuries, with its sepia tones lending a unique quality to paintings. Modern coffee
painting has expanded to include diverse styles and techniques.Artists experiment with diluting
coffee to achieve different shades, layering washes for depth, and combining coffee with other
mediums like watercolor or ink to create nuanced effects.Coffee painting offers artists a
distinctive medium to explore themes related to coffee culture, nature, and social issues, often
employing eco-friendly practices and celebrating the beauty of everyday materials.

Sculpture

Coffee sculpture involves the creation of three-dimensional artworks using coffee-related

materials such as coffee grounds, beans, cups, or even espresso machines.Coffee sculpture has
emerged as a contemporary art form, drawing inspiration from coffee culture, consumption
habits, and environmental concerns.

Artists utilize sculpting techniques such as carving, molding, and assembling to transform
coffee-related materials into intricate and thought-provoking sculptures, often exploring
themes of sustainability and consumerism.Coffee sculpture serves as a platform for artists to
raise awareness about environmental issues, including coffee waste, while celebrating the
versatility and beauty of coffee as a medium for artistic expression.

Techniques

Latte Art

Take a moment to observe the details of the design, such as symmetry, contrast, and fluidity of
the lines. Notice the texture of the milk foam and how it adds dimension to the design.
Appreciate the barista's skill in pouring and manipulating the milk to create the design, as well
as their control over factors like temperature and milk consistency. Look for variety in designs,
from simple hearts and rosettas to more complex patterns and motifs. Consider the context in
which the latte art is presented, such as the café environment or the occasion for which it was
made.

Coffee Painting

Take time to appreciate the level of detail in the painting, especially considering the medium of
coffee, which can be challenging to work with due to its natural variations in color and
consistency.Notice the different shades and tones achieved using various concentrations of
coffee and different brewing methods.Consider the composition of the painting and how the
artist has arranged elements within the frame to create balance and interest.Explore the
texture of the painting and how the coffee interacts with the surface of the canvas or
paper.Look for themes or narratives within the artwork and how the artist has used coffee as a
medium to convey their message or expression.

Coffee Sculpture

Appreciate the form and shape of the sculpture, considering the challenges of working with
coffee grounds or beans as a sculpting material. Notice the level of detail in the sculpture,
including intricate features or textures carved into the coffee medium.Look for creativity in the
choice of subject matter or the way in which the artist has manipulated the coffee to create
unique forms.Consider the temporary nature of coffee sculptures due to the perishable nature
of the medium, which adds an additional layer of appreciation for the artist's skill and effort.If
possible, interact with the sculpture by viewing it from different angles or touching it (if
allowed), to fully appreciate its three-dimensional qualities. By employing these techniques,
you can deepen your appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating coffee
art in its various forms.

Notable Artists and Works

Angel Sarkela-Saur

known for her intricate coffee paintings, Angel Sarkela-Saur creates stunning artworks using
coffee as a medium. Her pieces often depict landscapes, wildlife, and portraits, showcasing the
rich tones and textures achievable with coffee.

Karen Eland

Karen Eland is renowned for her detailed coffee paintings, which often feature famous
artworks recreated using coffee as the primary medium. Her works pay homage to iconic
paintings while adding a unique twist with the use of coffee.

Michael Breach (Baristart)

As a pioneer in the field of latte art, Michael Breach, also known as Baristart, has gained
recognition for his exceptional skills in creating intricate designs on coffee beverages. His latte
art often includes portraits, landscapes, and whimsical characters, delighting coffee lovers and
art enthusiasts alike.

Jon Norquist

Jon Norquist is celebrated for his innovative approach to coffee sculpture. Using coffee
grounds, beans, and other coffee-related materials, Norquist creates striking three-dimensional
artworks that explore themes related to coffee culture, sustainability, and environmental
awareness.

UKIR/UKKIR: DISTINCTLY MINDANAON ART

The Okir motif, a distinctive artistic and cultural hallmark of the Maranao people of Lanao in the
Philippines, dates back to the early 6th century C.E., predating the Islamization of the region.
This motif encompasses a variety of artistic expressions, including designs and patterns carved
or depicted in hardwood, brass, silver, and wall paintings, characterized by curvilinear lines and
Arabic geometric figures.

The Okir represents the unique creativity and craftsmanship of the Maranao, embodying their
indigenous originality through various forms of art such as painting, carving, and sculpture.
These creations not only showcase the Maranao's artistic skills but also reflect the social and
psychological identity of their society, a tradition that has been cherished for generations and
continues to be a source of pride and cultural identity.

The preservation of this cultural heritage is evident in Maranao households and institutions like
the Mindanao State University museum, where artifacts adorned with Okir designs are
prominently displayed, ensuring the continuity of this rich cultural legacy.

SCRIBBLING SOUL

Everything Has Gesture: In this gesture drawing of a statue, I worked loosely, keeping the
marker gliding over the paper. I responded as naturally and automatically as possible, recording
my understanding of the energy “trapped” in the statue.

The type of scribbling I’m talking about is part of a technique called “gesture drawing.” Its
purpose is to help you capture a subject’s unique quality or its “gesture.” It’s often hard to
describe gesture drawing without resorting to almost mystical terms, because gesture drawing
records your impressions, thoughts and feelings about your subject, and these things aren’t
well suited to verbal (left-brained) expression. But once you get started it will all come
together.

Tools
Gesture drawing can be done with a lot of different materials. Drawing tools that make decisive
marks rapidly are the best. I recommend that your first gesture drawings be done with a soft
(6B) graphite stick, but later on you can try other drawing implements. (Keep in mind that you
don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started.) Here’s what you’ll need:

Soft graphite stick (6B or 4B)

Newsprint or large sheets of scrap paper (Whenever possible, use paper larger than ordinary
typing paper.)

Black India ink and cotton swabs

Crayons

Markers

Playful Drawing

Take a large sheet of paper and a soft graphite stick or marker and cover the paper with
scribbling. Make big swirls, tight curls, loops and zigzags until the paper is covered.

Ready, Set, Scribble!

Before we get into the nuances of gesture drawing, let’s have some fun. Place a large sheet of
paper on an easel or table, and grab your soft graphite stick. Now cover the paper with
scribbling as in the example above, right. Make big swirls all over the paper. Draw from your
shoulder, not from your wrist. Don’t stop your hand and don’t lift the graphite from the paper.
Make some tight curls; then make some jagged zigzags, loops, coils and points.

Notice how this process feels. Do you feel any resistance in your muscles? Do you feel that
there’s something slightly wrong with scribbling? Do you feel the need to have permission to let
go? Or is it liberating and fun? However it feels, do it! Ignore any residual bad feelings about
scribbling or any resistance from the left side of your brain. Give yourself permission to let go.
Scribble until the page is dark with marks.
Gesture drawing is similar to scribbling in that you should never lose the loose, almost
unrestrained quality of scribbling. But there are a few simple and important differences
between the two that will help you improve your drawing.

1. Draw what your subject feels like or what it’s doing. When you do a gesture drawing, you’re
not only making a loose, scribbly sketch of what the subject looks like, but you’re also trying to
determine what you feel is the essential character or action of your subject.

2. Don’t stop the pencil, and don’t pick it up off the paper. Gesture drawings should only take
about a minute or two to complete. You don’t work at gesture drawings—you let them happen.
Just put the pencil to paper and begin to draw loosely and spontaneously with an uninterrupted
movement of your hand and shoulder. When you’re done, someone should be able to “grab”
the end of your gesture stroke and pull the whole thing off the paper like one long piece of
yarn.

3. Always draw the whole thing on the paper. Make your scribble fit the paper so no part of
your subject matter is left off. If you start too large, just scribble it smaller right on the paper.
This is one of the most important parts of gesture drawing. If you need to make a mark on the
top of the paper for the topmost part of your subject and then make a mark on the bottom for
the lowest part, do it. By consciously trying to make whatever you draw fit on the paper, you’ll
get in the habit of seeing how the size of the various parts of your subject are related. You’ll
also develop an instinctive sense of proper proportion and composition.

Subjects to Scribble

By its very nature, gesture is ideally suited for drawing people. But you can draw just about
anything with it: stuffed animals, telephones, toasters, gloves and so on. In fact, I recommend
that before trying gesture drawings of people you try doing gesture drawings of statues or
figurines. You can look for interesting statues to draw in antique shops, flea markets,
secondhand stores or thrift stores. Playthings such as dolls and large toy soldiers will also
provide great practice and will help prepare you for drawing real people. Ceramic supply and
craft stores also carry many other statues that make great things to draw. You can even go to a
museum and practice gesture with some of the sculptures there.
Once you’ve had a little practice drawing inanimate objects, you’ll want to draw living, moving
subjects. Your family and friends can be your first models, even if they’re unaware of it. But the
best way to learn how to do gesture drawings of people is to work with a cooperative model. All
you have to do is give good instructions. Begin by asking your model to assume poses based on
everyday activities such as sitting on a chair, standing in a subway or bus, leaning against a wall,
and so on. The poses should last a minute to a minute and a half—never longer than two
minutes.

Then request that your model “play statue” in a pose based on ordinary activities such as
swinging a bat, tennis racket or golf club, chopping wood, and sweeping or raking. (This can be
a lot of fun, by the way, and if you’re alternating between being artist and model for friends,
posing will give you a lot of insight into what gesture is all about.)

The Gesture of Animals

Pets like cats and dogs are good subjects to try for rapid gesture drawings. It’s essential that
you look for the most expressive lines of action when you do this. With each drawing, you gain
a little more knowledge about your pet’s personality.

And if people are a little harder to come by, family pets are good subjects for rapid gesture
studies. You do have to work fast, unless they’re sleeping. And if Spot begins to move, study
how he moves while you keep the graphite stick moving. Pay particular attention to the long
curves in the body—the uniquely feline arch of a cat’s spine, or the inimitable droop of a
slumbering dog.

Or you can practice on your own gesture: Draw the image you see in the mirror as you take
different poses. You’ll be surprised at the number of poses you can assume and still see yourself
well enough to draw. Try standing, sitting on a chair or on the floor, resting one foot on a stool
or box, or posing in different coats or hats.

Tips for Scribbling Success

Since gesture drawings are so quick and you don’t get into any detail, there’s really not much to
them. But learning to make your gesture drawings of people more penetrating and expressive
can only help your drawing in the long run. All of these suggestions may not be appropriate for
every drawing, but from time to time you may want to incorporate them into your drawings.

Look for the big curves. Look for and draw the large curves of the human figure. The body
contains some beautiful, uniquely human curves. In particular, look for the sinuous “S” curves
of the spine. The lithe curve of the spine often determines the action quality of the pose. Many
times this curve is echoed or repeated in other curves of the figure, especially in the long bones
and muscles of the arms and legs.

Exaggerate the action. It’s better to accentuate or even exaggerate the feeling of action in your
gesture drawings rather than to reduce it. Most of us have a natural tendency to understate the
sense of life and movement in our gesture drawings, so we must consciously emphasize it
whenever we can.

Include props that are part of the action. If your model is using something that’s an integral part
of the action, draw it. If he’s sitting, draw the chair; don’t draw him hovering in midair. If he’s
swinging a tennis racket, draw the racket.

Draw groups as a single unit. When you have occasion to draw people in groups, first draw the
group as a whole, then draw the individuals. Always look for the biggest unit.

To keep yourself challenged, vary your procedure from time to time in small but significant
ways. For instance, every once in a while switch hands and draw with the opposite hand. Also,
try starting at the bottom of the paper and working up. This procedure is contrary to your
normal habits of vision, but you’ll naturally be more mindful of fitting the whole image onto the
paper.

The Spirit of Scribbling

Drawing gestures of people can be one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to draw. Just
remember that when drawing the figure, gesture wells up from the core—it’s the “spirit” of
your subject, it’s in the muscles and bones, not on the skin or clothing.

Keep in mind that your first gesture drawings might not look like anything at all—at least not
like anything you might want them to look like—and the experience might not be all that
satisfying. That’s because the left side of your brain may be uncomfortable with the whole
notion of gesture.
But keep drawing them and do as many as you can. Experience, not the finished product, is
your goal. With enough good experience, all your drawing—gesture and otherwise—will
become interesting, expressive and satisfying.

Step by Scribbly Step

1. Make a scribble that’s the initial gesture impulse and makes up your entire subject. You
should know after five seconds whether it will fit on the paper.

2. As you continue rendering your subject, keep the graphite stick or marker moving and don’t
pick it up. Work in a rapid, flowing style. Let it happen. Gesture is an image of action, or implied
action.

3. Draw what your subject feels like as well as what it looks like. Draw what it is as well as what
it’s doing.

4. Finally, as you add smaller forms and details, keep them in the context of the large, all-
encompassing gesture.
 SELF-CHECK #

Directions: Read the questions carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What distinguishes Pointillism from traditional painting techniques?

a. Use of bold brushstrokes b. Application of discrete dots of pure, unblended color

c. Monochromatic color schemes d. Emphasis on abstract expressionism

2. Who significantly influenced the evolution of Pointillism through scientific research?

a. Leonardo da Vinci b. Claude Monet

c. Pablo Picasso d. Michel Eugène Chevreul

3. What term did art critic Félix Fénéon coin to describe the meticulous technique of
Pointillism?

a. Chromoluminarism b. Divisionism

c. Pointillism d. Neo-Impressionism

4. Which artistic practice involves baristas pouring steamed milk into espresso to create
intricate designs on coffee beverages?

a. Latte Art b. Coffee Sculpture

c. Coffee Painting d. Espresso Art

5. During which historical period did coffeehouses become hubs of intellectual and artistic
exchange, influencing artworks and literature?

a. Enlightenment b. Age of Exploration

c. Renaissance d. Industrial Revolution

6. What does coffee painting primarily use as a painting medium?

a. Oil b. Watercolor

c. Ink d. Coffee

7. What is the Okir motif primarily known for among the Maranao people of Lanao in the
Philippines?

a. Traditional Dance b. Distinctive Artistic Expression

c. Culinary Art d. Modern Architecture

8. What is the primary purpose of gesture drawing, as described in the text?

a. To create detailed and realistic drawings

b. To capture the unique quality or "gesture" of a subject

c. To focus on intricate patterns and designs

d. To emphasize left-brained verbal expression

9. What tools are recommended for initial gesture drawings according to the text?

a. Colored pencils and sketchbooks b. Charcoal and canvas

c. Soft graphite stick (6B) and markers d. Ink pens and watercolor paper

10. What is the recommended approach to drawing groups of people in gesture drawing?

a. Draw each individual separately and then combine them

b. Begin with the details and then draw the overall group

c. Draw the group as a single unit first, then the individuals

d. Focus only on facial expressions in group drawings

ANSWER KEY:

REFERENCES:

https://coffeeart.com/#:~:text=The%20Coffee%20Artists%E2%84%A2%20are,technique%20of
%20painting%20with%20coffee

https://tugayaartefactsblog.wordpress.com/2014/03/18/the-okir-motif-an-art-of-maranao-
depicting-their-culture-and-society/

https://theartgorgeous.com/coffee-in-art-history/

https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-mediums/drawing/the-art-of-scribbling/
https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/pointillism-7-things-you-need-to-know

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latte_art#:~:text=Latte%20art%20is%20a%20method,the
%20top%20layer%20of%20foam

https://wifd.in/coffee_painting#:~:text=Coffee%20painting%20is%20a%20unique%20art
%20form%20that%20involves%20using,coffee%20painting%20into%20their%20work

Prepared by:

Asenjo, Hanah Rose

Avila, Jiesel P.

Basan, Abegail G.

Bayking, Belinda V.

Bombio, Jehan D.

Castro, Rey Neil L.

Coca, Jim Hearty M.

BSIT 3A - Day

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To God be the Glory!