ART ELEMENT

PRINCIPLE OF ART
ART CRITICISM
A REVIEW ON ART ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLE IN UNDERSTANDING
PHILIPPINE ART AESTHETICS
IDENTIFY THE ELEMENT OF ART IN 5
MINUTES ONLY

A B C D E

F G
IDENTIFY THE ELEMENT OF ART

A ] Color B ] Texture C] Shape D] Space E] Form

F ] Value G] Line
BY DEFINITION

• The Elements of Art are a commonly used in analyzing an

artwork. It is usually combined with the Principles of Art.
• Also known as the building blocks of an art work.
• Made up of
Line Shape ColorTexture
Space Form Value
IMPORTANCE OF THE ELEMENTS OF ART

Knowing what the elements of art enables us to

(1) describe what an artist has done,
(2) analyze what is going on in a particular piece
(3) communicate our thoughts and findings using a common
language.
Also remember: No Elements of Art… No Art Work!
UNDERSTANDING THE
LINE
IN CONTEXT OF VISUAL ARTS
INTERPRETATION OF
THE JEEPNEY
How many kinds of lines do you see on
the picture?
Describe how are the lines effectively or
ineffectively used with this drawing?
UNDERSTANDING THE LINE

Louie Cordero
'My we‘
2011

• Real Lines are the ones that we • Implied Lines are created
draw and the ones that are the through the sense of the line
seen. being there.
CREATING DEPTH WITH LINES

Line Quality
The THICKNESS and THINNESS of lines)
LINES have different thicknesses that artists call their weight.
Thick lines are heavy and Thin lines are light.
UNDERSTANDING THE
LINE QUALITY

Heavily Weighted Lines (thick)

objects appear coming forward

Lightly Weighted Lines (thin)

object appears receding (going back)
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LINES
VERTICAL HORIZONTAL ZIG-ZAG

DIAGONAL CURVED
 UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LINES IN AN ART WORK

• Lines create a sense of emotion to

an art work
• Lines create direction, literally or
implied, to convey a feeling
VERTICAL LINES
• Create a sense of growth or
height
• These lines move up and down
without a slant and can give the
appearance of height because
they are perpendicular to the
earth, extending upwards
toward the sky.
• In fashion vertical lines create a
long and lean silhouette

People Power Monument

Bulakeña Eduardo Castrillo
Juan Luna
 HORIZONTAL LINES
• Create a sense of relaxation
• These lines move right to left
and suggest a feeling of rest
or repose because objects
Untitled Landscape parallel to the earth are at
painting by rest
Oscar T. Navarro
• Stagnant to the eye and may
create a feeling of laziness or
being boring

Reclining Nude
BenCab
 DIAGONAL LINES
• Diagonal lines are neither
vertical nor horizontal and
convey a feeling of
movement.
• Objects in a diagonal position
feel unstable because they
are either about to fall or are
already in motion
• Diagonal lines create a sense
of tension with the edges of
Fisherman with Catch the paper and thus the
Ang Kiukok picture becomes exciting.
Hills of Nikko
Joya
Untitled comic strip Infinity Series Icarus Fernando
Menny Eusobio Martin Mark Justiniani Fernando Zobel

• Create a sense of excitement

PARALLEL LINES
• Fast moving eye
ZIG-ZAG LINES
• Create a sense of chaos
• Fast moving eye
• These lines slant and
are diagonal lines
connected at each
point. These lines can
portray action and
excitement.
BLOOD COMPACT,
Vicente Manansala
SPIRAL & CURVE LINES
• Create a sense of infinity/never
ending movement
• Feminine and graceful s-curves
• Very organic and free flowing
feeling is created
• The curve of a line can convey
energy. Soft, shallow curves recall
the curves of the human body and
often have a pleasing, sensual
quality

The Nose Flute

Carlos “Botong” Francisco
REVIEW
What kind of lines
are being used?
•Diagonal: creates a sense
of tension and excitement

•Spiral: creates a sense of

infinity
 REVIEW

What kind of lines

are being used?
 Vertical: creates a sense of
sturdiness and strength

 Horizontal: creates a
sense of rest/relaxation
 Parallel: creates a
sense if speed
ELEMENT OF ART:
SHAPE & FORM
SHAPE
• A shape is a closed line or closed contour line
• A shape is flat or two-dimensional. Only has width and height.
• Shapes are defined by other elements of art such as line, form,
space, value, color, and texture
FORM

• a form is a three-dimensional geometrical figure (i.e.:

sphere, cube, cylinder, cone, etc.), as opposed to a shape,
which is two-dimensional, or flat.
TYPES OF SHAPE AND FORM

• GEOMETRIC
are mathematically determined

• ORGANIC
are shapes seen in nature or
vague or abstract shapes
UNDERSTANDING FORM

Form refers to the visible elements of an

art piece, independent of their meaning.

For example, when viewing Juan Luna's

Portrait of a Lady, the formal elements
therein are: color, space, lines, shape, etc.,
while the feelings of mystery and intrigue
the piece evokes are informal products of
the viewer's imagination.
INTERPRET THE
PAINTING BASED
ON SHAPE AND
FORM

• How is Shape and Form

important in this painting?

Fiesta sa Obando,
Aris Bagtas
THE ELEMENT OF
COLOR
DEFINITION
PROPERTIES OF COLOR
PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR
COLOR BY DEFINITION

• The reflected light on an object as

seen by the human eye.
• Color adds interest and mood to a
work of art.
3 PROPERTIES OF COLOR
• Hue = the name of the color
example red, yellow, blue, etc.
• Intensity = the strength and vividness of the color.
example color blue as "royal" (bright, rich, vibrant)
or "dull" (grayed).
• Value = the lightness or darkness of the color

Also remember:
• Tints- are created by adding white to a color
• Shades- are created by adding black to a color
PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR

Color psychology is the study of hues as a

determinant of human behavior. 
Color influences perceptions that are not
obvious, such as the taste of food. 
Colors can also enhance the effectiveness of
placebos. For example, red or orange pills are
generally used as stimulants.
There are four psychological primary colors -
red, blue, yellow and green. They relate
Body atlas shows where we feel different
respectively to the body, the mind, the emotions; a study published in the Proceedings of
emotions and the essential balance between the National Academy of Sciences, researchers
these three. proved that emotions have direct physiological
connections to the parts of our body.
WARM COLOR AND COOL COLOR

Warm Colors
Warm colors are made with
orange, red, yellow and
combinations of them all.

Cool Colors
Cool colors are blue, green and
light purple have the ability to
calm and soothe.
COMBINATION AND
EFFECT OF THE ART
ELEMENTS IN A PAINTING

• Interpret the painting: España y Filipinas

by Juan Luna using the 3 elements of art,
Line, Form and Color
PRINCIPLES OF ART
WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE COMPOSITION
UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE OF ART

• The Principles of Visual Art are the set of rules or guidelines of

visual art that are to be considered when considering the
impact of a piece of artwork.
• They are combined with the Elements of Art in the production
of art.
• The principles are Movement, Unity, Harmony, Variety, Balance,
Proportion, Contrast, Emphasis, Rhythm and Pattern.
MOVEMENT

• Movement shows actions, or alternatively, the path

the viewer's eye follows throughout an artwork.
• Movement is caused by using elements under the
rules of the principles in picture to give the feeling
of action and to guide the viewer's eyes throughout
the artwork.
EXAMPLE OF MOVEMENT

“Andres Bonifacio “
Carlos "Botong" Francisco
"After the Day's Toil“
Vicente Alvarez
UNITY

• Unity is the wholeness that is achieved through the

effective use of the Elements and Principles of Art.
• The arrangement of elements and principles to create a
feeling of completeness.
EXAMPLE OF UNITY
 HARMONY
• Harmony is achieved in a body of work by using similar elements
throughout the work, harmony gives an uncomplicated look to a piece of
artwork. This is achieved through repetition and rhythm. Repetition
reemphasizes visual units, connecting parts and creating an area of
attention.
• In visual design means all parts of the visual image relate to and
complement each other. Harmony pulls the pieces of a visual image
together.
• Color Harmony or Color Theory is also considered a principle through the
application of the design element of color.
EXAMPLE OF HARMONY
VARIETY

• Variety (also known as alternation) is the quality or

state of having different forms or types.
• The differences which give a design visual and
conceptual interest: notably use of contrast,
emphasis, difference in size and color.
EXAMPLE OF VARIETY
 BALANCE

Balance is arranging elements so that no one part of a work overpowers, or seems heavier
than any other part.
3 Kinds of Balance:
1. Symmetrical (or formal) balance is when both sides of an artwork, if split down the
middle, appear to be the same. The human body is an example of symmetrical
balance.
2. Asymmetrical balance is the balance that does not weigh equally on both sides.
3. Radial balance is equal in length from the middle. An example is the sun.
EXAMPLE OF BALANCE

“Magkabilaan”
By Anoy Catague
 

Anita Magsaysay-Ho
Lithsome Wave in Blue Green
By Ramon Orlina
CONTRAST

• Contrast is created by using elements that conflict with

one another.
• Contrast is created using complementary colors or
extremely light and dark values.
• Contrast creates interest in a piece and often draws the
eye to certain areas.
EXAMPLE OF CONTRAST
PROPORTION
• Proportion is a measurement of the size and quantity of elements within a
composition.
• In ancient arts, proportions of forms were enlarged to show importance.
This is why Egyptian gods and political figures appear so much larger than
common people.
• The ancient Greeks found fame with their accurately-proportioned
sculptures of the human form.
• Beginning with the Renaissance, artists recognized the connection between
proportion and the illusion of 3-dimensional space.
 EXAMPLE OF PROPORTION

Ronald Ventura, ‘Blind Child’, 2011. Oil on canvas

EMPHASIS

an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal
point.

Subordination is defined as minimizing or toning down other compositional

elements in order to bring attention to the focal point.

Focal point refers to an area in the composition that has the most significance, an
area that the artist wants to draw attention to as the most important aspect.
EXAMPLE OF EMPHASIS

Untitled Work
Ronal Ventura

“Mona Lisa Overdose”

Luis Lorenzana
PATTERN/RHYTHM

• Pattern and rhythm (also known as Repetition) is showing

consistency with colors or lines.
• It is indicating movement by the repetition of elements.
• Rhythm can make an artwork seem active.
EXAMPLE OF PATTERN/RHYTHM

Faulty Landscapes
Installation art piece
By Nilo Ilarde
(Photo by At Maculangan)

Cloud Child' by Iyan De Jesus

 ART CRITICISM

• Art criticism is responding to, interpreting meaning, and making critical judgments about
specific works of art.
• Art critics help viewers perceive, interpret, and judge artworks.
• The discussion or evaluation of visual art. Art is criticize in the context of aesthetics or the
theory of beauty.
• A goal of art criticism is the pursuit of a rational basis for art appreciation.
• REMEMBER: There are many different variables that determine one's judgment of art such
as aesthetics, cognition or perception. Art can be objective or subjective based on personal
preference toward aesthetics and form. It can be based on the elements and principle of
design and by social and cultural acceptance. Art can stand-alone with an instantaneous
judgment or can be viewed with a deeper more educated knowledge.
FOUR LEVELS OF FORMAL ANALYSIS

1. Description = pure description of the object without value judgments, analysis,

or interpretation.
2. Analysis = determining what the features suggest and deciding why the artist
used such features to convey specific ideas.
3. Interpretation = establishing the broader context for this type of art.
4. Judgment = judging a piece of work means giving it rank in relation to other
works and of course considering a very important aspect of the visual arts; its
originality.
DESCRIPTION
It answers the question, "What do you see?"
The various elements that constitute a description include:
a. Form of art whether architecture, sculpture, painting or one of the minor arts
b. Medium of work whether clay, stone, steel, paint, etc., and technique (tools used)
c. Size and scale of work (relationship to person and/or frame and/or context)
d. Elements or general shapes (architectural structural system) within the composition, including building of post-lintel
construction or painting with several figures lined up in a row; identification of objects
e. Description of axis whether vertical, diagonal, horizontal, etc.
f. Description of line, including contour as soft, planar, jagged, etc.
g. Description of how line describes shape and space (volume); distinguish between lines of objects and lines of composition,
e.g., thick, thin, variable, irregular, intermittent, indistinct, etc.
h. Relationships between shapes, e.g., large and small, overlapping, etc.
i. Description of color and color scheme = palette
j. Texture of surface or other comments about execution of work
k. Context of object: original location and date
ANALYSIS
It answers the question, "How did the artist do it?"
The various elements that constitute analysis include:
a. Determination of subject matter through naming iconographic elements, e.g., historical event, allegory, mythology, etc.
b. Selection of most distinctive features or characteristics whether line, shape, color, texture, etc.
c. Analysis of the principles of design or composition, e.g., stable,
repetitious, rhythmic, unified, symmetrical, harmonious, geometric, varied, chaotic, horizontal or vertically oriented, etc.
d. Discussion of how elements or structural system contribute to appearance of image or function
e. Analysis of use of light and role of color, e.g., contrasty, shadowy, illogical, warm, cool, symbolic, etc.
f. Treatment of space and landscape, both real and illusionary (including use of perspective), e.g., compact, deep, shallow,
naturalistic, random
g. Portrayal of movement and how it is achieved
h. Effect of particular medium(s) used
i. Your perceptions of balance, proportion and scale (relationships of each part of the composition to the whole and to each
other part) and your emotional
j. Reaction to object or monument
INTERPRETATION
It answers the question: Why did the JUDGEMENT
artist create it and what does it mean? Answers the question: Is it a good artwork?
The various elements that constitute · Criteria: What criteria do I think are most
interpretation include: appropriate for judging the artwork?
a. Main idea, overall meaning of the · Evidence: What evidence inside or outside
work. the artwork relates to each criterion?
b. Interpretive Statement: Can I express · Judgment: Based on the criteria and
what I think the artwork is about in one evidence, what is my judgment about the
sentence? quality of the artwork?
c. Evidence: What evidence inside or
outside the artwork supports my
interpretation?
CRITIC THIS WORK USING THE ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLE OF ART

Select at least 3
elements of art that
is obviously used
and 1 principle of
art. (Note: there are
some cases an
artwork may have
two principles of art
working on it)

Last Trip
Mark Justiniani
Oil on Canvass
ACTIVITY NO. 1: PROVE THE PAINTING IS AN EXAMPLE OF PHILIPPINE ART

RUBRICS
10 Gave 3 specific elements and main principle of art as well as explaining each, gave the title and name of the artist of
the work
11 Gave 3 specific elements and main principle of art as well as explaining each, gave the title or the artist of the work
12 Gave 3 specific elements and main principle of art in the painting that identifies the work as a Philippine art well as
explaining each
13 Gave 3 specific elements and principle of art but fails to fully explain properly.
14 Gave 2 specific elements and principle of art as well as explaining each.
15 Gave 2 specific elements and principle of art but fails to explain properly.
16 Gave 1 specific element and the principle of art and explaining each.
17 Gave 1 specific element and the principle of art but fails to explain properly.
18 Attempted to give an answer but without cohesion and proper understanding of the task.
19 Attempted to answer the question but failed to give any insight.
0 No answer
 POSSIBLE ANSWER

The gritty texture shows the

dreariness of the situation and
adding to it is how the contrast of
colors highlighted the sad and tired
people who is riding the jeepney
(form). But the viewer is drawn to the
middle (space) person as he stares
straight at you, showing a very
unsettling feeling of mixed emotion.
Maybe because of his very
uncomfortable position.