Elements Of Visual Art

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Visual Elements of Art • Line – technical definition: the path of a moving point. Uses in art: provide boundaries between forms, indicate direction or motion, show shadows or highlighting, express spatial depth on flat surfaces, can be expressive in themselves, or serve as symbols. A line may also be implied. Sarah Sze in her mixed media presentation of Hidden Relief demonstrates several uses of line. In this example lines show direction and motion and clearly define the borders of the form. The lines in this work are also expressive; swirling curves, lattice and rules. Lines are composed of everyday items; string, measuring tapes, Styrofoam cups ect… The presentation provides us with many lines to follow with our eyes as we explore and consider the aerial display. In this example the lines we encounter do not define a subject for the observer, merely a visual odyssey for us to enjoy. This artwork allows us to simply enjoy the experience of looking, because the lines take us on a visual adventure. • Shape – technical definition: a two dimensional form, occupying an identifiable area with boundaries. May be classified as geometric or organic. Shape can also be implied. In Elizabeth Murray’s The Sun and the Moon, we observe many various colored shapes. In this presentation the shapes are clearly defined by lines, which create boundaries. The shapes are clear and distinct in this example. Considering the painting The Madonna of the Meadows, the concept of implied shape is demonstrated. The three central figures are presented in what we perceive to be a triangle shape. This use of implied shape helps an artist to unify the composition and contributes to how the work is viewed. As an observer we naturally recognize implied shapes without even realizing it. The recognition makes
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