Speaking the Language of Art

ART 1

Imortance of ART

What do you think…? (Ask for volunteers to describe the painting.)

Vincent Van Gogh, Starry Night 1889

Line: Long marks made with a tool.

Shape: Contained area of geometric or organic form.

Direction: Lines have direction – Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique.

Size: How large or small an object is.

Elements of Design

Color: Hue of a given area or object.

Value: Lightness or darkness of a color.

Texture: Surface quality of a shape.

Balance: Visual harmony of a piece of art.

Gradation: The gradual change from light to dark.

Repetition: Seeing/using one element multiple times.

Principles of Design

Contrast: Juxtaposition of opposing elements in a composition.

Harmony: Visually satisfying effect of combining similar elements.

Dominance: Hierarchal relationship between elements related to focus.

Unity: Visual feeling that the elements belong together.

Definitions provided by Johnlovett.com

Now what do you think…? (Students will be asked to describe the painting using the new terms.)