ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing ArtsISSN (Online): 2582-7472
An Analysis of the Art Elements utilized in a works of Art 1 Department
of Drawing and Painting, Faculty of Arts, Dayalbagh Educational Institute,
(Deemed to be University) Dayalbagh, Agra, India
1. INTRODUCTION It might sound simplistic to coin definition of Art, or it might seem easy to define art, but it is indeed challenging to subjectively define art. Art can be defined objectively considering the different standards, significances, and different focal points. A random scribble of a child might be an art for a mother. For an art collector or museum art might be an authentic construction of an artist. There are vast array or forms of art today, which are variously diverse. Art is means of articulating themselves for any artist. Each creation is extremely important for its creator. A simple abstract oil painting, however incomprehensible its patterns and strokes for a viewer may be, is very important for the painter. For the artist, his creation embodies his emotion and his personality. It can represent his anger and frustration, his love and compassion. It signifies a sense of fulfillment for an artist. In my view Art is a specialized knowledge and therefore, has an individual uniqueness of its own. The visual imagery of each work of art has its own different structure in terms of line, colour, and form. Artists takes inspiration from nature and depicts it in their work of art, they do take the help of art elements to portray their diverse creativity and imagination. Some use these art elements consciously; others may use them unconsciously. Art elements are the foundation stones that create a composition of a painting combined with design principles, as they are considered to be the building blocks, which are used by each one to create art. Not all artists use all the available elements in their creations, many use a selected few or blend of elements and medium in harmony with their comfort and style. The specifics may be differentiated variously. In this research paper I have emphasized on the basic meanings of art elements so that every art lover can understand and appreciate art around them. Many revolutionary artists have created a niche in the field of art and worked away from the traditions to depict their inner fantasy of the world and had left an indelible mark in almost every conceivable form and style of expression, and has rightfully received acclaim internationally during their illustrious career. The heart of their creative energy and philosophy lies in constant innovation and observation. Art elements are crucial and basic building blocks of any composition. They symbolize basic structure of an artist works, and are used to create, depict, and analyse the artist’s composition. They are indispensable tools for artist to communicate his emotions and a deeper understanding and recognition of elements can exponentially enhance our deeper appreciation of artwork. Although a work of art can be analysed on multiple levels and in multiple contexts, a formal analysis is quite simply an analysis of the forms utilized in the works of art. It is a close inspection of the artist's use of aspects such as line, form, space, and colour. The formal analysis moves beyond simple description in that it connects the elements of the world work to the effects they have on the viewer. The elements and principles are considered to be a visual language for art. I have though incorporated the basic and important elements such as Forms', 'Line', 'Space', ‘Colour’, 'Medium, technique and Method ' in this research paper. 2. LINE Line is an invention of man, which results from his desire to express his emotions visually as describing ideas pictorially. There is no counter art in nature for the drawn line; there are only thin forms, edges of for suggestions of lines. Some lines cause us to think, their appeal is intellectual. Some lines are used to convey ideas as in mechanical drawing. These lines are cold and unemotional, with no intention of arousing emotions. The freely drawn lines are emotional and are charged with activity. It is nervous or steady, spontaneous, or uninspired, expecting, or careless, halting, or gay, but always alive with emotion which affect us without our being conscious of it. The emotion in line is comparable to the background music employed in the movies to lighten the dramatic effect. Just as the plot or theme often obscures the emotional effect of the background music so also the objects or situation created by the line may obscure its emotional value. If the artist draws a recognizable object, person, or thing with feeling then it combines both the emotional and the intellectual character. They can be jagged, curved, straight, thin, or thick, each type arousing its own particular emotion, some lines are strong and are proud, some are naughty and others gay, some are sad and dejected others friendly and kind, but each has its special meaning and animation. It is quite possible for the animation or emotion to escape the observer, but usually lines have a positive effect. The emotional quality in line is a direct result of the artist’s mood, attitude, or feelings. Lines have a psychological fascination for man because his eyes are so constructed that it tends to follow a moving pattern, the eyes follow lines in an organized pattern and turns away from lines that lack order. A single line will convey simple emotions, such as fear, sadness, or anger. Combinations of lines are required to convey complex type of feelings or moods like melancholy, loneliness, happiness, frustration, or pride. All great artists have realized the psychological effects
lines create in their drawings. In their role of signifying ideas and conveying
feeling, lines move to live, pulsating with significant emotions. They describe
objects explain situations and transcribe emotions. In art lines becomes a
means for transcribing the graphic language of ideas and emotions. It describes
the edges or contours of shapes; it diagrams silhouettes and its spaces and
areas, all in such a way as to convey meaning Figure 1
Which is very evident in the works of Creative Graphic
Artists, Narendra Srivastava, he often uses lines to convey a mood, for which he first decides upon the most
appropriates type of lines than gives the desired emphasis. In each instance he
selects and emphasized the lines which portrays the letters. The lines in some
of his paintings are smoothly curved or rigidly angular, thereby suggesting
alternatively a fluid harmony, or a series of discordant, interrupted
movements. He often uses lines, which are straight; they can be predominantly
vertical, horizontal, or diagonal and curved lines. A preponderance of vertical
lines in a composition tends to entail it with connotations of strength,
courage, and authority and suggests more of a potential for movement.
Horizontal lines are calm and quiet, horizontal lines tend to emphasize the
right and left borders of the painting. Which can be best evident in his
painting with letter 'NA' written in reverse manner where he had used a
combination of both horizontal and vertical lines creating a very balanced
composition, representing a feeling of firmness and determination. Whatever the
type or direction of a given line might be, the function of
linear orientation upon the viewer is always to catch his or her eye and guide
it through a scanning movement.' (Artist, personal
interview, 2011, April 10) 3. FORM Form is the shape of volume or mass of anything, which reveals its character. In art form it is suggested on a flat surface by modelling or shading in colour and tone in drawing, painting, designing the three-dimensional quality is suggested in sculpture and architecture, it is actualized or adopted to some purpose. Form and light occupy space where as lines; colours and textures are surfaced or structural characteristics. Thus, we have two-dimensional and three-dimensional mediums of art expression. The fundamental quality of three-dimensional arts is volume. The volume also means the content of the form, a quality that is physically tangible. Every object that one sees exerts an emotional effect on us in the function of its size, volume, and shape. This effect depends upon the object’s proportions and the organization of its parts. The variety of form in art is tremendous they may be round, spherical, rectangular, square etc. Forms in nature that are well developed, round and firm, tend to please and forms that are undeveloped, wrinkled or badly formed, tend to displease. Though all the people do not feel these effects, yet most people do. The artist looks at all forms in nature for their structural association with ideas. He knows that in work of art a wrinkled form can produce more interesting pattern than a perfectly rounded form. He knows that each form extracts a particular rounded form; he knows that each form extracts a particular emotional effect, pleasant or unpleasant. Mountains, for instance, often gives us a feeling of awe whereas gently rolling hills sooth us and comfort us. However consciously or unconscious our emotions are constantly being stimulated by forms. Form also suggest ideas and stimulates thoughts by helping
to identify the shape. The character an object assumes is particularly derived
from its form. The presence of an oval form often alters the appearance of the
round form. The immensity of a sky-scraper fills us with awe, the feeling of
strength in tall columns fills us with pride; the elaboration of form in gothic
church gives us a feeling of grandeur. Forms also symbolize man's ideas of his
hopes Figure 2
Pablo Picasso was an exponent of abstract works, which focused and explored forms and structure. He pioneered Cubism (famous art movement). The artists exploring cubism discovered the subject matter from numerous angles and interpretations diminishing them into geometrical cubes. 4. SPACE Physical space is not linear but rather has multi-dimensional.
It refers to a to a sense of gravity or depth or three dimensions. It can also
refer to the artist's use of the areas within the picture plane, the area
around the primary objects in a work of art known as negative space, while the
space occupied by the primary objects is known as positive space. The
relationship of positive to negative space can greatly affect the impact of a
work of art. Form describes volume and mass, or the three-dimensional aspects
of objects that take up space. Actual space is three-dimensional volume that
can be empty or filed with objects. It has width, height, and depth. As a design principle, balance places the parts of a visual in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. In visual images, balance is formal when both sides are symmetrical in terms of arrangement. Balance is informal when sides are not exactly symmetrical, but the resulting image is still balanced. Informal balance is more dynamic than formal balance and normally. 5. COLOUR Color is an exceptionally expressive factor of art construct. It may be utilized to construct line, form, and tonal value, to impart texture, imply space, ideas emotions and to interpret feelings. Its counterpart in music is the tonal quality of the instrument, which gives the wealth of variety in sound. Colour is probably more expressive than the other structural element because it is a part of each and therefore its quality affects one’s emotions directly and immediately in same manner as music affects one’s emotions direct even when we are not listening attentively. One cannot escape the emotional effect of colour because its appeal is direct, and the eye is constantly recording the colour images. When colours are well arranged, they have a still greater effect in making us angry, excited, or depressed. A single colour in a composition can be like one player of the team. Each colour if takes its proper place in the composition to function perfectly, then they play on the emotions like as musical instruments does, changing moods or altering feelings. Colour is that which represents our feeling. It depends upon the reflection or absorption of light by a given surface and the results are that it may vary in degree of dullness or brightness and lightness or darkness. In the presence of different colours, a man may become active or quite, intense or relaxed, stimulated or submissive. Agarwal (1965) Colors have three basic properties. HUE, INTENSITY & VALUE. Hue represents the name of the color. There are 3 primary hues, red, blue, and yellow. Colours are effortless visual medium of expression of feelings and thoughts. Figure 3
Historically, Impressionism is one of the most celebrated art movements, which is known for its use of colours. Impressionist is recognized for their lively brush works and a light palette of real and strong colour they banded the traditional linear perspective shunning the clarity of form. M. F Hussain have been the most prominent and admired painter of all times and they used fluent brush strokes and brilliant colour fused with folk art, music, dance, and popular cinema. Figure 4
Tone is a crucial element while contemplating colour in art. It is the
extent of lightness or darkness in colour, which characterizes tone; it depends
on amount of black and white used. Each entity has intrinsic colour, which can
be dark or bright. Light noticeably has an influence on the visible shape, size,
and color of an entity. Tone has expressive and rational facet too. Expression
of shades of feelings and ideas can be executed through intelligent use of
tone. Variety of moods can be harmonized
by an equivalent tonal quality and each idea can be conveyed with usage of
different tones. Subtle changes in tone using black & white colors can
create a large repertoire. A subtle variation in contrast and scales can
brilliantly express range of emotions. This fact can be gauged from fact that
such emotions can be effectively conveyed through medium of photography &
graphic art and probably it is the reason that such mediums are so popular. Perceptively one can realize the efficacy of tones in recognition of things,
all entities have innate features and colors whether it is blue, light blue or
blueish & can be recognized more precisely by its tonal quality. Tone’s versatility is its foremost aspect,
which can be used variously in photography, movies, and graphic arts or in
paintings to express or create moods. Tones can be used to express or create
contrasting moods. Use of dark tones in images or composition notifies the
unknown, mystery or dignity. A lighter tone in composition might create no
mood. Another essential component of tone is its role in creation of element
known as texture. Texture in visual art symbolizes the exterior appearance or
personality of an object due to their physical construct, composition of lines
and forms. Texture signifies the concentration of colors; it is intimately
associated with the character of the surface. A dark surface even if lustrous
can reflects intense and vivid highlights. It is pertinent that right forms and colors are used on surface to bring out the desired results. The accurate forms and colour used on the surface will result in the canvas coming on life. It’s the artist’s caliber and prowess, which helps in evoking the splendor and richness in his art. 6. MEDIUM AND TECHNIQUE The history of art over last few decades is a mesmerizing and captivating one in terms of the artistic production globally and in relation to the instruments/mediums and techniques they have used to for their innovative creations. Present generation is experimenting with probably the largest variety of mediums far more than what earlier artist used to. Collins (2001). Medium refers to the means or material that the artist uses to express his emotion or thought. These media could be the pigments in painting, Metal, stone, wood, clay, bronze, marble in sculpture; different building materials in architecture; different sound in music; words in literature; and the actions, rhythm, or movements in dance. Visual or space arts utilizes medium which can be optically realized and inhabit space. These space or visual arts are nonlinear, exhibiting two-dimensional or three-dimensional feature. Two-dimensional arts involve drawing, painting, photography, and printmaking. This form of art exhibit length and width. While three-dimensional arts include sculpture, architecture, landscaping, weaving, ceramics, furniture-making and industrial design, it encompasses length, width, and breadth or intensity. An artist’s choice of medium is dependent to a large extent on his belief of medium, which would agree with his intent and will bring out the best characteristics in his work. Individually each medium has unique qualities and requires diverse and particular techniques. Distinct mediums can be employed in printing such as paint, ink, watercolour, tempera etc. Creatively various artists explore various mediums to express their thoughts. Multiple medium or techniques can be employed to create appealing patterns, layouts, or forms. Skilled artists through their artworks have helped human being since their advent. Since advent of prehistoric civilization, art has been the most valuable medium of visual expression and communication. It has also helped us understand and explore our roots and genisys in absence of any other written record. The various artworks made by artists are reflection of their times, it reflects times of its creation. You can also observe the array of techniques, styles, and movements. Artistic response to the ever-changing social conditions and values are reflected in their artwork. The same is also reflected in the use of different media. The innovations developed over times steered to the advancement of other art forms such as performing art, abstract art & other form of art. In Modern art form the artist are rebellious against the previously developed realistic styles of painting and as such they intend to portray the inner realm of emotion and vision and creativity instead of realistic representation. A painter in the twentieth century has highly individualistic approach to technique and to craftsmanship. One of the central problems, which arise out of any discussion of artist’s techniques, is the difficult of establishing exactly what is meant by the term itself. The work of contemporary artist is immensely varied and consequently, the part played by medium, and technique is different from each artist. Rodwell (1986) As an art form
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS None. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS None. REFERENCES Agarwal, O. P. (1965). Colour Changes in Paintings. Lalit Kala Contemporary-3. Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. Collins, J., Welchman, J., Chandler, D., Anfam. (2001). Techniques of the Modern Artists. London, 4. Rodwell, J. (1986). Painting with Acrylics. London, 10-12.
© ShodhKosh 2023. All Rights Reserved. |