Medterm-Art-Appreciation

Principles of Understanding Artistic Design and Composition

• Art principles combine art elements to develop informative forms.

• Fundamental principles include:

  • Harmony: Interaction of art elements to achieve a unified composition using similar geometric shapes or colors.

  • Variety: Differing colors, lines, and shapes create stability and guide viewer's attention.

  • Balance: Symmetry of opposing visual forces achieved through harmonious combination of elements.

  • Movement: Eye pathways within artwork leading to focal points.

  • Emphasis: Creating a focal point in the artwork for viewer attraction.

  • Proportion: Harmonious combination of element sizes for logical relation in composition.

  • Rhythm: Utilization of visual patterns through repetition of elements to create texture.

Motivated Functions of Art

• Motivated functions are intentional actions by artists, including:

  • Art for Acting: Evokes emotions or entertains.

  • Art for Healing: Used in therapy for emotional well-being.

  • Art for Political Change: Utilizes visuals to advocate legislative change.

  • Art for Propaganda: Influences popular ideas and moods subtly.

  • Art for Communication: Expresses emotions and thoughts directly.

Western Art History

• Human instinct to create art is universal, reflecting culture and civilization.

• Art history provides insights into the past and societal values.

• Covers entire humankind history since prehistoric times.

• Art serves to communicate messages and provoke emotions.

Art in Prehistoric Civilization

• Prehistoric: Time before written history; includes artifacts from before 3000 B.C.E.

• Four main periods: Stone Age, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age.

• Art forms included small sculptures and cave paintings; indicates cultural and religious significance.

• Prehistoric art includes petroglyphs, pictographs, ancient sculpture, megalithic arts.

Stone Tools for Art Making

• Stone Types:

  • Sedimentary Rocks: Formed by deposition and compression.

  • Metamorphic Rocks: Changed by temperature and pressure.

  • Volcanic Rocks: Created from molten magma.

• First stone tools led to human survival; types include:

  • Pebble Tools: Oldest cutting devices created by striking stones.

  • Bifacial Tools: Hand axes with two worked edges.

  • Flake Tools: Created by removing smaller stone flakes.

  • Blade Tools: long flake tools used for weapon making.

Medieval Arts in Europe

• Developed from Roman and early Christian art with 'barbarian' cultural influences.

• Forms of Medieval art include:

  • Illuminated Manuscripts: Colorful religious texts adorned with gold and silver.

  • Metalwork: Skilled religious objects used for decorations.

  • Stained Glass: Art created in church windows, made by arranging glass pieces.

  • Tapestry: Embroidered art in fabric.

Famous Artists in Western Europe

• Notable medieval artists contributed to realism leading to Renaissance:

  • Donatello: Influential sculptor known for depth techniques.

  • Giotto: Emphasized naturalism in frescoes.

  • Leon Battista Alberti: Pioneered architectural renovation.

  • Filippo Brunelleschi: Notable for sculpture and goldsmithing.

Common Paintings in Classical Greek

• Found in panels, tombs, and vases depicting battles, myths, and daily life.

• Kerch Vase Painting: Features red-figure pottery with dynamic motifs.

• Panel Paintings: Known for beautiful altarpieces, earliest being the Pitsa Panel.

• Tomb/Wall Paintings: Used methods like tempera and encaustic for durability.