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Chapter 1: Definitions of ART

The Meaning of Art

• Art derives from the Latin word "ars," meaning "ability" or "skill."

• Encompasses a diverse range of human activities that create visual, auditory, or performing artifacts (artworks).

• Artworks express the creator's imagination or technical skill, intended to be appreciated for beauty or emotional power.

• Visual Art: Oldest documented form of art, includes painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and other media, traditionally used to describe ourselves and our surroundings.

Architecture as Visual Art

• Often included as a visual art, architecture involves practical considerations of use, unlike traditional visual arts like painting.

Chapter 2: Process of Art

Topic Outline

• Artistic Process

• Individual Artist

• Artistic Training Methods

• Art as Social Activity

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Define the Artistic Processes.

• Compare and contrast art as a social activity and singular creative act.

• Discuss forms of artistic training.

The Artistic Process

• Unique combination of:

  • Vision

  • Creativity

  • Intuition

  • Collaboration

  • Craft

  • Technique

  • Accountability

  • Discipline

  • Use of time and resources

Support Networks for Artists

• Artists rely on a support network including:

  • Family

  • Friends

  • Peers

  • Industries

  • Businesses

  • Society

• Different materials used by artists, from pencil and paper to tools for sculpture and photography.

Art Exhibition and Criticism

• Commercial Art Galleries: Focus on buying and selling, making art a commodity.

• Museums: Act as cultural repositories for viewing art.

• Critics: Offer insights into art's meaning; make judgments based on intellectual, aesthetic, and cultural standards.

The Individual Artist

• Many artists work alone in studios focusing on creation.

• Some artists employ assistants; those who don’t create personally may be known as "art directors."

Artistic Training Methods

• Aims to develop artists' capabilities and optimize workflow.

• Historically, training often involved apprenticeships with established artists.

• In developed nations, art schools emerged, Inspired by the 17th-century French Royal Academy.

Becoming an Artist

• Skill: Developed through repetition until it becomes second nature.

• Talent: Important but not solely adequate for creating significant art.

• Creativity: Essential for artists, often criticized in commercial contexts.

Art as Social Activity

• Example: Pyramids built by laborers under the direction of designers; grand art is often a collective effort.

• Public Art: Controversial as it involves funding from various sources and differing opinions on appropriateness.

Chapter 3: Subjective and Objective Perspectives

Approaching Art

• The first level is to learn to LOOK at art; subjective reactions often dominate initial impressions.

• It is crucial to develop informed or objective opinions rather than relying solely on emotional reactions.

Artistic Roles

• Visual artists perform various roles, including:

  • Description: Creating accurate representations (portraits, landscapes).

  • Scientific Illustration: Documenting scientific concepts through art.

  • Enhancing Our World: Aesthetic design in everyday items.

Artistic Categories

• Fine Art: Examples include paintings, sculptures, photographs, and newer media.

• Craft: Art showcasing high skilled workmanship.

Artistic Styles

• Style: Refers to the specific appearance in art.

  • Naturalistic Style: Uses recognizable images with accuracy.

  • Abstract Style: Based on recognizable objects but altered through distortion.

  • Non-objective Imagery: No relation to the real world; based solely on itself.

  • Cultural Styles: Reflect distinctive characteristics in artworks from specific societies.

Personal and Social Functions of Art

Personal Functions

• Art improves lives and serves as a vehicle for artists to express feelings and ideas.

• Provides fresh insights into nature and human nature, promoting understanding.

Social Functions

• Influences social behavior through various media (e.g., paintings, literature).

• Celebrates public events like festivals through artistic expression.

• Acts as vital historical documents that describe aspects of life from various times and places.

Community Planning in Art

Function and Form

• Objects are designed based on their functions; for example, chairs are designed for comfort.

Community Needs

• Residential Districts: Assigned for living purposes, catering to social comfort and health.

• Commercial Areas: Typically located near raw materials.

• Civic Centers: Where government functions occur, symbolizing community pride.

• Public Spaces: Address issues like pollution and lack of recreational facilities.

Functions and Aesthetics in Art

• Functional artworks must efficiently perform their purpose while also being aesthetically pleasing.