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Part I - Content Update: What To Expect
Part I - Content Update: What To Expect
Part I - Content Update: What To Expect
Refresher Course
WHAT TO EXPECT
THE VISUAL ARTS
Focus: Elements and Organization of Visual Arts, Artists and their works.
Competencies:
1. Distinguish and analyze the different elements, principles, and mediums of different
visual arts
2. Identify and classify the different themes of visual arts in the Philippines
3. Appreciate and be proud of Philippine visual art masterpieces as part of cultural
enrichment.
I. Definition of Terms
1. Line - The most basic of all the elements. A line is a visible path traced by a moving
point. Lines vary in types. They can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, straight or curved,
thick or thin. Different lines are used to signify different feelings, for example:
2. Shape - Shapes and forms are figures which define objects in a space. A shape is a two-
dimensional figure. Circles, triangles, and squares are common examples of shapes.
Forms exist in three dimensions. Examples of forms include cubes, cylinders, and
pyramids, among others.
3. Value – it is the relative degree of lightness or darkness in anything that is visible. It gives
an impression of solidity, distance, and depth. Early European artists used a technique
which is defined by a strong contrast between light and dark. This is called chiaroscuro.
4. Color – it is the product of light reflected off objects. We see different colors because of
light’s various intrinsic qualities, specifically, because of its different wavelengths. In
visual arts, the relationship of colors is best seen in a color wheel.
Primary colors – Red, Yellow, and Blue (Red, Green, Blue in light)
Secondary colors – Orange, Green, and Violet
Tertiary colors – Yellow Green, Blue Green, Blue Violet, Red Violet, Red Orange,
and Yellow Orange
Artists usually use color harmonies. These are combinations of colors which the artist
uses to convey his or her message through the element of color.
Monochromatic – the use of a single color tint in different values or shades
Analogous – 3 to 4 neighboring colors with one color in all mixtures
Complementary – any two opposite colors on the color wheel
Split complementary – any three colors wherein two of which are beside the
complement of the third color.
Double split complementary or tetradic – this color scheme uses four colors
arranged into two complementary pairs
Triad – three colors that form an equilateral triangle in a color wheel
Properties of color:
6. Space – refers to the area in which an artist arranges elements in a composition. Space
can be two-dimensional (2D) such as in painting and photography, or three-dimensional
(3D), such as in sculpture and installations. Depth can also be suggested in two-
dimensional works, by the application of linear perspective – a graphing of distances
between objects.
Types of perspective:
One-point – a representation of distance by means of converging lines.
Two-point – There are two points in line with each other in a horizontal position.
All lines converge on these two points.
Foreshortening – the modification of an established scale in a drawing of the
human figure to represent perspective.
Symmetrical Balance – it has equal visual weight on either side of the canvas. It
is visually stable.
Asymmetrical Balance – an uneven balance.
Radial Balance – a symmetrical balance wherein elements are distributed evenly
around a central point.
2. Proportion (or scale) – refers to the size relationships of one part to another, and of the
parts to the whole.
4. Emphasis and Subordination – An emphasis is the focal point that rests on the
subordinate space and easily attracts the attention of the viewer. To emphasize means to
draw attention to essential parts of a composition.
5. Unity – (also called Harmony) refers to the coherence of the elements of a work to the
whole.
6. Variety - The use of differences and change to increase the visual interest of the work.
Oil paint – consists of pigment mixed with oil (linseed oil) as its binder. It dries
slowly, but lasts long.
Watercolor – consists of pigment combined with water and gum arabic. Colors
are less luminous, and transparent.
Acrylic – a quick-drying synthetic medium with emulsion as its binder. It is
favored by a lot of artists because of its ease of use and its versatility.
19th century
Jose Honorato Lozano – known for paintings of letras y figures.
Damian Domingo – He headed the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura in 1821. He is
known for his paintings of tipos del pais.
Juan Luna – His work Spoliarium won the gold medal in the 1884 Exposicion
Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo – Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho
won the silver medal in the 1884 Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes.
20th century
Genre painters
Fabian dela Rosa – Women working in a Rice Field (1902)
Fernando Amorsolo – Fruit Gatherers (1950), Sunday Morning going to Church
(1953)
Other Modernists
Hernando Ocampo – Homage to Tandang Sora (1977)
Diosdado Lorenzo – Ilog ng Cabiao (1970)
Vicente Manansala – Madonna of the Slums (1950)
Cesar Legaspi – Gadgets II (1949)
Anita Magsaysay-Ho – Fruit Vendors (1975)
Jose Joya – Pagdiriwang (1976)
Arturo Luz – Black Form, White Space (1976)
C. Sculpture
Wood, metal, stone, granite, marble, wood, jade, ivory, brass, gold, lead,
aluminum, glass, clay, plastic, bronze and others.
Additive
Modeling – process of creating a form through altering the figure of a
medium, such as clay.
Molding and Casting – a complex process of creating a negative and positive
replica from a model. It is ideal for mass production.
Assemblage – putting together found objects
Welding – process of joining metals
Mobile – kinetic or moving sculpture
Pottery – the process of shaping a material to produce earthenware,
stoneware, or porcelain.
Subtractive
Carving – cutting away pieces of material until the desired form is
reached.
D. Architecture
Pre-colonial period
Native houses were single-room constructions built using indigenous materials
(bamboo, palm leaves, etc.) Roofs were typically pyramidal, windows were wide
and the floor was raised above the ground.
American occupation
The arrival of the Americans signaled the emergence of monumental neo-
classical structures.
Daniel H. Burnham was sent by the US government to create urban plans for
Manila and Baguio.
Juan Arellano designed the Manila Post Office, Legislative building, and the
Manila Metropolitan Theater.
Antonio Toledo designed the Manila City Hall, and the Agriculture and Finance
buildings at the Agrifina circle in Luneta
Tomas Mapua designed the Philippine General Hospital and the Normal School
Juan Nakpil – responsible for the rebuilding of the Quiapo Church in 1930
Batik - A technique of dyeing cloth which includes the use of removable wax to
repel the dye on parts of a design. Batik or fabrics with the traditional batik
patterns are found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, China, and India.
Calligraphy - decorative art of lettering in an ornamental style. This is particularly
well-known is East Asian arts.
Wat – an entire religious complex with multiple buildings. Numerous wats are
found across Asia, especially in Thailand and Cambodia.
Mandala – In Buddhism, a diagram with pictures or statues of gods in specific
positions. Mandala literally means “circle”.
Stupa – An architectural form which originated in pre-Buddhist India. It can either
be a burial marker or container of precious relics.
Pagoda - a tiered tower with several eaves. Pagodas are derived from the Indian
stupa and are most commonly Buddhist.
Masjid – commonly known as “Mosque”, a place of worship for followers of Islam.
One of its architectural features is the minaret, a tall spire from which summons
to prayer are called.
Naga – literally means “snake” but normally refers to serpent deities. The Naga
motif is found in both Hinduism and Buddhism and is present in different
Southeast Asian countries.
Apsara – In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, a female spirit of the clouds and
waters, or a nymph of the sky.
Jataka – tales of the lives of the Buddha, found in different parts of Asia, such as
on the walls of Indonesia’s Borobudur temple.
Ancient pottery and ceramics are also found all across the Asian continent.
Indian Art
Chinese Art
The arts of China are shaped by different succeeding dynasties and influenced
by different philosophies such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
Chinese Brush Painting
Started around 4000 BC, executed by using a Chinese brush and
Chinese ink. The same ink is used in calligraphy, and is applied to either
paper or silk.
Usual subjects are landscapes (4th century), and birds and flowers (9th
century).
One essential rule in painting: "See the great in the small” and “See the
small in the perspective of the great”
Qualities of Chinese Brush Painting (Lu Ch’ang)
o To display brushstroke power with good brushwork control
o To possess sturdy simplicity with refinement of true talent
o To possess delicacy of skill with vigor of execution.
o To exhibit originality, even to the point of eccentricity, without
violating the li (the principles or essence) of things.
o In rendering space by leaving the silk or paper untouched, to be
able nevertheless to convey nuances of tone.
o On the flatness of the picture plane, to achieve depth and space
In sculpture, the accidental discovery of the buried terracotta army (221 B.C.E)
was one of the most stunning moments in archaeology. It is a collection of
terracotta sculptures representing the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor
of China.
Japanese Art
Traditional arts were influenced by Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of the
people of Japan. Eventually, Zen Buddhism from China also became a dominant
influence in Japan’s arts and culture.
Ukiyo-e – A genre of art, mainly in the medium of woodblock print. It is an old and
common art form and its subjects include narratives from history, landscapes,
and townscapes, among others. Katsushika Hokusai was known in this genre.
Types of traditional painting - Buddhist painting (Butsuga), Scroll painting
(Emakimono), Ink painting (Suibokuga), Screen and Wall Painting (Shoheiga).
Japanese Gardens – gardens with symbolic aesthetics arising from the
expression of Shinto beliefs and Buddhist intellectual conventions.
Ikebana – Japanese flower arrangement with origins in early Buddhist flower
offerings. It developed into a distinctive art form in the 15 th century.
Origami – the art of paper folding, which started around the 17 th century.
Bunraku – Japanese puppetry which developed also in the 17 th century.
Korean Art
The earliest historical record of painting in Korea comes from the area of Lelang
in Korea where a tradition of painting existed from sometime around 108 B.C.
Korean Painting was deeply influenced by Chinese art.
Painting was also very evident on the walls of the Koguryo tombs. The murals
are strongly colored and show daily life and Korean mythologies of the time.
Indonesian Art
Indonesian traditional arts are rooted on Buddhism and Hinduism. Even though
the nation is predominantly Islamic at present, cultural heritage is well preserved.
Wayang - a Javanese term for particular kinds of theatre. These are usually
accompanied by a gamelan, a musical ensemble composed of different
metallophones.
Wayang Kulit – traditional Indonesian shadow play/ shadow puppets
Wayang Golek – wooden rod puppets
Dalang - the puppeteer in an Indonesian wayang performance.
Vietnamese Art
Pottery in Vietnam dates back to the Stone Age. In the Bronze Age, the Dong
Son culture developed unique drums cast in bronze. These are known as the
Dong Son drums.
Lacquer Painting – paintings applied on wood. A wooden panel is covered with a
piece of cloth glued to it using the sap of a lacquer tree. This is then coated with
a layer of the sap mixed with earth. The board is then polished and recoated with
another layer of sap.
Lacquer paintings incorporate the traditional colours -- brown, black, red,
yellow, white -- and the technique of inlaying egg, crab and snail shells.
As far back as the 11th century, lacquer was widely used in the
ornamentation of palaces, communal halls, temples, pagodas and
shrines.
Water Puppetry – a tradition of water puppets which may have started in the 12 th
century. It is still a very popular art form in Vietnam.
PART II – ANALYZING TEST ITEMS
1. In Architecture, needs of people are provided for by high-rise buildings through efficient
utilization of limited spaces. How is space maximized in the most comprehensive manner?
A. Reinforced concrete, structural and pre-fabricated units are used for the structure and
plastic, glass and other synthetic materials are used for finishing touches.
B. High-rise structures contain mechanical equipment like air-conditioning units,
elevators, and fire protection systems.
C. A building is built with all functional needs like commercial establishments, offices,
residential areas, parking spaces, and other multi-functional features.
D. Massive and monumental structures are evidences of progress and modernization.
The correct answer is C. High-rise structures possess limited space but are extended upward to
house different functional features in one area, such as residential, recreational, commercial,
business, and others.
2. When a painting is labeled as “Art for the People”, what particular issue(s) is the main focus of
the artist?
A. Early religious art commissioned by the early church, for believers and pilgrims
B. Art which is commissioned by the ruling powers, for mass propaganda
C. Art which is centered on, or inspired from familiar images of popular culture, such as
advertisements, comics, and commercial products.
D. The connection of art works to various nationalistic struggles, social realism and
activism.
The correct answer is D. “Art for the people” is interwoven in the society’s social, economic, and
political fabric.
3. From the different techniques in sculpting, carving is considered the most painstaking and time
consuming process. What makes it so?
A. Different tools are used as the artist chips off pieces of the medium little by little until
the desired image is achieved.
B. It involves adding or building up pieces of the medium little by little to form the desired
image
C. A finishing method of firing and glazing is needed at the end of the whole process.
D. The process is composed of two stages: creating a negative, then a positive
The answer is A – Carving involves a slow but precise process of cutting away parts of a medium,
such as wood.
5. A Javanese term used for particular kinds of theater. It may include shadow puppets, or
wooden rod puppets.
A. Wayang Kulit C. Wayang Golek
B. Wayang D. Wayang Orang
6. Which of the following beliefs/philosophies did not have a great influence on Chinese arts?
A. Buddhism C. Taoism
B. Confucianism D. Shintoism
7. Lines, when used by an artist, may suggest meanings. What meaning/s may be associated
with a vertical line?
A. Depression C. Motion and mobilization
B. Dominance D. Continuity and grace
9. If an artist uses yellow and violet for his painting, what type of color harmony is he using?
A. Triad C. Double complementary
B. Complementary D. Split complementary
10. The use of one color with different tints or shades is seen in some works of art. What is the
term for using one color with different shades?
A. Light and shadow C. Monochromatic
B. Analogous D. Complementary
13. There are many mediums used in painting. What kind of traditional paint uses egg yolk as its
binder?
A. water color C. oil paint
B. fresco D. tempera
14. Two processes are used in sculpting. One is additive and the other is subtractive. What type
of additive technique is used if you put together different objects or scraps?
A. assemblage C. welding
B. molding D. casting
15. What kind of style in the arts is an unembellished, naturalistic approach to subject matter?
A. Impressionism C. Realism
B. Modernism D. Expressionism
16. After World War I, there were artists who started an aggressive reaction against established
conventions in art and aesthetics. What is the name of this “art movement”?
A. Fauvism C. Expressionism
B. Modernism D. Dadaism
17. Which western art movement was inspired from familiar images of popular culture, such as
advertisements, comics, and commercial products?
A. Expressionism C. Romanticism
B. Pop art D. Commercialism
18. Philippine modern sculptors use different mediums and styles in their pieces. Who is the
sculptor who usually finished his welded sculpture without polishing its surface, as seen in his
works “Tikbakang” and “Penitensiya”?
A. Napoleon Abueva C. Solomon Saprid
B. Arturo Luz D. Eduardo Castrillo
19. A painter/muralist from Angono, Rizal, who is fond of folk scenes. He is also known as
“Botong”.
A. Fernando Amorsolo C. Vicente Manansala
B. Victorio Edades D. Carlos Francisco
20. A sculptor and National Artist from Mindanao known for his sculpture “Sarimanok”.
A. Abdul Mohammed C. Ismail Acar
B. Abdulmari Imao D. Abed Abdi
21. The small figurines for sale in malls are identically produced sculptures. What process is used
to create these items?
A. welding C. casting
B. modeling D. carving
22. The Triumvirate of Modern Art is composed of three popular artists who are promoters of
mural painting. Two of whom are Carlos Francisco and Victorio Edades, Who is the third one?
A. Fabian dela Rosa C. Arturo Luz
B. Galo Ocampo D. Vicente Manansala
23. A tiered tower with several eaves. Its structure is derived from the Indian stupa and is most
commonly Buddhist.
A. Wat C. Pagoda
B. Temple D. Minaret
24. Which Filipino sculptor was known for the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan, and the UP
Oblation?
A. Napoleon Abueva C. Guillermo Tolentino
B. Solomon Saprid D. Ramon Orlina
25. Painting in China is popularized with the use of two painting instruments/media. What are
these media?
A. watercolor and paper C. wooden panel and tempera
B. oil and canvas D. brush and ink
1. When you create a three-dimensional artwork through different processes such as carving,
modeling, assembling, or casting, the visual art being considered is___________.
A. sculpture C. painting
B. architecture D. printmaking
2. Lines may be used to create an impression of flow and gracefulness. When one is drawing,
which line best suits the characteristic mentioned?
A. diagonal C. straight
B. horizontal D. curved
3. A genre of art in Japan, mainly in the medium of woodblock print. It is an old and common art
form and its subjects include narratives from history, landscapes, and townscapes.
A. Bunraku C. Butsuga
B. Suibokuga D. Ukiyo-e
4. In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, this symbol refers to a female spirit of the clouds and waters,
or a nymph of the sky.
A. Avadana C. Apsara
B. Mandala D. Jataka
5. If you want to make your subject appear to have depth and seem realistic, which element of art
should you focus on?
A. shape C. texture
B. value D. line
6. This principle of design is the most important of all. It refers to the coherence of the elements of
a work to the whole.
A. rhythm C. balance
B. proportion D. unity
7. We like to see things in proper scale. When we see objects having the proper relationships to
each other (in size), the principle of art that we are referring to is_____________.
A. rhythm C. balance
B. proportion D. harmony
8. To attract attention, the emphasis should rest or lie on the subject. The space that helps to
intensify focus on the emphasis is called______________.
A. interest C. action
B. subordinate D. attraction
9. This painting medium is a mixture of pigment and water, applied to wet or dry plaster.
A. fresco C. oil
B. tempera D. water color
10. Some contemporary artists prefer this new painting medium because of its ease of use. It is
synthetic and uses emulsion as its binder. What medium in painting are we referring to?
A. encaustic C. watercolor
B. acrylic D. charcoal
11. This refers to a broad movement in the arts and social sciences which encompasses the
activities and output of those who felt that "traditional" forms of art are outdated.
A. Realism C. Surrealism
B. Cubism D. Modernism
12. Jackson Pollock typically drips or aggressively splashes paint on his canvas. This refers to
which style of painting?
A. Impressionism C. Abstract expressionism
B. Expressionism D. Popular Art or Pop Art
13. After classical trends in Philippine sculpture, later sculptors began to embrace the styles of
modernism in their artworks. Which modern sculptor was known for his works Judas' Kiss and
Transfiguration and Kagampanan?
A. Eduardo Castrillo C. Napoleon Abueva
B. Guillermo Tolentino D. Roberto Feleo
14. Juan Luna's painting, Spoliarium, shows the ill fate of fallen Gladiators after a brutal
tournament. By saying so, what aspect of an artwork are we referring to?
A. Form C. Content
B. Medium D. Context
15. Styles and designs of architectural works reflect the demands of different aspects in life.
Which are considered before designing a structure?
A. Social and economic C. Technological and geographical
B. Political and ideological D. All of the above
16. The Miag-ao, San Agustin, and Paoay church’s architectural designs are in accordance with
which western style?
A. Renaissance C. Neo-Classical
B. Baroque D. Gothic
17. Some native Philippine architecture possesses motifs, like the naga, which may be seen in
other countries. Where did we get this influence?
A. Southeast Asia C. America
B. Spain D. Japan
18. Numerous monumental structures possessing Greco-Roman motifs were built in Manila
during the American occupation. These include the City Hall, the former Legislative building, and
the Post Office. What is the dominant style of these architectural icons?
A. Baroque C. Gothic
B. Renaissance D. Neo-Classical
19. One of the pioneers in Philippine architecture; he was responsible for the rebuilding of the
Quiapo Church in 1930. He is ___________.
A. Juan Arellano C. Jose Mañosa
B. Juan Nakpil D. Leandro Locsin
20. In painting, what is the term in art used for a technique in painting which is utilized to illustrate
a striking contrast between light and dark?
A. Contrapposto C. Caravaggio
B. Chiaroscuro D. Sfumato
21. Which among these Filipino painters is not a modernist?
A. Victorio Edades C. Damian Domingo
B. Arturo Luz D. Vicente Manansala
22. In the 1840s, Jose Honorato Lozano was known for this unique Filipino art form, wherein a
name is painted with letters contrived with people and objects.
A. Miniaturismo C. Genre painting
B. Letras y Figuras D. Modernist painting
23. If you were to build a structure in accordance with the Modernist style, which of the following
would best describe your design?
A. It possesses Greco-Roman motifs. C. It is energetic and ornamented.
B. It is straightforward and minimal. D. All of the above
24. This is a kind of woven fabric made by the T’boli tribe in South Cotabato.
A. hagabi C. bulul
B. t’nalak D. kulintang
25. Some artists paint images from their dreams. Which is a Western art movement where artists
gathered inspiration from the depths of the subconscious mind?
A. Surrealism C. Abstract
B. Expressionism D. Cubism
ANSWER KEY
Part II – Analyzing Test Items Part III – Enhancing Test Taking Skills
1. C 1. A
2. D 2. D
3. A 3. D
4. C 4. C
5. B 5. B
6. D 6. D
7. B 7. B
8. C 8. B
9. B 9. A
10. C 10. B
11. A 11. D
12. D 12. C
13. D 13. C
14. A 14. C
15. C 15. D
16. D 16. B
17. B 17. A
18. C 18. D
19. D 19. B
20. B 20. B
21. C 21. C
22. B 22. B
23. C 23. B
24. C 24. B
25. D 25. A
Table of Specifications
Part II
Part III