1.

1 ART CONCEPTS

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

1. Differentiate creativity, imagination, and expression of art

2. Explain the relevance of creativity and imagination in the creation of artworks

 
Welcome to the Art Appreciation class! As your first step into the world of the arts, think
of creativity, imagination, and expression. What will you say if someone asks you these
words? Will you be spontaneous to air your thoughts? Anyway, hope that at the end of
module 1, you will be able to differentiate these concepts as well as explain the
relevance of creativity and imagination in the creation of artworks.  Let's get started!
Focus on the image. Can you sense creativity? imagination? expression? (Pause for a
moment and think. Then continue reading)
According to Collins and Riley (as cited in Caslib, Garing & Casaul, 2018), "art is a
product of man’s creativity, imagination, and expression" (p.13).  No wonder, art is not
simply an object or just a thing. In the words of Janson and Janson (1992), art is also an
object, but not just any kind of object. Art is an aesthetic object. It is meant to be looked
at and appreciated for its intrinsic value. Its special qualities set apart, so it is often
placed away from everyday life, in museums, churches, or caves" (p.9).
Oops! I think I have to stop so you can continue reading. Proceed to the next pages to
read more about creativity, imagination, and expression, always remember what Rodin
said: "Inside you, there is an artist, he is not interested in how things look different in
moonlight."
1.1.1 CREATIVITY IN ART MAKING

Creativity requires thinking outside the box. It is often used to solve problems that have
never occurred before. In art, creativity is what sets apart one artwork from another. We
say something is done creatively when we have not yet seen anything like it or when it
is out of ordinary. A creative artist does not simply copy or imitate another artist’s work.
Nor does an artist simply copy the lines, flaws, colors and other details of another artist.
An artist embraces originality, puts his or her  own flavor into an artwork, and calls it his
or her own creative piece" (Caslib et al., 2018, p.15).
Creativity seems like a challenge 'though! Perhaps, it isn't or just a bit! All you need is a
pen, a paper, and a big push like what Pablo Picasso said: "Others have seen what is
and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not."
1.1.2 ART AND IMAGINATION

Art as a product of IMAGINATION, IMAGINATION as a Product of

Let's continue! Think of these questions: Where do renowned artists derive their ideas?
Where do creative ideas begin? These ideas begin in the mind, and these ideas start
with imagination. Einstein, who had major contributions in science and humanity, once
said “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we
now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there
ever will be to know and understand.” His words simply demonstrated that knowledge is
actually derived from imagination. 
Moreover, imagination is not restricted within the parameters of norms; it is limitless.
Due to its nature, people become curious, and "through imagination, people can craft
something bold, something new, and something better in the hopes of creating
something that will stimulate change. Imagination allows endless possibilities...In the
same way that imagination produces art, art also inspires imagination. Imagine being in
an empty room surrounded by blank, white walls, and floor. Would you be inspired to
work in such a place? Often, you will find coffee shops, restaurants, and libraries with
paintings hung or sculptures and other pieces of art around the room to add beauty to
the surroundings" (p.16). 
Those are interesting! Before you click the next page, look into the first image below. As
of the moment, this is not possible. But because imagination is infinite, and it focuses on
possibilities, should flying cars and sitting on a plane's wings not for behind? How about
the second image? What might be formed once the parts become disintegrated and be
re-integrated? Well, just imagine!
1.1.3 ART AS EXPRESSION

Where there instances when you felt lost? It's like there's going on inside you that you
needed to express it. You even shouted; however, it was not enough. Suddenly, an idea
popped up, and you realized that you needed to create something as a way of
expressing yourself in order to let go of those raging emotions. 
In relation to  expression, Collingwood, an English philosopher who is best known for
his work in aesthetics, explicated in his publication The Principles of Art (1938)that
what an artist does to an emotion is not to induce it, but express it. Through expression,
a person is able to explore own emotions and at the same time, create something
beautiful out of them. An explicit statement like “I am angry” is not an expression but a
mere description. Description actually destroys the idea of expression since it classifies
the emotion. In expressing their emotions, artists have the freedom to do it the way they
deemed like it. Hence, there is no specific technique in expression (Caslib, et al., 2018).
Even though there is no specific technique in expression, artists have created art in
various forms or media as means of expression. Art can be categorized or classified as
visual arts, performing/combined arts, digital arts, and applied arts. Visual arts include
painting, sculpture, and architecture, while performing or combined arts are music,
dance, film, theater, literary, and performance poetry. Digital arts, on the other hand, are
created and presented using an electronic device. Applied arts refer to fashion design,
furniture design, graphic design, industrial design, and interior design. [Note:The
examples in each category may vary.]
As final thoughts, “art is a product of man’s creativity, imagination, and expression. An
artwork may be inspired by nature or other works of art, but an artist invents his own
forms and patterns due to what he perceives as beautiful and incorporates them in
creating his masterpiece” (Caslib, Garing, & Casaul, 2018, p.22).
1.2 ASSUMPTIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF ART

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

1. Explain the assumptions of art

2. Identify the different functions of art forms in daily life

Let's get started! Previously, you dealt with creativity, imagination, and expression in art.
Bear in mind that to appreciate art, there are other things to learn like the purposes and
assumptions in relation to art. At the end of this module, you should be able to explain
the three assumptions and identify the various functions of art.  Turn the next page!
1.2.1 ASSUMPTIONS OF ART
Human history has witnessed how people physically and culturally evolved, from cave
painters to people of exquisite paintbrush users of the present. Even if human beings go
back to the time before written records of (human) civilization has appeared, they can
find cases of humans' attempts of not just crafting tools to live and survive but also
expressing their feelings and thoughts (Caslib et al., 2018).
So as students in this course, you must be aware of multiple assumptions about the
value of art to the society. Don't be nervous! We will just focus on three assumptions of
art namely:

1. Art is universal.
2. Art is not nature.
3. Art involves experience.

1.2.2 Functions of Art

According to Aristotle, each substance has its telos (a Greek word for end), which
translates into purpose. As matter, substance moves in accordance with a set course
towards its goal. For example, in the end, a seed becomes a plant, or a cocoon turns
into a butterfly… This telos is associated with function (Caslib et al., 2018).  So what are
some functions of art? 
Personal 
It is varied and highly subjective. Its function depend on the person – the artist who
created the art. It may be in the following personal forms when artworks are for self-
expression, entertainment, catharsis (Caslib, et al. ,2018).
Social 
Art is considered to have social function if and when it addresses a particular collective
interest. Political art is a very common example of an art with social function. It can also
depict social conditions through photography (Caslib, et al. ,2018).
Physical
It is the easiest to spot and understand. It can be found on artworks that are crafted in
order to serve some utilitarian purposes (Caslib, et al. ,2018). 
Historical 
Art is a tool for depicting important events of the past for the purpose of recognition and
as a remembrance, commemoration and celebrations, immortalization and
solemnification, and honor-giving (Coursehero.com, n.d.)
Religious 
Artists may create, design, or make artworks to emphasize the spiritual support of
cultures (Wilson, Bongabong, Boongaling, Trinidad, & Ta-a, 2018)
Aesthetic
"Art becomes influential for man to be aware of the beauty of nature. Aesthetic is when
there is the real feelings of appreciation to nature's beauty and are manifested through
the appreciation and enjoyment when in contact with the artwork" (Panisan et al., 2018,
p. 6).

Always write this honor pledge “I affirm that I have not given or received any unauthorized
help on this assignment and that this work is my own.” below your name.

2.1 Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Form, and Space

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
Trying to differentiate the elements of art is very important because these visual qualities will
help you appreciate and understand artworks. Below are the following elements of art:
1. Line
This is regarded as the most basic visual element. A majority of art is initially conceived in terms
of the contour line (Janson & Janson, 1992).
A line refers to a point moving at an identifiable path-it has length and direction. It also has a
width. It is one-dimensional; however, it has the capacity to either define the perimeters of the
artwork (edges) and/or become a substantial component of the composition. Although a line is
simple, it has variations in view of its orientation/direction, shape, and thickness. These
variations import not only the visual elements into the artwork, but suggest meaning or message
being conveyed by the artist.
Some kinds of lines are curved, diagonal, horizontal,  vertical, and zigzag.
 2. Shape
It refers to two dimensions which are height and width.
There are two major types of shapes: geometric and organic. Geometric shapes find their origin
in mathematical propositions while organic shapes are those readily occurring in nature, often
irregular and asymmetrical.  
3. Form
It refers to three dimensions: height, width, and depth
4. Space
It is related to shape and form. It is usually inferred from a sense of depth, whether it is real or
simulated. Realspace is three-dimensional.

Here are the other elements of art. Keep on reading!

5. Color

Properties

 Hue – This dimension of color gives its name. It can be subdivided into primary,
secondary, and tertiary colors (Refer to the color wheel.).
 Intensity – This refers to the brightness or dullness of colors. It is identified as the
strength of color
 Value – It pertains to the lightness or darkness of colors. Value is used by artists
to create an illusion of depth and solidity, a particular mood, to communicate a
feeling or in establishing a scene (e.g. day and night). Moreover, each primary color
has a range of values based on the addition and diminishing quantity and quality of
light.
 Tint – It is the lighter color than normal value (e.g. pink for red).
 Shade – This is a darker color than the normal value (e.g. maroon for red).

Harmonies

 To understand intensity of colors, color harmonies are to be considered. Color

harmonies are integral considerations not only for pictorial arts but also for art forms.
 Color harmonies are:
 Monochromatic
  complementary 
 analogous
 and triadic

6. Texture
 Like space, texture can be either real or implied. This element in an artwork is
experienced through the sense of touch and sight. This element renders the art
object tactile. Some of the words used to describe texture are rough or smooth, hard
or soft, hairy, leathery, sharp or dull.

7. Perspective

 There are three types of perspective which are grounded on the number of
vanishing points used by the artist:
 One-point perspective is often used in depicting roads, tracks, hallways, or rows
of trees; this type of perspective shows parallel lines that seem to converge at a
specific and lone vanishing point, along the horizon line.
 Two-point perspective makes use of two vanishing points, which can be placed
along the horizon line. It is often used in depicting structures such as houses or
buildings in the landscape that are viewed from a specific corner.
 Three-point perspective allows a viewer to look at a scene above or below. As
the name suggests, it makes use of the three vanishing points, each corresponding
to each axis of the scene.

2.3 Principles of Design: From Balance to Proportion

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
Identify the principles of art
Apart from the elements of (visual) art, principles are also employed by artists to create an
artwork. so let us learn more about these and hope you'll identify these principles of art at the end
of the lesson.
1. Balance
 It refers to physical equilibrium; it is the even distribution of weight on each side of a
thing (Menoy, 2014). Or this principle (Caslib et al., 2018) refers to the distribution of the
visual elements in view of their placement in relation to each other.
 There are three forms of balance:
o Asymmetrical – The elements are not the same (or of the same weight) on each
side, putting the heaviness on one side.
o Symmetrical –The elements used on one side are reflected in the other. This
offers the most stable visual sense to any artwork.
o Radial – There is a central point in the composition, around which elements and
objects are distributed.
2. Scale
 It refers to the size in relation to what is normal for the figure or object in question.

3. Proportion
  It pertains to the size of components, or of objects in relation to one another when taken
as a composition or a unit. This can also refer to the values such as amounts or number of
elements or objects in a composition. This principle can be natural, exaggerated,
idealized.
 Natural refers to the realistic size of visual elements in the artwork.
 Exaggerated relates to the unusual size relations of visual elements deliberately
exaggerating the largeness or smallness of things. 
 Idealized follows the canons of perfection which aims to achieve the most ideal size-
relations.

2.4 Principles of Design: From Emphasis to Pattern

Here are the other principles of art or design that you should be aware of. Keep on reading!

4. Emphasis
 It allows the attention of the viewer to a focal point, accentuating or drawing the attention
to these elements or objects.
5. Contrast
 It is the disparity between the elements that figure into the composition
6. Unity
 Unless intended to be otherwise, the composition is intended to imbue a sense of accord
or completeness from the artwork.
7. Variety
 It is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the
viewer’s eyes through and around the work of art (Menoy, 2014).
 Variety of colors, shapes, lines, perspective, texture and size
 Juxtaposition – two elements of an object or photo contrast with each other
8. Harmony
 The elements or objects achieve a sense of flow and interconnectedness.
9. Movement
 It is the direction of the viewing eye as it goes through the artwork
10. Rhythm
 This is created when an element is repeated, creating implied movement.
 Variety of repetition helps invigorate rhythm as depicted in the artwork.
11. Repetition
 Art elements such as colors, lines, shapes may appear in an artwork in a recurring
manner.
 Use of two or more like elements within a composition
12. Pattern
 It is the image formed because of repetition.