MODULE 4: ARTISTIC ELEMENTS

Activity 1: OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION AND SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS

Instructions: Locate two works of art using any website or

Google: the first two-dimensional, the second three-dimensional.
Write four sentences for each one that define the elements
present in the work using the Formalist Method. This approach
explains what you see in a totally objective way. Do not make
reference to any subject. Be balanced in your descriptions,
remember. The work uses organic shapes or it uses the
complimentary colors yellow and violet for contrast could be an
example.

Then, write one sentence for each work that explains your
subjective reaction. The artwork has a chaotic feeling to it or
Looking at the job made me feel lonely may be an example.

FIRST PICTURE: TWO-DIMENSIONAL ARTWORK

THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA

 OBJECTIVE DECRIPTION
 The waves of the artwork represent irresistible
force of nature and the weakness of human beings.
 The artwork was printed in a landscape format by a
Japanese Artist.
 Elements of Design such as Pattern, Emphasis and
Proportion are also present in the artwork, and are
noticeable in the waves. (such as sharp line,
curvaceous lines)
 The artwork is a polychrome (multi-colored)
woodblock print, made of ink and color on paper.

 SUBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION
 The artwork was scary and its waves are threatening
me, like monsters living in the ocean. You can feel
the danger bought by these huge waves and its anger,
where we can sense the fragility of human life.
SECOND PICTURE: THREE-DIMENSIONAL ARTWORK

ART IN ISLAND MUSEUM IN MANILA:(Hippopotamus in Manila)

 OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION
 The painting was realistic.
 The paintings in Art in Island Museum in Manila are
tricky.
 These murals give the illusion of depth when viewed
from a certain angle.
 Artists have created numerous 3D art paintings and
you are allowed to be part of the art!

 SUBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION
 The painting in the Art Island was so realistic like
the hippopotamus is alive. This work is so fantastic
and very detailed. The artwork is true to life upon
seeing.
TRANSLATING AN IMAGE

Using any website such as Google, find a realistic picture

(or an image of your own creation). By decreasing it in two
steps, transform this picture into an abstract composition of
lines and forms. See the Line Drawings examples for info.
 MODULE 4: ARTISTIC PRINCIPLES

ACTIVITY 1: Objective Description of Artistic Principles

Using any of the links, find two works of art: the first one
two-dimensional, the second one three-dimensional. For each one,
write four sentences describing the artistic principles present
in the work. Do not refer to any subject. Be goal in your
descriptions. Then, for each work, write one sentence that
describes your subjective reaction.

FIRST PICTURE: TWO-DIMENSIONAL ARTWORK

“THE SCREAM” 1893 – EDWARD

MUNCH

 OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION
 The principles of design he uses are visual balance,
unity and emphasis.
 The line, color, light and shadow, form, and balance
that was used creates the effects of horror,
anxiety, distress, and endless other unpleasant
emotions that the audience may experience while
interpreting this painting. Munch uses shape, color,
value, and space within this artwork. The
combination of these elements creates harmony or
unity.
 The scream uses a pattern.

 SUBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION
 The artwork makes me feel the message it wants to
relay to the audience. It was indeed chaotic and you
can really feel the something’s wrong, maybe anxiety
or fear or helplessness.
SECOND PICTURE: THREE-DIMENSIONAL ARTWORK

THE WATERFALL BY EDGAR MUELLER

 OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION
 The principles of design used in his artworks are
harmony, variety, repetition, balance, contrast
and proportion.
 The painting creates an optical illusion.
 The artwork features appear to be a giant hole in
the pavement revealing a dramatic scene.
 The painter uses the street as its canvas.

 SUJBECTIVE DESCRIPTION
 The painting was so realistic. The principles of
design used and the elements, creates a wonderful
optical illusion which can be perfectly observe
when we try to look at the right perspective.
ACTIVITY 2: VISUAL BALANCE

Using any links below, describe the compositions of the two

artworks and your reaction to them.

 What kind of visual balance is used in each?

 How does the balance affect the composition?
 Explain how effective each work is in terms of unity and
variety. Be specific and include any links or images that
support your answers.
IMAGE 1: JOHN SINGLETON COPLEY’S WATSON AND THE SHARK

 Visual Balance Used

- John Singleton Copley’s Watson and the Shark
uses asymmetrical visual balance. It helps
you feel the danger in the situation.
 Effect of balance in the composition
- The asymmetry created by the standing figures
on the boat draw the viewer’s attention
initially to the top right, and the line
created by the top right figure’s spear then
moves the eye to the bottom of the picture
towards the shark.
 Explain how effective each work is in terms of
unity and variety.
- Unity and variety is present in the artwork.
Variety in terms of colors symbolizes something
o Watson bright, glowing (Freedom, Purity,
Goodness)
o Shark and Clouds above dark, murky water
(Danger, Chaos)
o Clouds in the distance bright, glowing
(Hope)
- Both of their presence makes the artwork more
effective and realistic.
Image 2: Judy Pfaff’s

 Visual Balance Used

- The abstract work uses asymmetrical balance
in which the colors create asymmetry.
 Effect of balance in the composition
- The balance affects the composition by
drawing the viewer’s attention with its
design and bold colors.
 Explain how effective each work is in terms of
unity and variety.
- The light and dark elements give this
composition variety that makes the
artwork more interesting.