Exploring the Elements of Art

1. What colors are used in the artwork? How do these colors affect the overall mood and
meaning of the artwork? (300-500 words) SALVIA

Vincent van Gogh's “Starry Night” is an iconic masterpiece that has captivated art enthusiasts for over a
century. Its mesmerizing and vivid color palette is one of the reasons for its popularity. The painting
depicts a peaceful and serene night sky with swirling clouds and bright stars.

Van Gogh's color palette is known for its bold and striking hues, and The Starry Night is no exception.
The painting features several shades of blue that blend seamlessly to create a dreamy and tranquil
atmosphere. The Starry Night color palette includes blues ranging from deep ultramarine to lighter
cerulean and turquoise.

To understand The Starry Night's blue color palette, it is essential to know a little about van Gogh's color
theory. He believed that colors could evoke emotions and used them to convey his feelings and ideas. Van
Gogh colors were complementary, such as blue and orange, to create a visual contrast that intensifies the
painting's overall effect.

The oil painting features a range of blues, from the deep, moody blues of the landscape to the bright,
electric blues of the sky, and each shade in the painting plays an important role in creating the overall
effect.

One of the most prominent blue tones in The Starry Night is a deep, dark blue that dominates the lower
half of the painting. This shade is used to depict the village and surrounding landscape, and it creates a
sense of weight and stability. Against this dark backdrop, the swirling, dynamic stars and sky seem all the
more vibrant and ethereal.

In contrast to the dark blues, there are several areas of bright, almost electric blue in the painting. One of
the most striking examples is the moon, which is depicted in a vivid, almost neon shade of blue that draws
the viewer's eye to the center of the painting. This blue is echoed in other areas of the sky, such as the
stars and the swirling clouds.

Throughout The Starry Night, Van Gogh uses a range of blues to create a sense of depth and movement.
Some of the blues are cool and calming, while others are energetic and almost frenzied. The combination
of these different shades creates a complex, layered effect that makes the painting feel alive and dynamic.

2. How does the artist use form in the artwork? Are there any three-dimensional objects in the
artwork? If so, how do they contribute to the overall composition? (300-500 words)
We did not find any example or use of Form in Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night. It seems that Vincent
Van Gogh preferred to use two-dimensional shapes in his artworks to express himself and his creativity.

3. What types of lines are used in the artwork (e.g., thick, thin, vertical, horizontal)? How do
these lines contribute to the overall composition and meaning of the artwork? (300-500
words)
"Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh, painted in 1889, is a masterpiece of post-impressionist art that is
known for its distinctive use of lines and shapes. The painting features various types of lines that play a
crucial role in contributing to the overall composition and meaning of the artwork.

 Curved Lines: One of the most prominent types of lines in "Starry Night" is the use of curved
lines. These lines are seen in the swirling and undulating patterns of the sky, which create a sense
of movement and dynamism. The night sky is filled with spiraling, turbulent, and rhythmic lines
that convey a sense of energy and emotion. This use of curved lines is instrumental in portraying
the turbulent and emotional state of the artist.
 Vertical Lines: The cypress tree in the foreground features strong vertical lines that reach up
towards the sky. These lines convey a sense of aspiration and a connection between the earthly
and the celestial. They also serve to anchor the composition and provide a sense of stability
amidst the swirling sky.
 Horizontal Lines: The town or village in the middle ground contains horizontal lines, such as the
roofs of buildings and the horizon line. These horizontal lines create a sense of calm and balance
in contrast to the chaotic and dynamic sky above. They represent the earthly world in contrast to
the celestial world above.
 Diagonal Lines: Some diagonal lines can be found in the painting, particularly in the mountains
in the background. These diagonal lines add depth and perspective to the composition, leading the
viewer's eye into the distance and creating a sense of space.
 Thick and Thin Lines: Van Gogh often used thick and thin lines to create texture and emphasis.
The thick impasto brushwork in the swirling sky creates a tactile quality, almost like the viewer
can feel the movement and texture of the stars. The thin, delicate lines in the village and stars add
contrast and intricacy to the painting.
  Broken Lines: Van Gogh's distinctive use of broken lines and short brushstrokes adds a sense of
fragmentation and instability to the composition. This technique reflects the artist's inner turmoil
and emotional intensity.
In conclusion, the various types of lines used in "Starry Night" by Van Gogh are essential elements that
contribute to the overall composition and meaning of the artwork. They convey the artist's emotions,
connect the earthly and celestial realms, create a sense of balance and harmony, and add depth and
perspective to the painting, making it one of the most iconic and emotionally charged works of art in the
history of Western art.

4. What shapes can you identify in the artwork? How do these shapes contribute to the overall
composition? (300-500 words) (Quijano, Louis Antonio C.)

Organic Shapes: are erratic and flawed. Naturally, each of these forms will differ slightly from
the others. They can appear erratic since they are frequently bent and flowing. A work of art or
design might appear more authentic and natural by including organic shapes.
 Trees (Cypress trees): Cypress trees are represented as organic, elongated shapes. Their
flowing branches and uneven shapes contrast with the painting's more geometric features.
 Stars: Stars are geometric in real life but their arrangement and distribution in the
artwork lend them an organic feel. They are spread unevenly across the sky, and their
different sizes and positions.
 Swirling shapes: The whirling patterns in the night sky are the most noticeable organic
shapes in the artwork. These patterns evoke a sense of dynamic movement and energy
and resemble tumultuous waves or whirlpools. They have the swooping, erratic aspect
that distinguishes organic shapes.

Geometric Shapes: the representations of the shapes of things we encounter every day. Shapes
are the forms of things in geometry that have surfaces, angles, and boundary lines.
 Moon: is a circle, which is a geometric shape. It serves as a point of contrast to the
whirling organic patterns nearby by standing out as a bright, circular object in the night
sky.
  Infrastructure (houses and church): In contrast to the organic shapes of the sky and
cypress trees, these shapes offer a sense of structure. The church resembling a triangle
shape adds beauty to the artwork.

Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" became a good art because of the numerous shapes. While the
trees and the other shapes offer structure and stability, the whirling patterns and circular shapes
in the sky evoke a sense of movement and energy. Together, these components add to the
painting's emotional impact, expressing awe and calm that are hallmarks of van Gogh's
distinctive style and artistic vision.

5. How does the artist use space in the artwork? Is there a sense of depth or three-
dimensionality? (300-500 words) (RAMOS, PATRICK ANDREI B.)

Vincent van Gogh, was the artist of" Starry Night, that uses space in the artwork in a distinctive and
compelling way. While the oil paint does not aim for strict literalism, it does produce a sense of depth
and three- dimensionality through colorful cultural techniquesVincent van Gogh, the artist of " Starry
Night," uses space in the artwork in a distinctive and compelling way. While the oil does not aim for strict
literalism, it does produce a sense of depth and three- dimensionality through colorful cultural ways
similar as layering and perspective
Mounding Van Gogh employs a layering fashion in the oil. The focus features a small vill with cypress
trees, and also there is a middle ground with a church steeple. Beyond that, the geography extends to
the background with a swirling sky filled with stars. This layering gives a sense of depth, as objects and
rudiments appear at different distances from the bystander.
Perspective Although the perspective in" Starry Night" isn't entirely realistic, the way the vill and cypress
trees are portrayed clustering towards the church steeple in the center of the oil does produce a sense of
depth. The steeple acts as a focal point, drawing the bystander's eye into the distance.
While" Starry Night" does not cleave to traditional rules of perspective and literalism, it offers a unique
and emotionally charged representation of space. Van Gogh's use of swirling forms, bold colors, and
layered composition combines to produce a dreamlike, unearthly atmosphere that invites observers to
witness a sense of depth and three- dimensionality in their own way, transcending strict literalism for a
more emotional and suggestive interpretation of space.
While" Starry Night" does not cleave to traditional rules of perspective and literalism, it offers a unique
and emotionally charged representation of space. Van Gogh's use of swirling forms, bold colors, and
layered composition combines to produce a dreamlike, unearthly atmosphere that invites observers to
witness a sense of depth and three- dimensionality in their own way, transcending strict literalism for a
more emotional and suggestive interpretation of space.

6. Does the artwork convey a sense of texture? If so, how does this texture contribute to the
overall impression of the artwork? (300-500 words) REVECHE
Van Gogh’s work “Starry Night” conveys a sense of texture. Due to Starry Night being a painting, it is
an example of a Fine Art which means that its texture is implied. Vincent Van Gogh’s varied use of
different colors and lines creates an implied rough texture, the use of different shades of blue, yellow and
also the use of white yet painted in the same stroke and painted with the same purpose provides a feeling
of a disgruntled and rough texture. Van Gogh also made his strokes visible, purposely showing the lines
and amount of strokes he used. This implied texture is in tune with the emotions that Van Gogh’s works
usually convey and invoke which are emotions of sadness, pain and depression. These are the
experiences and journeys that Van Gogh went through in his own personal life while he crafted his most
iconic works, one of these being Starry Night.

Van Gogh was able to personally express himself through his art using his careful manufacture of texture
in his work. He seeked not only to display the pain he went through using colors and lines but also by
emphasizing the rough and jagged texture in his painting, almost as if to show that just like his life
everything is not smooth, jagged and messy. This is what Van Gogh also wanted his viewers to feel and
see, he let his pain out through his artworks in hopes that people will see the struggles he went through.
He lived a painful life and it is evident in how he painted. Just by looking at Starry Night, it is evident to
us that the painting should not convey a sense of happiness or joy but rather a sense of despair and pain
and this is contributed to by Van Gogh’s use of texture in his work.

7. How does the artist use light and dark values in the artwork? How does this use of value
contribute to the overall composition and meaning of the artwork? (300-500 words)
(VILLARTA, RANDOLF S.)
The use of light and dark values, is a fundamental element in art that serves various purpose in
contributing to the overall composition and meaning of an artwork, artist use these contrasting values to
create depth, form, mood, and to communicate specific message or narratives

 Creating depth and dimension: light and dark values are crucial for rendering three-
dimensional forms on a two-dimensional surface. By strategically placing highlights and
shadows, artist can give the illusion of depth and volume, for example, in a portrait, the use
darker values in the contours of the face and lighter values on producing features like the nose
and cheekbones can create a sense of roundness and dimension.
 Emphasizing focal points: artist often use contrast between light and dark values to direct the
viewer’s attention to specific areas of the artwork. By making an object or element significantly
lighter or darker than its surroundings, the artist can guide the viewer’s eye and emphasize the
importance of the particular element.
 Creating mood and atmosphere: the manipulation of light and dark values plays a significant
role in setting the mood and atmosphere of an artwork. For instance, a predominantly dark
composition can evoke a sense of mystery, drama, or melancholy, while a lighter composition
may convey a feeling of happiness, serenity, or optimism. Artist can use value ti convey emotions
and elicit specific responses from the viewer.
 Contrast and visual interest: the contrast between light and dark values can create visual
interest and make an artwork more dynamic. Strong contrast can draw the viewer’s attention and
add excitement to the composition. Conversely, subtle gradations of value can create a sense of
harmony and tranquility.
 Highlighting texture: value is essential for depicting the texture of objects within an artwork. By
varying the intensity and distribution of light and shadow, artists can convincingly render the
texture of materials such as fur, fabric, or wood. This adds realism and tactile quality to the art
work.

The use of light and dark values in artwork is a powerful tool that artist employ to create depth, guide the
viewer’s gaze, convey emotions, and imbue their work with symbolic and narrative meaning. By
skillfully manipulating value, artists can transform a blank canvas into a compelling and thought-
provoking visual narrative, enriching the overall composition and contributing to its deeper significance.