NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

BAMBANG, NUEVA VIZCAYA

READING VISUAL ARTS

Mediums of Visual Arts

Painting
Painting is often called the most important form of visual art. It is about putting colours on a
canvas or a wall. Painters express their ideas through a mixture of colours and different
brush strokes. Painting is also one of the oldest forms of visual art. In old caves
Prehistoric people
painted hunting scenes onto walls. Paintings became important
in ancient Egypt, where tombs of pharaohs were covered with scenes of everyday Egyptian
life.
During the Renaissance, painting became very important art. Italy became the center of
Renaissance painting. The era produced masters like Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian.
Italian influence spread to the north of Europe, mostly to Belgium and Holland. The most
famous artists of the 17th century famous painters during the Dutch Golden Age were,
Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Drawing
Drawing is creating a picture with a variety of tools, in most cases pencils, crayons, pens or
markers. Artists draw on different types of surfaces, like paper or canvas. The first drawings
were discovered in caves, that date back about 30,000 years.
Ancient Egyptians drew on papyrus, Greeks and Romans made drawings on other objects,
like vases. In the Middle Ages drawings were sketches that were made on parchment. When
paper became common in the Renaissance, drawing became an art perfected by
Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and others
Renaissance Drawing
https://collectionapi.metmuseum.org/api/collection/v1/iiif/377426/1516731/restricted
Different kinds of Drawing
Illustration drawing- Are created to present the layout of a particular
document.
Life Drawing- also known as still-life drawing. Drawing that results from
direct or real observations are life drawings.
Emotive drawing- similar to painting, emotive drawing emphasizes the
exploration and expression of different emotions, feelings and moods.
These are generally depicted in the form of a personality.
Analytic drawing- Sketches that are created for clear understanding and
representation of observations made by an artist.
Perspective drawing- is used by artist to create three-dimensional
images on a two dimensional picture plane, such as paper.
Diagrammatic drawing- serves as active design process for instant ideas
so conceived.

Photography
Photography is making pictures by letting the light through the lenses of the camera onto a film.
In an analog photography light was recorded on film , which had to be chemically developed.
Images could then be printed on the special paper.
https://webneel.com/daily/sites/default/files/images/daily/10-2016/3-old-camera-vintage
photography-by-jordanloyd.jpg

Filmmaking
A process of making a film of moving images that they turn into films. It is a very expensive and
complicated form of art, involving many task for example script writing, casting, and editing film
sequences before they can be shown to an audience. A full-length feature films often takes
many weeks or months to produce.
https://image.shutterstock.com/image-photo/saint-petersburg-russia-august-20-260nw-
572418259.jpg
Printmaking
It is an art that is made by covering a plate with ink and pressing it on the surface of another
object. Today prints are mostly produced on paper today but originally, they were pressed on
cloth or other objects. Plates are often made out of wood or metal.
Silk screen printing
https://creativesparkstudiotn.com/wp
content/uploads/2020/06/iStock-1168858990.jpg

Sculpture
Sculptures are three-dimensional pieces of art that are created by shaping various kinds of
material. Among the most popular are stone, steel, plastic, ceramics and wood. Sculpture is
often referred to as plastic arts.
Sculpture goes back to ancient Greece. It has been important in various religions of the world
over many centuries.
Venus of Arles
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Greek_sculpture_IMG_0549.JPG
Architecture
Are the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other
structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural
symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving
architectural achievement.
Home Architectural
water color portrait
https://wilmarschutz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Norwood.jpg

Learning Activity
Let’s work on this!
Directions: Reflection writing paper.
1. How Visual Art affect your chosen College Course?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

2. In what Medium of Visual Art you are likely to be engaging in this semester? And
why?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________29

3. Select one visual art photo along your research that you are attracted too and
touches your senses. Read the art work.

Attach Photo here.

MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Direction. Choose the letter of your answer.
1. The way to do an art critique is to
a. describe, analyze, interpret, evaluate
b. talk to the artist
c. decide if its good
d. write an artist statement

2. Film means what?

a. an actor in movie
b. another name for movie
c. directs the film
d. all of the above

3. Objects that appear at the center of an art work are called:

a. foreground
b. middleground
c. background
d. horizon

4. A plan for organizing colors is called:

a. composition
b. color scheme
c. portrait
d. still life

5. A photography that portrays an act or event as its happening is referred to as which

of the following?
a. action shots
b. documentary
c. commercial photography
d. photo stills

Post Test
Reading Visual Arts
Direction: Shade your answer.
1. This art work has strong CONTRAST. Contrast is:
o How things are arranged in the art work
o Difference between dark and light
o The focal point
o Repetition of shape
2. The subject of this art work?
o Landscape
o Plants
o People
o Fish and birds

3. The focal point (what your eyes focuses on) in this artwork is?
o The trees
o The water
o The house
o The flowers3233

4. This drawing is made of:

o Color
o Space
o Line
o Pattern

5. The sculptures go from dark to light. This is called

o Value
o Form
o Space
o Shape
6. What is the BACKGROUND of this painting?
o Man
o Red door
o Rug
o Woman34

7. What kind of photograph is this?

o Historical
o Fashion
o Landscape
o Selfie

8. This ceramic sculpture is painted with a shiny…

o Oil paint
o Acrylic paint
o Watercolor paint
o Glaze

9. Another name for clay that has been fired.

o Coil
o Eartheware
o Ceramics
o Clay
10. The artist’s paint on a?
o Palette
o Kiln
o Potter’s wheel
o Brayer

Types of Visual Arts

There are three basic types of Visual Art. Subcategories exist in each of these types.
Often, these types are misrepresented or more often, misunderstood. Whether the work
is three dimensional sculptures or two dimensional, it will still fall under one of these
three main types.

These types are representational, abstract, or non-objective.

_By Matt Fussell_
Learning Outcomes
Multiple Choice.
Directions: Read the following questions and encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. It is a type of subject of art does not make reference to the real world.
a. Non-representational art
b. Representational art
c. Abstract art
d. Performance art
2. It is a type of Art that describe as departure from reality.
a. Representational art
b. Non-representational art
c. Abstract art
d. None of the above
3. What type of subject is Mona Lisa?
a. Abstract Art
b. Non-objective Art
c. Representational art
d. Fine art
4. In order to guess the category of which style of art you are viewing, you may need to:
I. Be able to look at the work up close
II. Know the artist’s intention
III. Know about the artist life
IV. know what media the artist used

a. I, III, IV
c. II, III, IV
b. I, II, IV
d. I, II, III
5. What was the main definition of abstract art?
a. That is was non-representational.
b. That is focused on some reality mixed into a colorful background
c. That is was a new application of color.
d. That is was a misunderstood art form.
6. When analyzing artwork how many steps are their?
a. 1
c. 2
b. 3
d. 4
7. When analyzing art these two factors are the MOST important to consider.
a. Color and Size
b. Elements and Principles of art
c. Medium and Content
d. Prize and Meaning
8. It refers to any person, object, scene or event described or represented in a work of art.
a. Meaning of art
b. Function of art
c. Subject of art
d. None of them
9. What part of the critique process is when you use focus on the facts, only explaining what
you see?
a. Critique
b. Analysis
c. Judgement
d. Description
10. In order to read an artwork a viewer should at least determined common elements of visual
arts.
a. Theme
b. Tone
c. Mood
d. All of the above

Content
Representational Art
Representational artwork aims to represent actual objects or subjects from reality. We
can easily identify with recognizable subjects in a painting, drawing or sculpture. This make
representational art widely accepted among masses. Representational art also represent the
largest collection of artwork created. Considering that the other two types abstract and non
objective are relatively new types of arts, this makes perfect sense. Representational art has
gone through many phases and movements, yet the principle of presenting the viewers with
recognizable subject matter has stayed the same. It is worth nothing that some representational
art flirts with abstraction. It could be said that some representational artwork happens to be
more realistic while other forms focus on the artist perception of the subject.
Abstract Art
Many people have difficulty in understanding the differences between abstract art and
non-objective art. Abstract art often misunderstood type of art known as abstraction aims to take
subjects from reality but presents them in the way that is different from the way they are viewed
in our reality. This may take the form of emphasizing lines, shapes, or colors that transform the
subject. Abstract art includes the subcategories of Minimalism, Cubism, and Precisionism.
Abstraction can also happen when the artist decides to view the subjects in a traditional
manner. Abstraction is relatively new to the art world, having its earliest roots in the deviations
from reality taken by the Impressionist. It began to gain popularity in various forms around the
world at the end of the 19th century. Artist begins to take more intellectual approach to paint.
The clear difference lies in the subject matter chosen. If the artist begins with a subject from
reality, the artwork considered to be abstract. If the artist is creating with no reference to reality,
then the work is considered to be non-objective.
Non-objective Art
Non-objective art takes nothing from reality. It is created purely for aesthetic reasons.
Non-objective art is abstract or non-representational art. It tends to be geometric and does not
represent specific objects, people, or other subjects found in the natural world. One of the best
known non-objective artists is Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944), a pioneer of abstract art.
The intent of non-objective art is to use the elements and principles of art in a way that results in
a visually stimulating work. It is purely that simple. Non-objective art can go many names,
including concrete art, geometric abstraction, and minimalism. Other styles of arts are related or
similar to non-objective art. Among these are Bauhaus, Constructivism, Cubism, Futurism, and
Opt art.39

How to read and understand Visual Art?

When you look at a painting or sculpture, do you wonder what it means? How does it make you
feel? By Visual Art, we are going to learn strategies for understanding the elements of visual
art, including theme, mood, and tone.
Before we look at any examples, let’s define some terms.
1. Theme- relates to the meaning of painting, rather than the subject, which is specific and
basic. Usually about life, society or human nature, but can be any other subject. Themes are
the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a work. Themes differ from motifs in
the visual arts in that themes are ideas conveyed by the visual experience as a whole, while
motifs are elements of the content.
2. Mood- Is the atmosphere in the artwork or the feeling expressed. Is the art tranquil, or is it
dark or disturbing?
3. Tone- refers to the lightness or darkness of colors used, which can help to create a
sense of depth or distance in art. Artists use light and dark colors to convey a mood
or an emotion. Color can harmonize, or bring elements together and create a
pleasing sensation, or it may clash. Remember, the artist is making a choice about
color and brushstrokes. Finally, the composition, or the underlying structure of the
art, refers to where the artist placed the subject matter.
Analyzing visual art
Why do we study art?
 Arts subjects encourage self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well
as a sense of individual identity.
 Studying arts subjects also help to develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the
world around us.
 Studying art and design provides the opportunity to acquire new skills. As well as
knowledge of different art forms, media and techniques you can also gain specialist skills
in areas such as photography and digital technologies.
I don’t want to be an artist- Why bother studying art?
Art may not be your favorite subject, but studying the arts alongside other subjects significantly
boosts student achievement.
 The leading people in any field are those who can think creatively and innovatively.
These are skills that employers value alongside qualifications. Making and participating
in the arts aids the development of these skills
 When you study art you learn to work both independently and collaboratively, you also
gain experience in time management – skillsets valued by employers.41
Art analysis tips
 ‘I like this’ or ‘I don’t like this’ without any further explanation or justification is
not
analysis. Personal opinions must be supported with explanation, evidence or
justification.
 ‘Analysis of artwork’ does not mean ‘description of work’. As a viewer of an artwork,
you must move beyond stating the obvious and add perceptive and personal insight.
You should demonstrate higher order thinking- the ability to analyze, evaluate and
synthesize information and ideas. For example, if color has been used to create strong
contrasts in certain areas of an artwork, you might follow this observation with a
thoughtful assumption about why this is the case—perhaps a deliberate attempt by artist
to draw attention to a focal point, helping to convey thematic ideas.
“Although description is an important part of a formal analysis, description is not enough on its own. You must
introduce and contextualize your descriptions of the formal elements of the work so the reader understands how each
element influences the work’s overall effect on the viewer.”—Sylan Barnet
 Cover a range of different visual elements and design principles. It is common for
students to become experts at writing about one or two elements of composition, while
neglecting everything else – for example, only focusing upon the use of color in every
artwork studied. This results in a narrow, repetitive and incomplete analysis of the
artwork. You should ensure that they cover a wide range of art elements and design
principles, as well as address context and meaning where required.
 Write alongside the artwork discussed. In almost all cases, written analysis should be
presented alongside the work discussed, so that it is clear which artwork comments refer
to. This makes it easier for examiners to follow and evaluate the writing.
 Support writing with visual analysis. It is almost always helpful for you as a viewer to
support written material with sketches, drawings and diagrams that help the viewer
understand and analyze the piece of art. Visual investigation of this sort plays an
important role in many artist studies.

“Making sketches or drawings from works of art are the traditional, centuries-old way
that artists have learned from each other. In doing this, you will engage with a work
and an artist’s approach even if you previously knew nothing about it. If possible do
this whenever you can, not from a postcard, the internet or a picture in a book, but
from actual work itself. This is useful because it forces you to look closely at the work
and to consider elements you might not have noticed before.”—Susie Hodge, How to
Analyzing Artwork (Art Criticism)
A step-by-step guide
Follow these steps; answer all the questions and you can’t go wrong!
1. Description (It answers the question, “What do you see?”)
Pure description of the object without value judgments (Elements of Art)
List what you can see in this artwork.
 Objects, figures, colors, shapes, backgrounds, etc.
 Imagine you are describing it to a blind person. Do this in as much detail as
possible and use art terms.
2. Analyze (It answer the question, “How did the artist do it?”
Determining what the features suggest and deciding why the artist used such
features to convey specific ideas.
 edged or geometric shapes)?
 Is there a mixture of different types of shapes or are all the shapes similar?
 Are some parts of the composition full of shapes and some parts empty, or are the shapes
spread evenly across the artwork?
 Does the whole composition look full of energy and movement, or does it look still and
peaceful? How did the artist create this movement/stillness?
 What is the center of interest in the composition?
 How does the artist draw your attention to it?
Use the elements/principles to reflect upon the art form
 Determination of subject matter through naming iconographic elements, e.g., historical event,
allegory, mythology, etc.
 Selection of most distinctive features or characteristics whether the line, shape, color, texture,
etc.
 Analysis of the principles of design or composition, e.g.., stable,
 Repetitious, rhythmic, unified, symmetrical, harmonious, geometric, varied, chaotic, horizontal
or vertically oriented, etc.
 Discussion of how elements or structural system contribute to appearance of image or function
 Analysis of use of light and role of color, e.g., contrast, shadowy,
 Illogical, warm, cool, symbolic, etc.
 Treatment of space and landscape, both real and illusionary (including use of perspective),
e.g., compact, deep, shallow, naturalist, random
 Portrayal of movement and how it is achieved
 Effect of particular medium(s) used
 Your perceptions of balance, proportion and scale (relationships of each part of the
composition to the whole and to each other part) and your emotional
 Reaction to object or monument
3. Interpretation (It answer the question, “What is the artist trying to say? What is going on in
the picture?”)
 What do you think the artist is trying to say in this artwork? What does it mean?  What is the
main theme or idea behind this piece?
 If you were inside the artwork, what would you be feeling/thinking?
 Does the artwork have a narrative (tell a story)? Is it a religious artwork?
 Is it abstract? Is it realistic? Why?
 How would you explain this artwork to someone else?
 Evidence: What evidence inside or outside the artwork supports your interpretation?
4. Evaluation (What do I think about this artwork? How do I feel about whether the artist was
successful in conveying an idea?)
Based upon what you have observed already, give your opinion of the artwork. You MUST give
reason.
 Use aesthetic theories to help evaluate
 Is it a good artwork?
 Criteria: What criteria do I think are most appropriate for judging the artwork?
 Evidence: What evidence inside or outside the artwork relates to each criterion?
 Judgment: Based on the criteria and evidence, what is my judgment about the quality of the
artwork?
Learning Activity
Let’s do this!
Art Comprehension and analysis:
This activity demands your knowledge about analyzing and reading the artwork. Let us
remember, in interpreting the various arts there is a steps and tips. Using one of the pictures
below, do the activities that follow.
Looking at Picture 1
1. This Painting is about ______________________________________________
2. This painting made of ______________________________________________
3. The painting is a Type of ____________________________________________
4. The message is ___________________________________________________
Looking at Picture 2
1. What do you see?
2. How did the artist do it?
3. What is the artist trying to say?
4. What is going on in the picture?
5. What do you think about this artwork?

Support your answers.

YOU CAN DO IT!
Assessment
Directions: The statements are answerable with True and False. Write A for True and B for
False.
1. Value also refers to the lightness and darkness of color used.
2. Theme is referring to the arts tranquility or fears.
3. A part of critique which varies the identification of what the feature suggests is
evaluation.
4. In analyzing art it covers the knowledge of elements and principles of art.
5. Difficult part of art criticism is stating the description.
6. Questions like, what the artist draw your attention to… is in part of interpretation.
7. Giving own reason to observed artwork is conveying the idea of evaluation.
8. Interpreting the mood of an artworks refers to the expression of thoughts in the
particular artwork,
9. Non-objective art happens to be more realistic than abstract art.
10. Representational art which concerns to the nature, representing the reality.
Thank you for answering the test. Enjoy learning!
Post Test
Create and Tell!
Directions: Draw or Paint your own type of Visual art and tell a story about it.
Choose what you are going to draw or Paint is it representational art,
abstract or non-objective art then follows the tips/guide for critiquing your
own artwork.