Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Catarman, Northern Samar

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Secondary Teacher Education Department
1st Semester SY: 2024-2025

Module in GE 6:
ART APPRECIATION

This module is prepared by:

Christine M. Adlawan, JD, DPA (CAR)

Course Professor
Module in ART APPRECIATION Prof. Christine M. Adlawan

OVERVIEW

This course is designed to deepen your

understanding of art, exploring its many facets and
appreciating its role in both historical and
contemporary contexts. Art is more than just visual
beauty; it is a reflection of culture, emotion, and
human experience. Through this course, you will
embark on a journey to appreciate, analyze, and understand various forms of
artistic expression.

Chapter1: Appreciating Art

In our first chapter, we will delve into the fundamentals of art appreciation.
You will learn how to approach and evaluate art with a critical eye, uncovering
the meaning and significance behind different works. This foundational
knowledge will help you develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways
artists communicate their ideas and emotions.

Chapter 2: Subject and Content

Here, we will explore the subject matter and content of art. This chapter
focuses on understanding what artists choose to depict and why. We will
discuss how subject matter influences the interpretation of a work and examine
various themes and motifs that recur across different cultures and time periods.

Chapter 3: The Artist and His Medium

This chapter highlights the relationship between artists and their chosen
mediums. From traditional tools like paint and clay to modern digital
technologies, you will discover how different materials and techniques shape
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artistic expression. Understanding the artist’s medium is crucial for appreciating

how art is created and the choices that impact its final form.

Chapter 4: Rediscovering Philippine Art

We will turn our attention to Philippine art, exploring its rich history and
vibrant contemporary scene. This chapter will provide insight into the cultural
and historical influences that have shaped Philippine art, including traditional
crafts, modern visual arts, and the contributions of Filipino artists on the global
stage.

Chapter 5: Elements and Principles of Art

In this chapter, we will dissect the building blocks of art by examining its
elements and principles. You will learn about key concepts such as line, color,
form, texture, and balance. Understanding these elements and principles will
enhance your ability to analyze and appreciate the structure and composition of
various artworks.

Chapter 6: A Journey through Musical Time-Space

Expanding our exploration beyond visual arts, this chapter will take you through
the evolution of music across different cultures and eras. We will examine how
music reflects societal changes and personal expression, and how it interacts
with other forms of art to create a rich tapestry of human experience.

Chapter 7: Art in Today’s Society

Finally, we will address the role of art in contemporary society. This

chapter explores how art responds to and influences current social, political, and
technological issues. We will discuss how artists engage with modern
challenges and how art continues to be a powerful tool for communication and

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change.

By the end of this course, you will have gained a comprehensive

understanding of art’s many dimensions and its impact on our lives. Art
appreciation is not only about viewing and analyzing art but also about
connecting with the creative spirit that drives human expression. We look
forward to embarking on this artistic journey with you!

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the completion of this module, students should be able to:

1) Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of arts in general,

including their function, value, and historical significance;

2) Define and demonstrate the elements and principles of design;

3) Explain and evaluate different theories of art;

4) Situate Philippine arts in global context;

5) Analyze and appraise works of art based on aesthetic value, historical

context, tradition, and social relevance;

6) Mount an art exhibit (concept development, production and post

production, marketing, documentation, critiquing);

7) Create their own works of art and curate their own production or exhibit;

8) Utilize art for self-expression and for promoting advocacies;

9) Deepen their sensitivity to self, community, and society;

10) Discover and deepen their identity through art with respect to their
nationality, culture, and religion; and

11) Develop an appreciation of the local arts.

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Module 1 APPRECIATING ART

LEARNING PLAN

At the completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

a. Explain the meaning, nature, and importance of arts in our lives;
2. Determine the subject of art and its appreciation; and
3. Reflect on the functions of art with regard to their personal
contributions to the development of art.

INTRODUCTION:

Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries and

peaks to the core of our human experience. It is not merely about
observing beauty but about engaging with the deeper meanings and contexts
that artworks convey.

Art appreciation involves recognizing and understanding the various

elements that contribute to the creation and significance of art. It’s about
exploring the ways in which art reflects personal and cultural identities,
historical moments, and emotional experiences. Whether it's a centuries-old
masterpiece or a contemporary installation, art provides insights into the world
around us and invites us to question, reflect, and connect.

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ACTIVITY 1:

Impromptu Art Creation

Objective:

Students will engage in spontaneous creative expression by drawing

something that comes to their mind immediately. This activity encourages
creativity, self-expression, and the exploration of artistic spontaneity.

Materials Needed:

• Paper (any type: notebook paper, sketch paper, etc.)

• Drawing materials (pencils, pens, markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.)
• A timer or clock
• Optional: digital drawing tools or apps (if available)

Instructions:

1. Drawing Prompt (5 minutes):

• Take out a piece of paper and your drawing materials.

• Set a timer for 5 minutes. Draw anything that comes to your
mind as instructed. You should not overthink your choice—just
draw whatever first pops into your head.

2. Drawing Phase (10 minutes):

• Start the timer and draw freely. Focus on your thoughts and let your
creativity flow without worrying about perfection.
• The goal is to capture your initial ideas and emotions, not to create a
polished piece of art.

3. Sharing and Reflection (15 minutes):

• Share your artwork with the class,

• Explain your drawing and the thoughts or feelings you experienced while
creating it.

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ANALYSIS:

Answer the following questions briefly:

1. What did you enjoy about this activity?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

2. How did drawing something spontaneously affect your creative process

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

3. Did you discover anything new about your own artistic style or
preferences?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

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ABSTRACTION

Humanities and the Arts

“Man is the measure of all things”

This phrase by Protagoras (c. 485–410 BCE), an influential ancient
Greek philosopher, encapsulates a profound philosophical idea about human
perception and understanding. This concept suggests that human beings are
the ultimate standard for evaluating and interpreting the world around us.

Protagoras and Human Perception

Protagoras was a key figure in the development of ancient Greek
philosophy, particularly in the field of relativism. His statement implies that
individual perceptions and experiences shape our understanding of reality. In
other words, our subjective experiences are the lenses through which we
interpret and judge the world. This perspective highlights that what we consider
as truth or knowledge is deeply influenced by human perception and context.

The Evolution of Human Knowledge

A. From Stone Age Tools to Modern Technology:
Human ingenuity has always been driven by the quest to understand and
manipulate our environment. This drive is evident in the evolution of
technology and knowledge:

1. Stone Age Tools:

The earliest tools, made from stone, represent humanity's first efforts to
alter our surroundings to meet basic needs. These rudimentary tools, such as
flint knives and hand axes, were pivotal in our ancestors' survival and
adaptation.

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2. Ancient Innovations:

As civilizations developed, so did our technological capabilities.

Innovations such as the wheel, writing systems, and early machinery
transformed societies. These advances not only improved daily life but also
expanded our ability to record, transmit, and build upon knowledge.

3. The Renaissance and Beyond:

The Renaissance marked a period of profound intellectual and artistic

growth. Discoveries in science, art, and exploration demonstrated an
expanding understanding of the natural world and human potential. Figures
like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei exemplified the era’s integration of
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art and science, reflecting a deeper engagement with human knowledge.

4. The Modern Era:

Today, technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace.

From the invention of the computer to the rise of the internet and artificial
intelligence, our capabilities have evolved dramatically. Innovations like
software technology and digital platforms have reshaped communication,
informatio
n access, and
even the
boundaries of
human creativity.

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The Impact on Art and Culture

Art, as a reflection of human experience, has also evolved alongside

technological advancements. The evolution of artistic techniques and mediums
—from cave paintings to digital art—mirrors the broader trajectory of human
innovation. Art serves as a vehicle for expressing and interpreting the
complexities of human existence, capturing moments in time and exploring
new ways of seeing the world.

The Indelible Mark of Human Legacy

Human progress is marked by our relentless pursuit of knowledge and

improvement. Each technological breakthrough, artistic innovation, and
scientific discovery contributes to a legacy that shapes our collective
understanding and influences future generations. Our ability to measure and
interpret the world through various lenses reflects our unique role as creators
and observers of our own reality.

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(The Vitruvian Man/1940)

In around, Leonardo created one of his most iconic drawings,

translated as The Proportions of the Human Figure after Vitruvius –
commonly known as Vitruvian Man. This was created on a piece of
paper measuring 34.4 × 25.5 cm, and the image was created using pen, light
brown ink and a hint of brown watercolor wash.

Why Study Humanities?

When one hears the word Humanities, one would generally think of the
arts i.e. painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, music, dance and theatre.
These are areas in which human subjectivity is emphasized and individual
expressive is celebrated. Art, however, is just one part of the world of the
Humanities.
Etymologically, Humanities came from the Latin word “humanus”
which means, human, cultured and refined. To be human is to show
characteristics of rationality, benevolence and care; to be cultured and refined
is to show good tastes and manners indicative of good, proper education.
These are manifested in all the thoughts and actions that center on human
interests and ideals, values and sentiments.

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Nature of the Arts

The word art etymologically comes from the Aryan root ar, which means
‘to join’ or’ put together.’ The Latin term sars, artis, mean everything that is
artificially made or composed by man. Art constitutes one of the oldest and
most important means of expression developed by man. Art particularly refers
to the skillful arrangement or composition of some common but significant
qualities of nature such as sounds, colors, lines, movements, words, stone,
and wood to express feelings, thoughts, imaginations, and dreams in an
amazing meaningful and enjoyable way (Adams, 2002).

Functions of Arts

When art is compared to other human activities, the uncultured will

generally regard it as impractical, i.e. it is not meant to meet the requirements
of day to day living. To a lay person, deprived of a formal education, a painting
or a sculpture has very little survival function. However, other forms of arts like
architecture, weaving and furniture making serve functions that make man’s
life better. Thus, they are classified as functional art forms.

Painting, sculpture, literature, music, dance and theater, through non

fictional serve purposes far beyond mundane survival functions. The
human need for beauty and aesthetics transcends sensual amusement and to
the cultured elevates human expression, bringing it closer to the divine.

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Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, for instance, may not provide the person
that much needed nourishment but listening to it does something to the
human spirit, giving him hope and making him realize how amazing it is just
to be alive.

All art forms generally have the following functions:

The human need for expression. This seems to be built – in the

human psyche: this need to express, o show, to exhibit what is hidden in
man’s inner world. His thoughts, emotions, imaginations, dreams and
aspirations are expressed in his art.

The social need for display, celebration and communication. It

is not enough for man to express his inner world through his art, he needs to
share and convey it to others too. In this way, others may know, may
empathize and may realize that people are interconnected.

The physical needs for functional objects. All art is man made. In
the effort to make human life better, objects are created (like the wheel) which
is also classified as art. All of technology is art. It is a careful combination of
form and function. This is based on the premise that if an object is to perform
its function, its form (design), should also allow it to do so.

Artist and Artisans

An artist is a person who exhibits exceptional skills in the visual and/or
the performing arts. Unlike other people, artists are more sensitive, very
perceptive and more creative. They have the knack of interpreting ideas into
an artistic form using as their medium the words, pigments, clay, stone,
musical notes or any combination that may best represent his message.
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An artisan, on the other hand, is a person who is in a skilled trade that

involves making things by hand. He is a craft worker who makes or creates
objects of great beauty by just using his hands. His creations may be
functional or decorative like an earthen pot or 'palayok' for cooking or vase for
decoration.

Other examples of artisans crafts are furniture, sculpture, glass

figurines, metalwork, clothing, jewelry, food items, and handicrafts. Artisans
focus particularly on the technique and medium of the craft and through
experience hone their skills enabling them to reach the expressive levels of an
artist.

The Art Forms

Human expression through the arts may take several forms depending
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on the talent and creativity of the artist. Artistic skills and creativity may be for a
particular art form like painting or dance or for two or more art forms. Artistic
abilities may be an inborn talent or may have resulted from inspiration and
years or training from an art master. Whatever is the source of the artist’s
creativity, he may express it through his chosen art form.

Art is basically expressed through the following art forms:

Painting. This is best described as the application of pigment to a surface.

The various ways in which the paint is applied to create beautiful effects would
depend on the unique technique employed by the artist and the kind of
medium that was used. Painting is a two-dimensional art form. Examples are
Luna’s Spolarium and Botticelli’s Inferno.

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Sculpture. This is an art form that is best described as three-dimensional.

The sculptor creates a solid form using molding, carving, welding, casting and
assembling. Some of the popular medium are clay, wood, stone, metal, ice,
glass and plastic.

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Architecture. This is the

most functional of all the art forms. It
involves creating designs for
buildings and infrastructures.
Architecture to be functional
involves using the design to
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build the structure through the help of engineers, contractors and skilled
workers. It is only after the structure is built will the art form be fully
appreciated.

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Music. This is the art of sound expressed through song, through the use of
instruments or combination of both. It should express rhythm and melody that
is soothing or appeals to the taste of its audience. Examples are Philippine’s
Kundiman and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

Dance. The art of body movements that is attuned to a musical piece. Body
movements should be graceful and in rhythm with the accompanying musical
piece. In the ancient folkdance like Tinikling, Singkil and the ballet.

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Literature. The art of using words to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
Literature makes take the form of poetry, novel, short story, essay, epic and
legends to mention a few. Examples are Homer’s Iliad and Nick Joaquin’s
Woman Who Had Two Navels.

Theater. The performance of drama. Typically, actors perform on stage in

front of live audience. Dialogues may be recited, sang or eliminated
(pantomimes). Theater may be referred to as combined or performing arts. It
may include music, dance, and literature. Examples are phantom of the opera
and Les Miserables.

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APPLICATION

Multi-Method Artistic Exploration

1. Choose a Subject: Select a simple subject for your artwork. This could be a
tree, a house, or any object you have around you.

2. Create Four Versions:

• Version 1: Draw the subject using your non-dominant hand. Focus on

how this affects your control and expression.
• Version 2: Draw the subject as if everything in the world is square.
Imagine how the subject transforms in a geometric, square-based world.
• Version 3: Draw the subject using continuous lines, meaning you
should not lift your drawing tool from the paper until the drawing is

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complete. Observe how this technique affects the flow and connection
of your lines.
• Version 4: Color only the outside edges of the lines, leaving the inner
spaces uncolored. Pay attention to how this approach changes the
overall appearance of the subject.

After completing the drawing activity with different methods, consider

the following question to analyze and reflect on your experience. Write your
answer below your drawing.

1. Examine and compare the four different versions of your artwork. How did
each method change your depiction of the subject?
2. What did you notice about the way each technique influenced your
understanding of the subject?
3. How did each method challenge or expand your usual approach to
drawing?

4. How did Protagoras’s concept that "Man is the measure of all things"
manifest in your different drawings? Did your personal experience and
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perspective influence the outcome of each method?

ASSESSMENT

This will be given by your professor on a scheduled date. Make

sure to be present during the assessment.

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READINGS

1. Roldan, Albert Napoleon J., et al (2019). A Course Module in

Art Appreciation. Rex Bookstore. Sampaloc, Manila.
2. Urbiztondo, Rizza Elleen J. (2022). Art Appreciation. Stoduco.
Cavite State University.
3. "The Sophists" by Paul Woodruff
4. "Protagoras: A Study in Greek Philosophy" by Robert W.
Browning
5. “Art: A World History" by Elke Linda Buchholz, Susanne
Kaeppele, and others

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6. “Ways of Seeing" by John Berger

7. "The Power of Art" by Simon Schama
8. "Art in Theory: 1900-2000" edited by Charles Harrison, Paul
Wood, and others

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