READING VISUAL ARTS By Tristan Canaleta

★ ART IS NATURE, ART IS MADE BY MAN

Reading ★ “Art brings life in harmony with the beauty of the
● It is an active and creative process of looking at a world.” – Plato
series of written words and symbols and getting ★ “Art is an attitude of spirit, a state of mind” – one
meaning from them. which demands for its own satisfaction and fulfillment, a
● We draw on our general and specific knowledge, tastes shaping of matter to new and more significant form.” –
and habits, and our personal contexts to make what we John Dewey
see and make sense of it. ★ “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” – Leonardo
Da Vinci
Visual
● Any presentation that is attained or maintained by the ABILITY PROCESS PRODUCT
sense of sight.
● Visual details encourage creation of mental images The capacity Encompasses Art is the
of a subject or work being perceived. for creativity acts: Drawings, completed
and beauty Paintings, work: Portrait,
Visual Arts Designing tapestry, song,
● This produces creative art whose products are to building sculpture
be appreciated by sight. Its art forms create works
that are primarily visual in nature.
PURPOSES OF ART
● Also called “spatial arts” as artworks produced
under this genre occupy space
1. Create beauty
2. Provide decoration
HUMANITIES 3. Reveal truth
4. Create order and harmony
★ Humanities is the study of different cultural aspect 5. Record and commemorate experience
of man 6. Immortalize
★ Comes from the Latin word Humanus – human, 7. Express religious virtuous
cultured, refined
★ Greek philosopher Protagoras - “Man is the
measure of all things” (humanities uplift the dignity PRINCIPLE OF ARTISTIC COMPOSITION
and values of man and his tendencies.
★ has its own connotation with political, social,
1. Proportion
economic, artistic, and other cultural forces
The comparative relationship of the parts of
and history.
composition to each other and to the whole
★ refers to a loosely defined group of cultural subject
➔ Henry Matisse - Large Reclining Nude
areas. Not a group of scientific or technical
➔ Pyramid of Giza
subjects; rather it refers to ARTS.
➔ Skyscrapers of New York
➔ Portrait
1. VISUAL ARTS - painting, sculpture,
architecture;
2. Unity
2. AUDITORY ARTS - heard, timed arts, exist
Responsible for the harmonious art and is
in time
responsible of art elements so they can work
3. PERFORMING ARTS - music, dance,
● wholeness and completeness
drama, or theater arts plus other popular
● five (5) ways to express unity
arts
a. Simplicity
ARTS b. Continuation
★ Art was derived from the Latin, Aryan word “AR” c. Repetition
which means to put together and in latin “Ability” d. Alignment
★ Italian word “artis” which means craftsmanship,
e. Proximity
skills, mastery of form, inventiveness, and the
association that exists between form and ideas and 3. Balance
between materials and techniques. Refers to the arranging different art elements like
★ It enhances the quality of life lines, shapes, colors, textures, and value

★ Shows beauty, truth, and Self-expression

 ● Symmetrical Balance: Mirror image, equal weight
ASSESSING A WORK OF ART
distribution. Formal
● Asymmetrical Balance: Unequal distribution,
visually balanced. Informal ● Sincerity satisfies the questions on whether
● Radial Balance: Elements radiate from a central theartist’s intention is perfectly honest or if he/she
point. Like a wheel is striving for effect either by sentimentality or
● Crystallographic Balance: Aka Mosaic balance, sensation.
a type of organized chaos, repeating patterns, like Ex. Spoliarium
in crystals. ● Universality is the quality of an artwork that
➔ Can be formal or informal should answer the elements of truth in the artwork
which is something permanent and notjust of the
4. Rhythm monetary value.
Ex. Sculpture of “Our Lady of Peace” of EDSA
Regular repetition of sensory impression
● Magnitude tells about the scope and significance
of a work of art.
5. Emphasis
Ex. Michelangelo’s “Sistine Chapel”, Juan Luna’s
● Most important in all art forms “Spoliarium”
● Refers to the importance or value given to a ● Craftsmanship is perceived from the point of view
part of a master or a group of artists whorepresents a
style that reflects period and form of elements and
tech
BASIC ELEMENTS OF ARTS

FINE ARTS STYLES OF ART

1. Line – refers to an outline that sometimes creates a
shape. 1. Realism
2. Shape – refers to a form of an object that stands out. ● Portrays people and things as they are
3. Value – refers to the lightness or darkness in a design. seen by the eyes or really thought to be,
4. Texture – the way a platform feels or supposed to feel. without idealization and distortion.
5. Color – determined by its hue, intensity, and value. Fernando Amorsolo’s “Winnowing Rice”
6. Form – refers to the volume or thickness of an object.
7. Subject - main idea, focus 2. Abstract
● means “to move away or separate” The
8. Medium - Material used by an artist to create a work
artist becomes so engrossed in one phase
9. Perspective - Creates illusion of depth on a flat surface.
of a scene or situation that he fails to show
10. Style - Distinctive manner of expression.
the subject as an objective reality. It shows
11. Volume feelings or personal ideas.
● Abstraction comes in two (2) basic
MUSIC variations;
1. Rhythm ● Geometric/Hard edge often suggests
2. Melody rationality and is associated with such
3. Dynamics modern movements as Constructivism,
4. Harmony Cubism, andConcrete art.
5. Texture
6. Form ● Looser and more personal style known as
7. Color ORGANIC. Organic abstraction is
8. Style associated with such modern movements as
abstract expressionism (originates from
the New YorkSchool and flowered from this
LITERATURE
artistic melting pot)—characterized by large
1. Poetry
gestural brushstrokes, spontaneous,
2. Novels
abstract imagery, andfields of intense color.
3. Short Story
● Cubism is a style of painting introduced by
4. Essay
Pablo Picasso and Braque
.Ex. Abstract by Pablo Picasso

3. Symbolism
 ● A visible sign of something invisible. ● paintings, sculptures and all manner of fine art
Ex. Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium”

4. Emotional
● expressions in expressionist paintings form
and colors are freely distorted PAINTING
● The works of Van Gogh and Gauguin are
examples of impressionistic art. Ex. Hans
● Painting is generally defined as the application of
Hofmann’s “Rising Sun”.
pigments to a surface
● Paint is the liquid material that imparts, color toa
5. Surrealism
surface. To form paint, powdered pigment is mixed
● Defies logic
with a binding agent or vehicle and a solvent or
● Dreams filled with strange images
(French for“ super-realism”) medium.
● French poet Andre Breton founded this ● The most commonly used vehicles are lime plaster,
movement in art and literature in Paris, year wax, eggs, oil, acrylic plastic, water and gum
1942. Ex. Dream imagery, Fantasies, Arabic.
Hallucinations ● Most vehicles are subject to long-term problems of
crackling, yellowing, or discoloration
6. Fauvism ● Medium provides fluency to the paint so that color
● Most of the artists tried to paint pictures of may be readily dispersed over the surface.
comfort, joy, and pleasure. ● Water or turpentine - thinning agent
● They used extremely bright colors, ● brings expression of the past as is a representation
traditional nudes, still life, and art
landscapes. ● shows the intrinsic values of man through the
● Expressive and emotional, often creative and imaginative
consisting of flat planes of strong color. Ex.
The Red Room (1908 - 1909) by Henri
Matisse HISTORY OF PAINTING

7. Futurism
● Grotte-Chauvet in France - oldest known
● Glorifies the mechanical energy of
paintings (32, 000 years old).
modern life.
● Paleolithic Era - man had already been engaged
● Subjects included automobiles, motorcycles,
and railroad trains to express the vitality of inpainting as an expression.
a modern city. ● Angono (Rizal) petroglyphs - Animals and
primitive drawings, containing “Stick Figures”
Futurism painters wanted their works to capture the
speed of force and modern industrial society. Leading
Futurist painter and sculptor— UmbertoBoccioni (1882 -
1916)

1. Egyptian Painting
FUNCTIONS OF ARTS ● Associated with prehistoric times and
was interpreted as an expression of
● Functional concepts rather than a record of sensory
is to classify art according to its experience.
usefulness. Another is thesecular function (for ● The Egyptians' love for beauty enabled
commemorative purposes like portraiture or them to create art in their everyday life.
monuments.) ● Hieroglyphics - their first art form which
● Chair, Table, Tapestry etc. presented images with potential magic.

● Non-functional Three (3) stages in the development of Egyptian

seek to engage with the viewer on an
paintings:
intellectual, emotional, or aesthetic level.“Art
for art's sake".
1. Old Kingdom - associated with their kind of ● Leonardo Da Vinci - fine example in the
worship and life after death. use of “chiaroscuro” or tonal value is
2. Middle Kingdom - primarily used in tomb evident in his famous painting of the “Mona
paintings depicting scenes of local wars, Lisa” with the elusive and enigmatic smile.
animal life,dancing, and hunting scenes. 9. Mannerism Painting
3. New Kingdom - found in rock tombs, and is ● This type of painting is eclectic
about scenes of funeral and pilgrimages to ● they were experimenting on the details
Abydos of early artist’s style and then
combined these to form new
2. Greek Painting meaningful art
● Established the classic tradition which is
refinement in entasis or the correction of
FAMOUS FOREIGN PAINTERS
optical illusion
3. Roman Painting
1. Leonardo Da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
● Depicted casual and relaxed figures
● Universal man of the Renaissance, the
reflecting ideal beauty of the leisurely,
most outstanding genius in an age of
educated, andwell-bred life
giants
4. Early Christian Painting
● Theology did not interest him; he was
● Characterized by the tendency towards
a lifelong skeptic who recognize no
spiritualization and by progressive
authority higher than the eye which he
abandonment of the imitation of nature.
called “the window of the soul”
● paintings are in bright and
● The illegitimate son of a peasant girl
contrasting colors
known only as Caterina and Piero Da
5. Byzantine Painting
Vinci, a notary
● Style of painting is based upon
● He produced “The Last Supper” during
intellectual Greek concepts rather than
his stay in Milan (1482 - 1499)
upon purely emotional apprehension.
● Famous paintings; Mona Lisa, The Last
6. Romanesque Painting
Supper, Madonna of the Rocks.
● Followed the traditions of the spiritual art
set by the earlier art.
2. Michaelangelo Buonarroti (1475 - 1564)
● Artist capitalized on the use of expensive
● Saw himself more as a sculptor than a
colors and rhythmic composition in order
painter
to stir up religious emotions
● He made the “Pieta” at the Vatican
Pavilion
● He is made famous by the “Sistine
7. Gothic Painting
Chapel” frescoes.
● Painting was instructional in nature and
● He excelled in sculpture, architecture,
preserved in miniature form.
painting,and poetry
● “Lamentation” by Giotto Di Bodini is a
● Famous works; The Sistine Chapel, St.
good example of this
Catherine, St. Peter & Paul
8. Renaissance Painting
● Started about the 14th century,
3. Raphael Sanzio (1483 - 1520)
characterized by the rebirth in the
● A master painter and architect of the
interest and concern for life towards new
Italian High Renaissance.
discoveries particularly in the field of
● Best known for his Madonnas and for his
arts.
large figure compositions in the Vatican
● Michelangelo was the genius of the
in Rome
time both in painting and sculpture
● His works are admired for their clarity of
though his best work was in sculpture
form and ease of composition and for
 their visual achievement of the ● Music has always been the main
Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur inspiration behind his work even though
● Painted the “The School of Athens” - he is best known as a painter.
one of four frescoes designed within a ● His administrative skills served him well as
semicircular frame.The figures symbolize Director of the Phalanx Exhibiting
philosophy, theology,and poetry Society, while his writings about spirituality
● Approach to art was characterized as has prepared him for his works about Color
Aristotelian, he was a keen observer theory
of nature
● Raphael was also sought often as a
Moralist.
4. Rembrandt van Rijn (1606 - 1669)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDS OF
● Was born on July 15, 1606 in Leiden,
PAINTING IN THE PHILIPPINES
Netherlands
● He left the university to study painting
➔ Painting reflects most the native quality of
under Jacob I. Van Swanenburgh,
lyricism and exuberance
learning aboutItalian Renaissance artists
➔ It’s generally assumed that painting was
such as Leonardo daVinci, and
introduced by the Spanish friars in the 17th
Michaelangelo Merisi Caravaggio, a
century. The earliest Filipino paintings were
revolutionary artist known for his
almost exclusively religious in themes and
unorthodox use of lighting, and
imitative of Dutch and Flemish models which
disturbingly erotic manner in which he
were then current in Europe.
presented his subjects, even biblical
figures
● Later studied under Pieter Lastman in
Amsterdam, who taught him the
chiaroscuro (light and darkness) FILIPINO WHO MADE HISTORY IN
technique. PAINTING
5. Vincent Van Gogh (1853 - 1890)
● Was born on March 30, 1853 in a village ➔ Two indios won attention of the Spanish art
in Brabant, Netherlands. establishment for their entries in the Madrigal
● Sunflower series are some of his most Exposition of Fine Arts in the year 1884, this is
famous works the reason why it was particularly important in
● Starry Night was painted during his stay Philippine History
in asylum in St. Remy; during what was
perhaps the most tormented period in his 1. Felix Ressurecction Hidalgo
life. One can feel his inner-turmoil being ● Won the silver medal for his large
represented by the swirling, moonlit canvas,“Christian Virgins”. Exposed to
clouds the Populace” (Las Vírgenes Cristianas
6. Edvard Munch (1863 - 1944) Expuestas al Populacho)
● Was born on December 12th, 1863, in 2. Juan Luna
Loten, Norway. Son of Christian Munch, ● Received the first gold medal for his epic
a military doctor. blockbuster, “The Spoliarium”. He also
● His first truly personal piece is “The painted the Beach of Scheveningen
Sick Child” 3. Fernando Amorsolo
● “The Day After” and “Puberty” are the ● Most celebrated name in Philippine
two other paintings from the same period art, appealing to all social classes. A
7. Wassily Kandinsky (1864 - 1944) true national artist.
● Born in Moscow on December 4, 1866. ● Painted the “Winnowing Rice”
4. Vincent Manansala
 ● Was given a posthumous recognition ● Born in Manila on 1914
as National artist ● Daughter of Ambrosio Magsaysay and
● Became a classic long before his ArmillaCorpus. Married to Robert Ho and
death when he was once voted as the have five children
most popular of the progressive ● Gained the recognition for being the only
artists in the century woman artist to be in the short-list of
● “Romantics”, ”Volatile”, ”Exuberant” NationalArtist Victorio Edades’ “13
are standard epithets to describe the Moderns”
tone and spirit of his works
5. Carlos V. Francisco
● Also known as “Botong”, popularly
known throughout the town of Angono,
TYPES OF PAINTING
Rizal and to art lovers all over the
country.
1. Fresco
● Theme of his celebrations was the Spirit
2. Encaustic
of theCommunity and his hero the
3. Tempera
Communal Man Rooted in the soil and
4. Pastel
the folk traditions of his ancestors
5. Oil
● Researched avidly on traditional
6. Acrylic
Filipinos, not only Christian lowlanders
but the Muslims and the cultural
communities as well

6. Mauro Malang-Santos TYPES OF PAINTING

● Started his career plan as “Malang”
● Illustrator-cartoonist for the Manila 1. Abstract
Chronicle And creator of two comic strip 2. Expressionism
characters,Kosme the Cop (Retired) and 3. Baroque
Chain GangCharlie. 4. Impressionism
● He emerged as a serious artist with a 5. Modernism
knack for abstract figuration, shedding 6. Realism/Naturalism
off his earlier illustrational manner by as
much as 90% in the1960s
7. Jose Joya
● Abstract expressionism found an able ELEMENTS OF PAINTING
exponent in him from the mid-1950s
through most of the1960s. (magna cum MEDIUM OF ARTS
laude, University of thePhilippines, 1953,
and a Smith-Mundt/Fulbright Scholar,
Cranbrook of Art, 1957)
● The whole point of his aesthetic
● Architecture - stone, cement, steel,
intuitiveness was in his improvisational
wood,coco lumber
approach in expressing subjective
● Literature -
states, feelings, moods, through purely
paper/pen,computer/language/dialect
plastic means and
● Music - melody and lyrics, musical
non-representational,freewheeling forms.
instruments, human voice
8. Anita Magsaysay-Ho
● Dance - song, sound, body language
● Theater - script, stage, performers,property of
the set, music scoring, light
● Cinema - celluloid of film and other equipment
● Digital Arts - computer and software