If you are someone who is a real art enthusiast or maybe you’re just looking for some colourful paintings online, you must first learn how to read art so you can fully understand what you’re looking at.
As most people would consider verbal language to be reading, writing and talking, a visual language would definitely have to be art. Understanding visual language is usually something called visual literacy and is the act of learning how to actually read it like you would read a book. Just like you would learn letters to put together a word, reading art is basically the same. You must first learn what makes up an artwork then you must learn to put the pieces together to understand the complex meaning behind them.
Understanding the different elements and design principles in artwork will give you a better understanding of the piece you like. It shouldn’t matter what you are shopping for, be it a classic, timeless piece or maybe you’re just looking for some colourful paintings online , you should choose a piece that says something to you. After all you’re probably going to have to look at it every day so always make sure to choose something that makes you feel good. Artwork is a complex thing that takes time and practice but with a bit of practice it should become easier for you to look at art and really appreciate it.
‘Composition’ is the term used when talking about the different aspects of art. These are the categories in which you break down what art is made up of. The composition of artwork is broken down into two main categories. These categories include the elements of art and the principles of design. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a pricey timeless piece or just simple colourful paintings online, the concept is the same. Below we’ll go over these compositions so you can get a better understanding of what makes up artwork and the visual language behind them.
The different elements that make up art are the lines, which are the moving path created by a point on a surface. The second is a shape which is an enclosed line.
- Volume and mass, which is a shape in three dimensions, a space within that form and actual or perceived weight.
- Colour which includes hues, tints and shades that work together.
- Light and its effect in an artwork, how the artist has incorporated the light into the artwork, or the illusion of light in the artwork.
- Movement and time, time based arts and the illusion of passing time or a moment.
- Space is where an object may be perceived in comparison to its surroundings, also the illusion of three dimensions in a two dimensional piece.
- Lastly, texture where the surface of an object may change or has the illusion of texture.
The principles of design in artwork are repetition, pattern and rhythm and they refer to one object or shape repeated, or a combination of elements or shapes recurring. Balance is the sense that the object is stable which would include symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement. Contrast is the difference between different elements in the artwork both visually or in the subject matter. Scale and proportion are the size of an object, just relating to certain parts or as a whole. Directional force is the paths created within the artwork to draw the eye through the painting. Unity and variety are when similar elements work together within an artwork to create a sense of wholeness. Lastly, there is emphasis and subordination which is where there is a focal point within the painting and other elements are toned down.