Visual perception

Visual perception is the ability of humans to understand forms and colours found in their environment. As we perceive things, our sense of sight selects, compares and interprets groups of visual stimuli in an appropriate way. Perception is affected by both objective and subjective aspects. Together, they influence how we perceive things and produce a personal interpretation of what we see. This means that each of us perceives the images we receive in a different way.

Objective aspects relate to the true forms and colours around us, and the relationships between them.

Subjective aspects depend on our own unique personality and circumstances, such as beliefs, motivations, knowledge, state of mind and culture.

Observation

Observation is closely related to perception. However, while perception is a physical sensation in response to a visual image, in observation, analysis plays an essential role. Observation has two important aspects:

• Analytical observation involves identifying and examining the characteristics and properties of an object: material, shape, colour, etc.

• Functional observation is related to the meaning, function and action of the elements of an object. For example, if we observe a photo of men dressed in uniforms running on a grassy field with lines on it, a ball and spectators, functional observation tells us that we are looking at a photo of a football match.

Elements of visual communication

In order to communicate meaning, all of the elements of a visual message must perform their function.

• Sender: the person or group that transmits information through images, text and sound.
• Message: the information or idea transmitted.

• Receiver: the person or group that receives and interprets the message from the sender.

• Medium or channel: how the message is transmitted. Television, the print and digital press, the Internet and book publishers are media that disseminate visual and audiovisual messages to large numbers of receivers. The medium is also the physical element through which the message is transmitted. For example, newspapers are a medium for the press news and information.

Choose the correct answer.

1. Visual perception allows us to understand the  ...    around us.

        a) sounds                      b) images

2. Perception is influenced by ...                                 a) objective and subjective aspects                       b) only objective aspects

3. Each person perceives images ...

        a) the same way       b) differently

4. Subjective aspects are related to ...                          a) personality and circumstances        b)  location and direction

5. Analysis is an essential part of ...

a) observation           b) perception

6. Analytical observation involves identifying and examining formal qualities such as ...  a) size, shape and colour    b) meaning, function and action

7. The process of determining meaning, function and action is known as ... observation.

        a) analytical                b) functional

8. The print and digital press, television channels and the Internet are examples of ...

        a) the message        b) different media

Visual effects

When we create images as a way of expressing ourselves and communicating, we need to be aware of how the relationships between the different elements in a scene produce certain visual effects.

Relationship between figure and ground

One of the main principles of perception is that a form stands out and is perceived more easily when it contrasts with other forms because of its size, shape, colour or position. However, when all the forms in a scene are the same or similar, we perceive them as a homogenous group.

Another principle is that we cannot see both figure and background at the same time. If we focus on one figure, the background fades away, and vice versa.

Principle of closure

Even if a figure is incomplete, if enough of the shape is defined, our sight tends to complete it by filling in the missing information.

Proximity, similarity and continuity

Forms which are close to each other and equal or similar forms tend to be perceived as belonging to the same figure. Forms that are arranged facing in the same direction are perceived as a unit.

Proximity                     Similarity                     Continuity

Depth and distance

Progressively smaller figures give a scene a sense of depth and distance. When two figures overlap, the overlapping figure is perceived as being in front of the other figure. Diminishing colour intensity produces the sensation of distance and depth.

Other principles of perception

An intense light projected onto a figure makes it stand out from a background in shadow.

A figure that has a less complex shape or colour than the other figures in the scene is perceived first.

A figure is perceived more quickly if it is part of the viewer’s field of visual experience; it is familiar.

True or false? Correct the false sentences.

1. Artists need to know what visual effects are created by the arrangement of the elements in an image.

2. When a form has the same size or colour as the forms around it, it is easier to see.

3. Our sight can identify an unfinished figure if there is enough information in the image.

4. We tend to perceive identical or similar forms as separate figures.

5. The sensation of depth can be created by using smaller and smaller forms.

6. Projecting an intense light on a figure makes it easier to see the background.

7. We perceive more complex forms before forms that have a simple shape or colour.

VOCABULARY

Principles of perception

Optical illusion:

An image in which we can perceive something that is not physically in the image, can be interpreted in different ways or represents impossible perspectives.

Principle of closure:

Our sight tends to complete unfinished shapes or figures when the contours are arranged in a continuous, specific direction.

Principle of figure and background:

In an image, figure and background cannot be perceived simultaneously.

Principle of continuity:

Elements that are arranged in the same direction are perceived as one unit.

Principle of contrast:

An element of in image stands out from the rest when its colour, size or shape is different.

Principle of homogeneity:

Elements in an image tend to be perceived as a unit when their colour, size or shape is the same.

Principle of proximity:

Elements in an image that are closer to each other are perceived as one figure or group.

Principle of similarity:

Elements in an image that are similar or the same are perceived as a unit.

Receiver:

A person or group that receives or interprets the information contained in images.

Sender:

A person or group that transmits information through images.

Subjective visual language:

Visual language that conveys information in such a way that it can be interpreted in different ways.

Visual communication:

The process of transmitting information or expressing