ACTIVIDAD 7
Characteristics of shapes
The different characteristics of shapes allow us to distinguish between them.
- Configuration refers to the shape’s structure: Two-dimensional or flat shapes can be triangular, rectangular, round, irregular, etc. Three-dimensional shapes include pyramids, cubes and spheres.
- Size is established by comparison. For example, an apple is small if we compare it to a person, but it is big if we compare it to an insect.
- Material refers to what the shape is made of: wood, plastic, glass, stone, etc. Materials can be soft, hard, light, heavy, etc.
- Texture indicates the tactile or visual sensation of the surface of the shape. It may be smooth, rough, textured, etc. The finish is described using terms such as shiny, matt, opaque, translucent, etc.
- Colour is a relative quality. This means that it can change depending on the ambient light.
- Position tells us whether the shape is lying down, facing front, in profile, foreshortened, etc. Location refers to the space where the form is situated: far away, up close, high up, to one side, etc.
Simple and complex shapes
Simple shapes have a short outline and are easy to visualise and memorise, for example, a dot or a line.
Complex shapes are made up of various interrelated lines, planes, textures and colours. The viewer’s gaze has to pass over every part of the shape several times in order to see and understand it all.
Types of shapes
Shapes can be classified based on origin or source:
- Natural shapes come from nature, for example, a flower, an animal, the sun, mountains or rocks.
- Artificial shapes are constructed by humans: a building, a calculator, a light bulb, an article of clothing, etc.
Or configuration:
- Geometric shapes are arranged based on the laws of mathematics.
- Organic shapes have a freer configuration.
Choose the correct answer.
1.- Configuration relates to the ... of a shape.
a) size b) structure
- - Size is determined ...
a) by measuring b) by comparison with other shapes
- - Smooth, rough, shiny and matt are all terms that describe the ... of a shape.
a) material b) texture
4. Colour can change depending on the ...
a) ambient light b) material
- In order to see an entire complex shape, the viewer must ...
a) look over the whole shape several times. b) look at it once.
- The terms natural and artificial describe a shape’s ...
a) origin or source. b) geometry and configuration.
- Shapes based on mathematical laws are classified as ...
a) organic b) geometric
8. The configuration of organic shapes is relatively ...
a) free b) rigid
Drawing
Drawing is a basic form of visual representation used to depict objects, forms in nature, ideas and feelings. The best tools for drawing are graphite pencils and coloured pencils, charcoal, pastels and ink. The most common surface medium is paper, which comes in different thicknesses and textures.
Types of drawings
A sketch is a preparatory drawing done before the final version of a piece. The final work of art may be based on one or more sketches, which are adjusted and corrected until the desired effect is achieved.
A life drawing or nature drawing is made looking at the actual figure or scene being depicted. It can be used as a sketch for an original piece or considered the final work of art. Life and nature drawings typically have a lot of energy and very expressive strokes. A rough sketch is a simplified drawing intended to depict an idea or the essential parts of an object. A diagram presents a geometric depiction of an object.
Creative expression
We have the ability to communicate and express ourselves through visual language from the time we are children. This skill changes with age, personal experience, motivation and cultural enrichment. We are also able to invent images that do not exist in reality, or alter and interpret the appearance of real forms, using our imagination.
Strokes
Strokes (pen strokes, pencil strokes, etc.) are the marks used to depict shapes. Strokes can be described as thick, thin, uniform, irregular, etc. The quality and effect of different strokes depends on a number of factors, including the pressure of the hand, the material used and the surface.
Creative resources
Shapes can also be used to create certain visual effects.
Geometric shapes express order and seriousness. If the shapes are also closed (with continuous borders), this effect is enhanced.
Open shapes produce a greater sensation of movement; their outlines are not defined and their colours and textures merge with other shapes. Organic shapes increase this visual effect.
Choose the correct answer.
- The best drawing tools are graphite pencils, charcoal, coloured pencils, pastels and ...
a) ink b) paint
2. A sketch is a ...
a) diagram b) preparatory drawing
- Drawings made in the presence of the figure or scene shown in the drawing are called ...
a)rough sketches or diagrams b)life or nature drawings
- A ... is a simplified drawing that depicts an idea or the basic parts of an object.
a) rough sketch b) life drawing
- Imagination is the ability to invent images that do not exist in ...
a) drawings b) reality
6. Thick, thin, uniform, irregular, well-defined and open are all terms to describe different types of ...
a) strokes b) drawings
- Geometric shapes and … create the visual effect of order and seriousness.
a) organic shapes b) closed shapes
8. Open forms and organic shapes express ...
a) movement b) order
Artistic styles
Style is the personality that each artist brings to his or her work. It involves choosing specific subjects, types of composition, colours, strokes and textures which distinguish them from other artists.
There are many different artistic styles and movements. However, they can be divided into three general groups with similar characteristics:
Realism
We describe a work of art as realist when it accurately depicts how things appear in real life. Within the realist style, we can identify different degrees of connection to visual reality.
- Artistic realism incorporates a certain amount of subjectivity for artistic purposes.
- Scientific or analytical realism precisely depicts each part of a figure.
Abstract art
The term abstract art is used to describe forms of artistic expression that do not refer to objective
reality. However, sometimes the title of the work may relate to something real. Abstract art encompasses a number of different movements, including:
- Abstract expressionism emphasises the expressive qualities of different strokes and artistic resources.
- Geometric abstraction focuses on creating beauty through accuracy and precision.
Figurative art
Figurative art encompasses a wide range of trends. The common element is that the work always maintains a certain resemblance to reality. The figures are recognisable as depicting real-life subjects and are clearly identifiable, even when simplified or distorted.
The figurative style includes artistic movements such as impressionism, cubism, expressionism and surrealism, which use different stylistic elements such as simplification, deformation or schematicism.
True or false? Correct the false sentences.
- Style is the material that each artist uses to create.
- There are four basic groups of artistic styles: realism, abstract art, figurative art and pop art.
- A work of art that accurately represents the real appearance of things is described as realist.
- Scientific realism is a subjective style of art.
- Abstract art refers to subjective reality.
- Abstract expressionism focuses on the possibilities for expression offered by creative resources.
- Figurative art always has some visual connection to things as they appear in reality.
- Impressionism, cubism, expressionism and surrealism are all examples of abstract art.
