The Building Blocks of Composition in Arts
The Visual Element - Value
Value is an element of art that refers to luminance or luminosity, which is the lightness or darkness of a color. It deals directly with the visible lightness or darkness of a color. It is especially important in works of art when color is absent because it is the key to creating the illusion of light. This makes value incredibly important to drawings, printmaking, and photographs. The importance of value is evident in artworks by artists such as Kathe Kollwitz, Chuck Close, and Edward Weston.
Importance of Value in Artwork
Value is used to create a focal point within a painting or drawing. The human eye is immediately drawn to a light element against a dark element, creating the focal point of interest. It is more important than color to the design and success of a painting. To create the illusion of depth, gradations of value are also used. It conveys the contrast between light and dark, setting the mood in a painting. Additionally, value describes the textures of an object.
Important Terms Regarding Value
Some important terms associated with value include light source, value scale, tints, shades, highlights, and shadows. These terms help artists understand and manipulate value effectively in their artworks.
The Visual Element - Texture
Texture refers to the surface quality or "feel" of an object, such as roughness, smoothness, or softness. Actual texture can be felt, while simulated textures are implied by the way the artist renders the surface area. The visual element of texture defines the surface quality of an artwork - the roughness or smoothness of the material from which it is made.
Optical and Physical Texture
We experience texture in two ways: optically or physically. Optically or implied texture is achieved through the masterful use of artistic tools and materials, creating an illusion of different textures. Physical or tactile texture can be felt with our sense of touch and is related to the materials used in three-dimensional art, such as marble, brass, bronze, etc.
Importance of Texture
Texture gives an artwork a sense of object-ness and associates it with the concrete physical world. It adds drama to an artwork and makes it realistic, enhancing the overall visual experience for the viewers.
The Visual Element - Space
Space refers to the empty or open area between, around, above, below, or within objects. Shapes and forms are made by the space around and within them. Space can be positive or negative, open or closed, shallow or deep, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional.
The Importance of Space
Space is often referred to as the "breath of art," as it is found in nearly every piece of art created. It plays a crucial role in defining the composition, balance, and overall visual dynamics of an artwork. Understanding and manipulating space is essential for artists to create impactful and engaging pieces.
By understanding the fundamental elements of value, texture, and space in art, artists can enhance the visual appeal and emotional impact of their artworks. These elements contribute to the overall composition and aesthetic quality, making them essential aspects of the creative process.
