An introduction to the elements and principles of art, specifically line, shape, contrast, form, mass, volume, and texture. Includes examples by Andre Masson, Otto Dix, Kara Walker, Meret Oppenheim, M.C. Escher, and more! Based on "Gateways to Art" (2012) by DeWitte, Larmann, and Shields.
7. Regular/Irregular Line
Andre Masson, Automatic Drawing, 1925-6. Ink on
paper, 12 x91/2”. Muse’e National d’Art Moderne.
Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France.
16. Other types of analysis:
• Formal: elements and principles of art
• Psychological: interprets artist’s mental state
• Contextual: historical, religious, political
economic, social, etc.
• Feminist: role of women in the artwork as
subjects, creators, patrons, and viewers
• Iconographic: objects and figures as signs or
symbols (often religious or historical)
17. Three-dimensional art:
• Form (vs. SHAPE)
• Height, width, depth
– Volume – amount of space occupied
– Mass- solidity (small or massive)
• Texture – tangible (3D) or imaginary (2D)
21. Group Work: Analyze
Shepard Fairey, Obey, 1996.
Georgia O’Keeffe, Music—Pink and
Blue II, 1919. Oil on canvas, 35x29
1/8”. Whitney Museum of American
Art, New York.