Expressive Features and Characteristics of Design

building blocks of visual art

Line- Line is the path of a point moving through space.

Form -Form has depth, length, and width and resides in space. It is perceived as three-dimensional.

Color-Colors all come from the three primaries and black and white. They have three properties – hue, value, and intensity.

Value- Value refers to relative lightness and darkness and is perceived in terms of varying levels of contrast.

Texture- Texture refers to the tactile qualities of a surface (actual) or to the visual representation of such surface qualities (implied).

Perspective- Perspective is representing a volume of space or a 3-dimensional object on a flat surface.

Pattern- Pattern refers to the repetition or reoccurrence of a design element, exact or varied, which establishes a visual beat.

Rhythm / Movement- Rhythm or movement refers to the suggestion of motion through the use of various elements.

Proportion / Scale- Proportion is the size relationship of parts to a whole and to one another. Scale refers to relating size to a constant, such as a human body.

Balance- Balance is the impression of equilibrium in a pictorial or sculptural composition. Balance is often referred to as symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.

Unity- Unity is achieved when the components of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion.

Emphasis- Emphasis refers to the created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands.

Describe three expressive features and characteristics found in the artwork above. For each, describe how the characteristic and expressive feature gives meaning to the artwork. This should be a paragraph.

Name two expressive feature and characteristic that is used in the sculpture above. Explain what meaning it communicates and how. This needs to be a paragraph.

The artist best communicates emotion in this artwork through

A pose and position.

B texture and line.

C color and pattern.

D subject and location.

The artist best communicates emotion in this artwork throughA pose and position.

« Correct answerB texture and line.

C color and pattern.

D subject and location.

Which expressive feature and characteristic is used in both of the above artworks?A Earth tones B Narrative C DecorationD Scale

Which expressive feature and characteristic is used in both of the above artworks?A Earth tones

B Narrative

C Decoration

« Correct answerD Scale

What is best communicated by the sculpture above? A Mystery and intrigue

B Pain and suffering C Structure and organization

D Anger and resentment

What is best communicated by the sculpture above? A Mystery and intrigue

B Pain and suffering

« Correct answerC Structure and organization

D Anger and resentment

What is the artist most likely communicating in this sculpture?A Mankind has been dehumanizedB Everybody is choosing to conform

C An antii-war statement

D People are like robots

What is the artist most likely communicating in this sculpture?A Mankind has been dehumanized

« Correct answerB Everybody is choosing to conform

C An anti-war statement

D People are like robots

What does the sculpture best communicate to its viewers?A Drinking tea can be dangerous.

B The skulls represent a thematic contradiction.

C The tea set is for funeral services.

D It is a foreshadowing of death.

What does the sculpture best communicate to its viewers?A Drinking tea can be dangerous.

B The skulls represent a thematic contradiction.

« Correct answerC The tea set is for funeral services.

D It is a foreshadowing of death.

What is the primary purpose for the variations in the sketch above?A Developing variations for a product

B Advertising for a new product

C Considering value and contrast

D Planning size and scale

What is the primary purpose for the variations in the sketch above?A Developing variations for a product

« Correct answerB Advertising for a new product

C Considering value and contrast

D Planning size and scale

What purpose did the artist have for creating artwork 1?

A Experiment with several ideas

B Determine the scale of the artwork

C Visualize the finished artwork

D Sketch the texture of a tree

What purpose did the artist have for creating artwork 1?

A Experiment with several ideas

B Determine the scale of the artwork

C Visualize the finished artwork

« Correct answerD Sketch the texture of a tree

Identify an emotion the sculpture communicates:_________________________________

List two expressive features and characteristics from the artwork to support the emotion you identified.

1. __________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________

What is the artist communicating by painting the Coca Cola logo on an ancient vase? Explain your answer.

Teapot by Margaret Brown, Functional ceramics 2.Teapot by Mike Paluska

Which of the following describes the main difference between the artists' intent in artwork 1 and artwork 2? A Functional vs. Sculptural

B Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical

C Matte vs. Gloss

D Traditional vs. Experimental

Teapot by Margaret Brown, Functional ceramics 2.Teapot by Mike Paluska

Which of the following describes the main difference between the artists' intent in artwork 1 and artwork 2? A Functional vs. Sculptural

B Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical

C Matte vs. Gloss

D Traditional vs. Experimental

« Correct answer

Suffering by Constantin Brancusi, Bronze Sculpture

Bird in Space by Constantin Brancusi

Consider the titles as you look at each of these works by Constantin Brancusi.

Why did the artist create one realistic artwork and one abstract artwork?A The artist wanted to experiment with media.

B The artist couldn’t finish the sculpture Bird in Space.

C The artist is not skilled at creating realistic birds.

D The artist’s style best communicates his intent.

Artists make thoughtful choices while creating artwork. Look at artworks 1 and 2. Describe three similarities and three differences in artistic decision making.

Describe three similarities in artistic decision making:

1.____________________________________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________________________________

Describe three differences in artistic decision making:

1.____________________________________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________________________________

An organization wants a ceramic vase for a fundraising musical event that• reflects the theme of music • includes pattern

sketch completely different ideas for the organization's request. Use the theme of music and pattern in both of your sketches.

Use the plans you created in question 15 to answer the question below.

One of the musicians really likes your sketches, but wants a specific instrument incorporated on the vase. Revise your sketch(es) to create a new design that includes:

the theme of music pattern a musical instrument of your choice

Your revised sketch can include drawings, text, or notes to explain your new idea.