Principles and Elementsof Art

Principles: Pattern, Unity, BalanceElement: Shape, Form, Texture,

Space

Elements of Art

Shape, Form, Space, texture

• What is shape? A shape is an element of art. Specifically, it is an enclosed space, the boundaries of which are defined by other elements of art

Shape

Types of Shape• Geometric: Shapes that have specific rules• Organic: a shape that can have both curved

and straight segments.

Form

• What is it?It is an element of art. At its most basic, a form is a three-dimensional geometrical figure (i.e.: sphere, cube, cylinder, cone, etc.), as opposed to a shape, which is two-dimensional, or flat.

Types of Form

• Geometric:is a list of three-dimensional geometric shapes.Such as: cubes, spheres, cones, etc

Another type of Form

• Free Form:A form without specific rules. Three-dimensional enclosed space.

Space

• Positive: is the space occupied by your subject• Negative: is the space that is not your subject

Do you see a vase ortwo faces?

Texture

• What is it? is used to describe either the way a three-dimensional work actually feels when touched, or the visual "feel" of a two-dimensional work.

Principles of Art

Pattern, Unity, Balance

Pattern

• What is it?pattern means the repetition of an element (or elements) in a work

Unity

• What is it?Unity is the hallmark of a good design. It's the final result in a composition when all the design elements work harmoniously together giving the viewer a satisfying sense of belonging and relationship. You know unity has been achieved when all aspects of the design complement one another rather than compete for attention.

Ways to achieve unity• ProximityThe simplest method of making objects appear to belong together is to group them closely together. This allows us to see a pattern

On the right grouping of similar objects (proximity) was used to create unity within this painting.

RepetitionAnother method often used to promote unity is the use of repetition. Repetition of color, shape, texture or object can be used to tie a work together.

The painting on the left creates a sense of unity by the effective use of repetition. See how the artist has repeated similar forms (ducks) and color (brown) throughout the composition?

Balance

• What is it and how is it achieved on a flat surface? To answer this question, we must first think of a three dimensional work of art. If the pieces were not physically balanced or anchored, they would fall over. For images created on a flat surface such as a canvas the same principle of balance applies. However, instead of having actual or physical balance, the artist needs to create an illusion of balance, referred to as visual balance.

Types of balance

• Symmetrical BalanceSymmetrical balance is when the weight is equally distributed on both sides of the central axis. Symmetry is the simplest and most obvious type of balance. It creates a secure, safe feeling and a sense of solidity. Symmetrical balance can be achieved in two ways. One way is by "pure symmetry," and the other way is by "approximate symmetry."

• Asymmetrical BalanceAsymmetrical balance is when both sides of the central axis are not identical, yet appear to leave the same visual weight. It is a "felt" equilibrium or balance between the parts of a composition rather than actual. If the artist can feel, judge or estimate the various elements and visual weight, this should allow him/her to balance them as a whole. As a result, a more interesting composition will occur in the work.

When components are balanced left and right of a central axis they are balanced horizontally.

When they are balanced above and below they are said to be balanced vertically.

When components are distributed around the center point, or spring out from a central line, this is referred to as radial balance.

Japanese Lanterns

Japanese Lantern History

The Japanese use of stone lamps in Japan, called Ishidoro, began with the introduction of Buddhism to the country in the 6th Century. They were used to originally light temples and later to mark the grounds of sacred shrines, or more secular areas like teahouses, and private gardens

The burning lamp is a common metaphor in Buddhist texts; it symbolizes the Buddhist teachings: the light that helps us to overcome the darkness of ignorance. There is a Buddhism sutra that states that light is dedicated to Buddha. Many Buddhist sutras (scriptures) say it is virtuous to offer the light of a lamp to the Buddha, and so, the lanterns in front of Japanese temples and shrines were probably used initially as symbolic offerings or memorial of the Buddha.

• Stone lanterns became more common with the onset of the Japanese sacred tea ceremony, a national tradition that came about after the Chinese introduced tea to Japan in the 9thCentury. The lanterns lit dark paths leading to the tea ceremonial hut or decorated tea ceremony masters tea gardens. The Way of Tea is a ritual, still practiced today that embodies the ideas of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.

Stone lanterns eventually moved into use in modern times as garden decorations. The garden lantern serves

two fold purposes. The shapes have specific meanings and on its own it looks like a sculptured showpiece that

acts as one of the focal points of the garden. The true magic of the Japanese garden lanterns comes to play

when night falls and these lamps are ignited bringing the entire garden to light. Typical Japanese garden lanterns

do not throw out an excessive amount of light that will brighten up the whole place. Rather the light that

radiates out of these lanterns are dim and bring about a sense of serenity shedding enough light for

the visitor to make his way through the garden while appreciating its beauty.

Examples of different kinds of lanterns

• Riverside stone lanterns are usually placed to overlook a pond or stream for they create a beautiful image in the water reflection.

• Oribe• First produced in the Momyana period and is among

the oldest Japanese garden lanterns known. The lantern is a classic representation of a "planted" stone lantern style for they do not have a base at the bottom. The Oribe lantern has a carved Buddha at the base of the lantern.

• Kasuga• The Kasuga lantern is a classic example of a Japanese

"tachi-gata" or pedestal style lantern. This style of lantern dates back to the Ashikaga period. It is commonly used as a focal point and the stone carvings on the light box often relate to its origin

• Miyoshi• The name of the originator "Miyoshi" is carved in the face

of this elegant granite lantern. This is a classic ikekomi-gata (buried) style Japanese lantern. The Miyoshi is stunning placed in an entry way or along a garden path

• Kotoji Lantern• This lantern is an outstanding symbol of Japanese creative

symmetry in stone. The lantern is named Kotoji meaning, "harp tuner", for the two legs on which the body of the lantern stands are said to resemble to tuning forks of the Japanese musical instrument "koto". Usually one leg is placed on the land and the other in water, reflecting the interdependence of land and water.

Your Task

• Create a Japanese lantern using multiple slabs, with a roof and a base.

• Criteria: • 1. You may only use slabs to create your lantern. • 2. You must have two layers of slabs

a. A base or support, and b. The top ‘house’ layer with a roof to enclose the top layer. Your house may not be larger

than 10 inches.• 3. You must have holes cut out in a pattern or design for illumination. The light will come through the lantern in the ‘house’ layer.

Slab Building Technique

Go to web sit to view videohttp://christiangarceau.weebly.com/slab-building.html

Steps:• 1.) Brainstorm: Draw out 7 ideas for your lantern design. Look in books

and on line to help you come up with your ideas. SITE YOUR SOURCES!• 2.) Demonstration: Creating a mock up or a maquette with cardstock

(paper). • 3.) Make a mock up of your lantern. You will create a mini version of

your lantern to help you flush out the problems along the way. Create 3 parts to the piece: The base, the house, and the roof.

• 4.) Demonstration: Beginning your slab lantern• 5.) Roll out slabs, cut all the slabs to size and leave them overnight so

they become leather hard.• 6.) Begin constructing the base.• 7.) Construct the ‘house’ separately from the base.• 8.) Cut out the holes in the ‘house’ part.• 9). Build the roof, with a flange, and attach it to the ‘house.’• 10.) Attach the ‘house’ to the base or leave it free standing on the base.• 11). Craftsmanship is key!. Put your name on it and place it in on bisque

shelf in wedging room.

Examples