Visual element and principle of design

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Discuss the form, content, and subject matter of a work of art chosen from the list provided. This is an exercise in recognizing visual elements and principles of design in works of art and demonstrating an understanding of how they relate to each other to create meaning. This paper is about looking and seeing. This is not a research paper; you will not need to do additional research. Please follow the outline provided below.

First: Select a work of art
Select one of the following listed works of art:

Circle of Diego Quispe Tito. The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls in Purgatory. Late 17th century. Fig. 1.22, pg. 17.
Henri Matisse. Large Reclining Nude. 1935. Fig. 4.24, pg. 85.
Faith Ringgold. Tar Beach. 1988. Fig. 13.18, pg. 219.
Henry Ossawa Tanner. The Banjo Lesson. 1893. Fig. 21.15, pg. 373
Andy Warhol. Marilyn Diptych. 1962. Fig. 24.23, pg. 447.
Format
Describe the use of each visual element and principle of design in the order they are listed in the outline. You can simply list each term and address how it is used in the painting. If you write in paragraph form be sure to identify each term clearly. Any term not addressed will receive 0 points. Provide specific examples. For example, don’t just say “there are lines,” give specific examples of how line is used in the piece you’ve selected.

Describe how each of the following is used in the piece you selected.

Visual Elements:

Line: what types of lines do you see in the piece? Provide examples.
Shape: what types of shapes do you see? Provide examples.
Mass: How is mass implied?
Space: How is the illusion of space created in the piece?
Time and Motion: Are time and motion evident in tis piece? How so?
Light: How is light used here?
Color: How does the artist use color?
Texture: How does the artist create the illusion of texture, or incorporate actual texture
Principles of Design

Unity and Variety: In what way is this piece unified and how is variety integrated.
Balance: how is the piece balanced and how does the artist accomplish this.
Emphasis and Subordination: What is the focal point and how is it emphasized?
Directional Forces: what leads our attention to the area of emphasis?
Contrast: Are elements that are strongly different? Consider colors and value also.
Repetition and Rhythm: What elements repeat in the composition
Scale and Proportion: Consider the relationships between things and their size

Sample Solution

Circle of Diego Quispe Tito. The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls in Purgatory. Late 17th century. Fig. 1.22, pg. 17.

Visual Elements and Principles of Design

  • Line: Line is used to create a sense of movement and dynamism in the painting. The flames of purgatory are depicted with swirling lines that suggest the heat and intensity of the fire. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the angels are also depicted with flowing lines that create a sense of grace and movement.
  • Shape: The painting is dominated by the triangular shape formed by the Virgin Mary and the two angels above her. This triangular shape creates a sense of balance and stability. The flames of purgatory are depicted with organic shapes that suggest the chaotic and unpredictable nature of fire.
  • Value: Value is used to create a sense of depth and空間in the painting. The figures in the foreground are depicted in light values, while the flames of purgatory are depicted in dark values. This creates a sense of空間as the eye is drawn from the light figures in the foreground to the dark flames in the background.
  • Color: Color is used to create a sense of drama and emotion in the painting. The flames of purgatory are depicted in bright red and orange colors that suggest heat and danger. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the angels are depicted in light blue and white colors that suggest purity and hope.
  • Texture: Texture is used to create a sense of realism in the painting. The flames of purgatory are depicted with a rough, textured surface that suggests the heat and intensity of the fire. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the angels are depicted with a smooth,细腻的表面that suggests their heavenly nature.
  • Space: Space is used to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in the painting. The figures in the foreground are depicted in a shallow空間, while the flames of purgatory are depicted in a deep空間. This creates a sense of distance between the viewer and the scene.
  • Balance: The painting is balanced by the use of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the two angels are arranged in a symmetrical composition. The flames of purgatory are arranged in an asymmetrical composition. This creates a sense of both order and chaos in the painting.
  • Emphasis: Emphasis is created through the use of light and dark values. The figure of the Virgin Mary is the lightest figure in the painting, and she is therefore the most emphasized figure. The flames of purgatory are the darkest figures in the painting, and they are therefore the most emphasized element in the background.
  • Unity: The painting is unified through the use of a limited color palette. The painting is dominated by the colors red, orange, blue, and white. These colors are used throughout the painting to create a sense of unity.

Subject Matter

The subject matter of the painting is the Virgin Mary saving souls from purgatory. Purgatory is a state of purification in which souls are prepared for heaven. The Virgin Mary is depicted as interceding with God on behalf of the souls in purgatory. The angels are depicted as assisting the Virgin Mary in her task.

Meaning

The painting conveys a number of meanings. First, it conveys the belief that the Virgin Mary is a powerful intercessor who can help souls to enter heaven. Second, it conveys the belief that purgatory is a place of purification where souls can prepare for heaven. Third, it conveys the belief that the angels are benevolent beings who assist the Virgin Mary in her work of salvation.

Conclusion

The Circle of Diego Quispe Tito’s The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls in Purgatory is a powerful and moving work of art that conveys a number of important religious beliefs. The painting is skillfully executed using a variety of visual elements and principles of design. The subject matter of the painting is both specific and universal, and the painting’s meaning is both literal and symbolic.

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