Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Visual arts

The Fundamentals of Color and Its Application

The study of color encompasses its physical characteristics, how it is mixed, and how it is perceived.

Physical Characteristics of Light

Light is a form of energy, a range of electromagnetic radiation. It can be natural or artificial.

The rainbow is a physical phenomenon demonstrating that white light is composed of seven distinct colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Sir Isaac Newton discovered that white light, when passed through a prism, decomposes into these seven colors of the rainbow.

Light Color: Additive Synthesis

Light color mixing is known as additive synthesis. The three primary colors of light are Red, Green, and Blue (RGB). The mixture of these three produces white... Continue reading "Understanding Color: Light, Pigments, and Perception" »

Polygon

A polygon is a flat geometric figure bounded by a closed traverse that does not intersect itself.

Classifying Polygons

Polygons are basically classified into:

• Regular Polygons
• Irregular Polygons

Regular Polygons

A regular polygon has all sides of equal length and all its vertices lie on a circle. They are classified as:

• Equilateral Triangle: A regular polygon with 3 sides.
• Square: A 4-sided regular polygon.
• Regular Pentagon: A regular polygon with 5 sides.
• Regular Hexagon: A 6-sided regular polygon.
• Regular Heptagon: A regular 7-sided polygon.
• Regular Octagon: An 8-sided regular polygon, and so on.

Regular Polygon

Irregular Polygons

An irregular polygon has sides that are not of equal length and/or its vertices do not lie on a circle. According to... Continue reading "Understanding Polygons: Types, Properties, and Classifications" »

The Point: Foundation of Visual Form

Defining the Point

The point is the smallest element that can be drawn. Its form is considered indefinite when it is very small, as its shape is conceptually round.

Expressive Capacity of Points

The expressive capacity of the point is demonstrated when a set of points produces an effect of depth or volume. An example of this is concentration, where points grouped closely together can create a sense of density or focus.

Dimensional Capability of Points

The dimensional capability of the point also relates to how a set of points can create an effect of depth or volume. This can be achieved through techniques such as overlap, variations in size, and the use of color.

The Line: A Point in Motion

Understanding the Line

The... Continue reading "Visual Elements: Point, Line, Plane, & Texture in Art" »

Understanding Color: Rainbows, Light, and Pigments

A rainbow occurs when sunlight passes through raindrops, separating the light into seven colored lights.

Absorption conveys the feeling of color when light illuminates an object. The object's surface absorbs some of the light. This property is called the absorption of light.

Reflection is when light is not absorbed but rejected, changing direction and creating the sensation of color.

Color is the name for each color and describes the colors that comprise their mixture (e.g., yellow and green make yellow-green).

Value and Saturation

Value describes the degree of clarity or obscurity of a tone, i.e., the amount of white or black in the composition. For example, magenta can be light, dark, or very dark.... Continue reading "Understanding Color: Rainbows, Light, Pigments, and Saturation" »

Map Projection

A map projection is a system of ordered correspondence between points on the curved surface of the Earth and a flat surface. These points are located on a network of meridians and parallels, in the form of a mesh (creating a series of distortions). Good projections must have two characteristics: to retain the areas (equivalence) and retain angles (conformity). Depending on which point is considered the center of the map, it is distinguished between:

• Polar projection: The center is one of the poles.
• Equatorial projection: The center is the intersection between the Equator and a meridian.
• Oblique or slanted projection: The center is any other point.

Functions of the Projections

Conformal Projections

A map projection is conformal when... Continue reading "Map Projections: Types, Functions, and Uses in GIS with GPS" »

Understanding Space and Visual Perception

Space is the medium in which we move. It is unlimited and three-dimensional, meaning it has three dimensions: height, width, and depth. Through these, we can understand the form, saturation, and position of any solid body.

The way our eyes perceive space, the visual field, is divided into two general planes: the plane of the sky and the plane of the earth. These are separated by the horizon, seen at the eye level of the human observer. Each observer perceives their environment from a single point of view, which changes simply by altering the direction of their gaze or the position from which they observe.

Representing Three-Dimensional Space on a Plane

Drawing on a plane (which has height and width) is... Continue reading "Visualizing Space: Perception, Perspective, and Artistic Techniques" »

Architectural Elements of the Dome

The exterior of the Florence Cathedral highlights its magnificent dome, which features a distinctive pointed ogival profile. The dome is composed of three primary parts:

• The Tambour (or Light Body): This octagonal section features eight panels, formed by slabs of green and white marble.
• The Oculus (or "Egg"): A circular window, serving as a classic architectural element and light source.
• The Cupola Proper: This main section of the dome is formed by eight triangular trusses. The overlying material consists of red brick, surrounded by prominent nerves that discharge weight from the drum. The lantern, crowning the dome, is made of white marble.

Engineering Challenges and Innovations

The construction of the dome presented... Continue reading "Brunelleschi's Dome: Florence Cathedral's Architectural Triumph" »

Sulfate Minerals

Painting Techniques

Fresco

Fresco: Applied on a whitewashed wall with pigments dissolved in lime water. The painter must work quickly and confidently because corrections are impossible once the paint dries. A preparatory drawing is essential to mark the outlines and the areas to be painted.

Oil Painting

Oil: Applied on canvas or wood, using pigments dissolved in oil. Oil painting allows for corrections and a variety of pictorial effects, although errors may become visible over time.

Watercolor

Watercolor: Pigments mixed with water on absorbent paper. Corrections are difficult.

Pastel

Pastel: Applied with a pencil incorporating a binding agent on paper.

Collage

Collage: Popularized by Picasso and Braque, collage involves pasting colored newsprint or other... Continue reading "Painting Techniques: Fresco, Oil, Watercolor, and More" »