Homework #4

Chapter 9: Texture

1.    Describe three ways to define a pattern in art or theory?

-       repetition of a design or shape

-       a dynamic way of capturing visual interest

-       order and variety of shapes, colors, and values

2.    How can a grid help to define a pattern?

-       Many patterns can be reduced to a grid resulting in “crystallographic balance or order.” Elaborate patterns might be set on a grid so complexity in symmetry, repetition and rotation can occur successfully.

3.    Describe the similarities and differences in pattern and texture?

-       Pattern is defined as repetition of a design with the same thing occurring and reoccurring over and over again. Texture often repeats as well. However, its repetition does not have the regularity of appearing and reappearing as pattern does.

4.    How can texture be used to create visual interest?

-       Texture appeals to us when we touch it. Even if we don’t touch the object, our memory provides a sensation of touch. Variations of dark and light patterns of textures give us clues so that we can either enjoy or not enjoy the textures vicariously.

5.    What is the difference between actual and implied texture?

-       Actual texture is texture that you can actually feel. Implied texture is totally flat, but the line or strokes of the image make it look like there is texture there.

6.    How do you define collage? Give an example.

-       A collage is gluing or pasting bits and pieces of different materials together.  For example, you could use greyscale from white to black in magazine clippings like we did in class to make collages in class.

7.    What is tromp L’oile? (French term: fool the eye)

-       It is the ultimate point in creating visual texture. It is commonly defined as “deceptive painting.” Objects which are in sharp, clear focus, are characterized and described very accurately. The artist will copy exact visual color and value pattern of a surface.

Chapter 12: Value

1.    Define Value and value scale.

-       Value is the art and design term from going from light to dark. Value scale is only shown in 7 steps from black to white even though there are unlimited steps between black and white.

2.    What is achromatic gray?

-       Achromatic gray is a scale of seven values of gray. They are mixtures of only black and white.

3.    What is Value contrast?

-       Value contrast is the relationship between the areas of light and the areas of dark.

4.    How do you create balance in a composition with value?

-       You must arrange the values and use variation in lights to darks, independent of the colors that are used. You want to be balanced in the distribution of values in between black and white. Contrast is a contributing factor. 

5.    How do you create emphasis with value, given an example?

-       You can create emphasis by using a “starting point.” A “thematically” crucial character or element can be emphasized by value contrast. Extreme dark and light contrast can also create emphasis.

6.    What is chiaroscuro? What period in art history was the word originally used?

-       Chiaroscuro is the illusion of having a three-dimensional quality to shape. It is using light to dark to imply depth and volume in a drawing or a painting. This word was used in the Renaissance.

7.    What is aerial or atmospheric perspective?

-       It is when objects far away become less visually distinct and absorb into the atmosphere as the distance is increased.