# Arts 1310 Exam 1 Study Guide **Exam Date:** Tuesday, February 18 (in class) **Topics Covered:** Iconography, The Formal Elements of Art, and The Principles of Design --- ## Iconography ### What is Iconography? Iconography refers to a system of visual images that convey meaning. These meanings can vary based on cultural understanding: 1. **Widely Understood:** Symbols or images that are universally recognized within a culture. 2. **Not So Widely Understood:** Symbols that require some cultural or contextual knowledge to interpret. 3. **Not Understood:** Symbols that are obscure or unfamiliar to the viewer. ### The Role of Heraldry in Seals The specific role of heraldry in seals was not provided. Review your class notes or slides for clarification. ### Iconography on the One Dollar Bill - **Recto (Front):** Study the symbols on the front of the Great Seal of the United States. - **Verso (Back):** Study the symbols on the back of the Great Seal of the United States. Do not study the Latin phrases on the dollar bill. --- ## The Formal Elements of Art ### Value - **Definition:** Refers to the relative lightness or darkness of an area or object. - **Uses:** 1. To indicate a light source. 2. To imply depth. ### Color - **Secondary Colors:** Created by mixing primary colors. - Example: Red + Blue = Purple. - **Tertiary Colors:** Created by mixing secondary colors. - Example: Purple + Orange = Reddish-Brown. - **Complementary Colors:** Colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. - Example: Red and Green. - **Analogous Colors:** Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. - Example: Blue, Blue-Green, and Green. ### Kinetic Art - **Definition:** Art that incorporates actual movement. - Example: A mobile sculpture that moves with the wind. ### Texture - **Types of Texture:** 1. **Implied Texture:** The illusion of texture in a work of art (e.g., a painting of fur). 2. **Actual Texture:** The physical texture of the material (e.g., the roughness of a sculpture). ### Pattern - **Definition:** Created through the repetition of a formal element of art. - Example: A series of repeating geometric shapes in a painting. ### Time and Motion - **Types of Time and Motion:** 1. **Narrative Sequence:** Depicts a story or progression of events. 2. **An Instant in Time:** Captures a single moment. - **Implied Motion:** Suggests movement through elements like line and space. - Example: A painting of a runner mid-stride. ### Space - **Four Types of Space on a 2D Surface:** 1. Flat 2. Shallow 3. Deep 4. Ambiguous - **Linear Perspective:** Parallel lines recede to a single point on the viewer's horizon. - Example: A road narrowing into the distance. - **Atmospheric Perspective:** Creates the illusion of distance using value, color, and focus. - Example: Distant mountains appearing lighter and less detailed. --- ## Principles of Design ### Scale - **Definition:** How we perceive the size of an object in relation to ourselves. - **Types of Scale:** 1. Small Scale 2. Large Scale ### Proportion - **Definition:** The relationship between the sizes of different parts of a work. - **Purpose:** Enhances the expressive and descriptive qualities of the artwork. ### Balance - **Three Types of Balance:** 1. **Symmetrical Balance:** Both sides of the artwork are balanced and mirror-like. 2. **Asymmetrical Balance:** Balance is achieved through contrast and visual weight, not symmetry. 3. **Radial Balance:** Elements radiate out from a central point. - **Absolute Symmetry vs. Bilateral Symmetry:** - **Absolute Symmetry:** Each side is a perfect mirror image. - **Bilateral Symmetry:** Each side is similar but has minor differences. ### Emphasis and Focal Point - **Emphasis:** Directs the viewer’s attention to a specific area of the artwork. - **How to Create a Focal Point:** Use elements like line, color, light, shape, form, space, or texture. - Example: A bright red object in a monochromatic painting draws the viewer’s eye. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Iconography:** Understand the cultural context of symbols. - **Formal Elements:** Master the basics of value, color, texture, and space. - **Principles of Design:** Recognize how balance, scale, and emphasis shape a viewer’s experience. Review your class notes, PowerPoints, and image lists thoroughly. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing definitions. Do not rely on AI or internet answers during the exam. Even if correct, they will not earn credit. Practice Question: Identify the type of balance used in a painting where all elements radiate from a central point. **Answer:** Radial Balance.