The Language of Art People throughout the world speak many different languages. To learn a new language, you need to learn new words and a new set of rules for putting those words together. The language of visual arts has its own system. They are arranged according to basic principles. As you learn these basic elements and principles, you will learn the language of art. It will increase your ability to understand, appreciate, and enjoy art, and to express yourself clearly when discussing or producing artwork.
In your investigation workbooks, you should be demonstrating an increase in knowledge about the language of art. This is done through investigation pages and experimentation pages. You investigations and experimentation do not always have to be related directly to the studio piece you are working with. They could simply be for further knowledge and possible ideas for future works.
Elements of Art:
line
color
form
space
value
shape
texture
Principles of Design:
pattern
balance
proportion
variety
emphasis
rhythm
movement
unity
Properties in Art
Subject- is the image viewers can easily identify in a work of art. The subject may be one person or many people; it may be an event, an object, a symbol, etc. In these types of works, the elements of art themselves become the subject matter.
Composition- the way the principles of art are used to organize the elements of art
Content- the message the work communicates. The message may be an idea or a theme, such as family togetherness, or emotions like love, loneliness, happiness, pride, etc.
Your investigation workbook should demonstrate, over time, a high quality of understanding of the language of art, with respect to the elements or art, principles of design and the basic properties/features of an artwork. Do not expect to have amazing vocabulary and understanding right at the beginning of your time in IB Visual Arts. These are skills you will develop over time. The interviewers want to see a development in your skills. So how do you go about demonstrating an increase in knowledge about the Language of Art?
Tips for Developing your Knowledge about the Language of Art: Investigation Pages- when investigating an artist, look up new vocabulary (artistic words related to the form of art you are looking at). Create a investigation workbook page about it and write about it. One thing I always added in was a corner in the page called: "New Glossary Terms", where I would list new words I learned and their brief definition. Feel free to create investigation pages throughout your workbook that are unrelated to your current studio piece you are working on. Experimentation Pages- when experimenting with a new technique or medium, make sure to check up the actual terminology for them. Like the investigation pages, write up the new vocabulary and their brief definitions. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you recognized new vocabulary linked to a specific medium and technique and that you have taken note of it. Make sure to use that new vocabulary throughout the rest of your investigation workbook if you use that technique or medium. The interviewer likes to see how you have learned new, important words, and strive to use them when explaining your own art.