Junior Docent School Program - Milwaukee Art Museum

Tour: Elements of Art 2
Background
The elements of art are the basic visual factors or vocabulary common to all that we see
– sensory properties. They are the ingredients that artists use to create a work of art.
This tour will examine texture and space in works of art.
Objectives:
Students will be able to recognize and discuss the elements of texture and space
in two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art
Students will develop their vocabulary for looking at and discussing visual art
Docents will incorporate activities involving touching real objects, physical
movement, music, and poetry whenever possible
Texture
Space
Texture is the surface quality of objects that appeals to the tactile and
visual senses; it can be both real and implied. It is the physical surface
structure of a material. Real textures are those that actually can be
touched. Implied textures are those that are simulated, or invented – a
visual matter; the appearance of a surface character.
Space defines shapes and masses and is in turn shaped by it. In art,
space refers to the three-dimensionality of sculpture and architecture. It
also refers to the sense of depth in a two-dimensional artwork. Space is
the interval between pre-established points in two-dimensional and threedimensional
works of art.
In a two-dimensional work of art, an artist uses various devices to achieve
the illusion of space on the flat surface. Another convention is to pay
attention to scale (linear perspective) – making a house larger than an
apple on the same plane, for example. The interactions of colors – darks
tending to recede from the viewer, lights to move toward them – are also
useful in creating the illusion of logical space (atmospheric perspective).
Every work of art – whether it is a painting, sculpture, building or
photograph – is made of positive and negative spaces (actual or implied).
Positive spaces are the tangible, actual aspects in and of a work of art.
Negative spaces are the areas that either surround the positive spaces or
exist between them – the “empty” areas.
PRIMARY POINT: The principles of art are the ways in which artists combine the
elements of art to communicate their message. The seven principles of art are balance,
rhythm (repetition), pattern, contrast (variety), emphasis (focal point), movement (visual
path), and unity. When discussing an element of art, docents should refer to the
principles of art, such as an emphasis through the use of texture, or movement through
the use of space.
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JDSP – Docent Packet