Art 100:
Drawing 1
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Gesture
A gesture is the physical motion required to make a drawing or painting. A gesture leaves its trace on the paper or canvas as a mark. A mark is the basic component of a painting or a drawing, much like a pixel is the basic component of a computer image. Gestures can be large or small, simple or complex, bold or graceful.
Gesture and Expression
Artmaking activity |
Gesture required |
Miniature painting/drawing |
Using hand and wrist |
Easel painting |
Using hand, wrist, elbow |
Mural /graffiti painting |
Using hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, more? |
Action painting (Jackson Pollock) |
Using entire body |
Expression
Expression is when an artist gives shape or form to an idea or a motion. Expressions can run the gamut of our emotional experiences.
For example:
Smiles: Because they point up at the edges, smiles are expressions of happiness. They are basically positive expressions.
Frowns: Because the point down at the edges, frowns are expressions of sadnes or unhappiness. They are negative expressions.
Gallery |
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The gesture that created this Chinese character was bold and graphic. It is a direct result of the artist's hand. It expresses an linguistic idea which is objective. |
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This painting by Franz Kline mimics calligraphy but is purely decorative. If any idea is expressed, it is purely subjective. |
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This painting of a brush stroke is by Roy Lichtenstein and was created using the silk screen process. It mimics the the bold spontaneity of the Chinese character, but it is not an authentic mark. |
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This comic book cover is by Jack kirby. If you examine the drawing closely you can see that it is composed of abstract patterns of controled strokes that add up to a larger recognizable pattern. |
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Details of folds of material. |
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Detail of a stone. |
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Detail of hair. |
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