Subject Matter and Content Design
Practice
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!!
1) Look closely at this piece. Describe what you see. You will want to include the following principles of design in your answer: balance, proportion, harmony, variety, and movement.-
In this piece, the rectangles, the vertical and horizontal lines, and lack of hue create a sense of harmony. There is balance and proportion because although the rectangles are different, no one rectangle overpowers the others, and the size relationship among the rectangles is agreeable to the eye. There is a sense of movement and depth, through the use of shading and shadowing. It almost appears like some of squares are popping out. There is variety created by the different rectangle sizes, the shading, and the shadowing.
2)What is form? List the four categories of form.-
Form is the overall structure of the visual elements of a piece. Form can be represented by four categories: representational, objective, realistic, and naturalist.
3)How would you describe this piece? Does this piece have a subject matter? Does it have content? Explain your answer.-
This piece is abstract. It is unknown to the eye what exactly it is looking at without an explanation. To many at first glance, this piece may look like a collect paint that has been stroked and blobbed, without careful planning or though, across a canvas. Therefore, there is not a clear subject matter, and no universal decision could be made. There is however content. When you look a this piece is does create feelings, however they may be different for each person who views the piece and for the artist himself.
4)Look closely at the piece above. It is a painting by James Whistler, entitled, Symphony in Blue and Pink. What is the subject matter of the piece? What is the content of the piece?-
The subject of this piece is the four figures standing on the beach. The content of the mood reflected by the colors and the musical qualities and movement reflected in the brushstrokes.
5)-Examine the piece above. What is the subject matter in this piece? What is the content?-
The subject matter in this piece is the natural landscape of the tree, paths, and mountains. The content in this piece is created by the artist’s use of calm hues in the trees and sky, and the blending brushstrokes used among the trees, which seem to flow together with the ground and mountains. These elements evoke a sense of peace and serenity.
6)Describe this sculpture. Explain why this sculpture is an example of objective art?-
The sculpture is of an ancient Greek disc thrower, right before the man is about to circle, to throw the disc. It is objective because it clearly shows the activity the man is doing, which no one can debate as it is a sport/activity that most people today would recognize, and would not be confused with any other sport. The man’s physical features and body placement are also objective, and inarguable.
7)Explain the difference between the subject matter and the content of a piece of art.-
The subject matter is what is being represented visually in the piece. The content is the feelings created by the piece.
8)Define the following terms:representational art, objective art, realistic art, naturalistic art-
Art depicting something easily recognized. Objective: Art with recognizable forms such as a figure. Realistic: Representing objects as they truly appear. Naturalistic: Representing objects as they appear in nature.
9)Realistic art is intended to show ____________________
a.
something that are easily recognizable.
b.
objects as they appear in their natural habitat, including their flaws.
c.
recognizable forms such as a figure.
d.
object as they truly appear, without necessarily providing emotion or an experience.
It's D
10)Explain how design is important to the content.-
Design, or the overall composition of the piece, largely influences the content, or the feelings created within the piece and felt by the observer.
