Fine Arts Explained: Learn the Basics of Visual and Performing Arts

Understanding Art and Fine Arts  

Goods or objects of human life necessities cannot be separated from what is called art . Try to pay attention to the objects around you, starting from clothing, household furniture, transportation, decorative objects, household tools, and various types that are included in the heart of the findings of fine art. All of these objects were created to review human needs based on their respective uses.

  • What is art and fine arts?
  • And what are the functions and forms of art?
  • What are included in applied art works?
  • What are the applied art objects that are the result of findings from each region?  What are the techniques of local applied art works? In this section, you can learn and understand them. 

Humans cannot be separated from art, BECAUSE art is a part of their cultural life that contains the values of beauty. EVERY human being loves what is called beauty. Searching Google Articles on the existence of art, orangutans can obtain inner pleasure. NO ONE can be sure when art began to be known to humans. Searching Google Articles on the many remains of humans from the past shows that art grows and develops along with the development of human thought patterns. The definition of art  according to the Indonesian Encyclopedia is something created by humans, both tones of sound or objects that can be seen with the five senses, so that it produces a beautiful form so that people who see it and hear it feel happy (SATISFIED). Sometimes NOT ALL beauty (aesthetics) has artistic value, BECAUSE IN reality NOT ALL that is beautiful has artistic value. Many beauties are NOT included in works of art . The beauty of art is a beauty that is produced by the mind OR humans so that it can be seen with the eyes or heard by the ears. Beauty beyond human creation does NOT include beauty that has artistic value, for example the beauty of the beaches in Bali, the beauty of Ancol Beach, the beauty of Lake Maninjau in West Sumatra, the beauty of Mount Bromo, as well as the beauty and beauty of a peacock, the beauty of a singer is purely the creation of God Almighty.

So, art is a creation of human work that has aesthetic values. There are various types of art , including dance, music, stage art, theater art, and fine art. Fine art is the result of human creation, both in the form of one-dimensional or three-dimensional forms that contain or have aesthetic values that are realized in visual form (can be seen). Fine art is reviewed in terms of its function is divided into two groups as follows .

Fine art, namely the results of artistic works that can only be enjoyed for their aesthetic value. The purpose of this work of art is only to fulfill spiritual needs. Pure art is often found in the branches of graphic arts, painting, sculpture and statues. 

Applied art (applied art), is art that has utility values OR can be utilized (functional) and at the same time has artistic value. The purpose of this work of art is to fulfill instant needs OR to fulfill daily needs using materials, such as furniture, tables, textiles, chairs, ceramics.

Based on its physical form, applied art works can be grouped into two, namely:

Applied art works of two dimensions (two dimensions), namely the results of findings of findings of findings of findings of findings of findings of findings of works of art that have dimensions of length and width that can only be seen from one direction. This singer invites, weaving, such as the participation of batik singers, shadow puppets, and batik. 

Three-dimensional (tri-dimensional) applied art works are works of art that can be seen from any direction and have volume (space). Such as the participation of singers, family homes, traditional houses, traditional weapons such as spears, machetes, rencong, swords, statues and so on.  

Fine art, Elements of Fine Art, Principles of Fine Art, Composition, Proportion, Fine Art Media, Expressing oneself in making paintings.

Elements, Principles and Media of Fine Art

The beauty that radiates from a work of art is inseparable from the various elements that accompany it. Processing the elements of fine art requires a principle that must be included to produce a good and attractive work of art. Meanwhile, the creation of artwork is closely related to the use of media and techniques. In this article, you will learn the elements related to fine art, especially in pure art. You will also be equipped with knowledge of media and techniques in creating fine art so that you can express yourself through artwork.

The elements of fine art are visual elements that can be seen and used to create a work of art. The forms or elements of fine art can be lines, planes, shapes, colors, textures, dark and light tones, and space. Next, let's discuss the forms of fine art one by one:

1. Lines 
Lines are created by scratching or drawing from one point to another. There are various forms of lines, for example, straight lines, curved lines, broken lines, irregular lines, and so on. Each line can create a variety of impressions, hence the name line properties. For example, straight lines can appear stiff, firm, and harsh.

2. Plane  
A plane is a shape with a flat surface. A line whose end meets its base will form a plane, whether a geometric plane (triangle, square, and rectangle) or an organic plane or free curve. Planes also have various properties depending on their shape.

3. Shape  
Shape occurs through the process of combining several plane elements. For example, a box is the intersection of four plane sides. The impression and nature of an object are determined more by the light and dark tones, color, and texture of the object. For example, a rough-textured object gives the impression of being heavier than a smooth-textured one.
Shape

4. Color 
There are three primary colors: magenta, yellow, and cyan. These primary colors can be combined to create various colors by mixing them in proportions. Color can create an impression in a work of art. There are light and dark colors, light and dark, and red and bright colors. Dark colors tend to give a heavy impression, while light colors can give a light impression.

Color

When mixed in a 1:1 ratio it will look like the following
When mixed in a 1:1 ratio it will look like the following

5. Texture 
Texture is the surface of an object. Some surfaces are smooth or rough. Rough textures are found on wood, leaves, and rocks, while smooth textures are found on glass, plastic, and paper. When depicting an object's shape, texture can convey the impression of lightness or heaviness.

Texture

6. Dark and Light Tones
An object that is hit by light (either directly or indirectly) has a dark side and a bright side. A good depiction of an object's shape is determined by the skill of determining the dark and bright sides correctly.

Dark and Light Tones

7. Space
In architecture, space is formed by two or more walls separated by a distance. Space can also be a cavity in sculpture. Space in the real world is called real space. Space manifested in images is called imaginary space.

Space

Principles in Fine Arts

The principles of fine art apply to all branches of art. These principles concern composition and proportion. Good artwork is always based on these rules of composition and proportion. 
Composition

What is meant by composition is the arrangement of depictions of objects which concerns balance, unity, rhythm and harmony in a work of fine art.

a. Balance is an impression that can give a sense of stability (not heavy on one side) so that there is no imbalance in the placement of visual elements (lines, shapes, colors, etc.).

b. Unity is the interconnected relationship between visual elements that leads to the center of attention. The elements of a good image will be unified, not appear scattered or messy.
Principles in Fine Arts


c. Rhythm is the impression of movement created by elements combined side by side and as a whole. Rhythm in fine art is like the melody of a song or music arranged in such a way as to create beauty. Rhythm in painting can also be realized through the arrangement of colors and surfaces.
d. Harmony is the impression of suitability between one element and another in a unified composition. For example, a picture of an apple that is bigger than a papaya.
Proportion Proportion is the impression of ideal (appropriate, appropriate, and correct) proportion between one element and another within a unified visual element. A depiction of an object that is out of proportion will appear awkward. For example, a drawing of a human hand that is longer than its foot. 

Two-Dimensional Art Media
Media for creating two-dimensional art includes materials and tools for drawing. Among the various media options for creating two-dimensional art are the following:
  1. Pencils are tools that can be used for drawing or sketching. Pencil color intensity is determined by the initials H, B, and HB.
  2. Konte, the color is very black and soft. It's suitable for creating portraits or objects with fine textures.
  3. Pastels and crayons have nearly the same shape and ingredients, differing only in the chalk content. Their bright colors are suitable for dussel or shading techniques.
  4. Drawing pens and millipens come in various sizes. The drawing results are nearly identical between drawing pens and millipens, with the difference being that the tip of a drawing pen is softer than that of a millipen. Both drawing pens and millipens are well-suited for shading techniques.
  5. Markers come in a variety of colors and sizes. They have soft, fluid-like tips. The thickness of a line depends on the pressure applied to the paper.
  6. Poster paint (poster color) and watercolor (water color), the images produced from these two media are almost the same, the difference is that the poster paint color is brighter.
  7. Bak a or Chinese ink, some are liquid and some are in sticks, the color is thick, suitable for making blogs, and the way to use it is with the help of a brush.
  8. Oil paint (acrylic) consists of a variety of colors with an oil thinner. This oil paint is used for painting on canvas.
  9. Canvas and spanram are a single material. The canvas fabric is combined with spanram (a wooden frame that is useful for stretching the fabric). Canvas is a flat surface made specifically for painting.
  10. Brushes for yak oil paint have stiffer bristles than those used for watercolors. They come in flat and pointed shapes in various sizes.
  11. A palette is a flat surface used for painting. Watercolor palettes are made of plastic, while oil paint palettes are made of wood.
  12. Computers are a popular creative medium these days. Today's digital technology allows for a variety of drawing techniques.

However, practicing drawing manually is still necessary to hone drawing skills. 


Media and Techniques for Creating Three-Dimensional Art
The media used to create three-dimensional art varies greatly depending on the techniques used. The techniques for creating three-dimensional art are as follows.
  1. Sculpting techniques involve reducing material using chisels. For example, creating statues and reliefs from wood and stone.
  2. The butsir technique involves shaping objects by adding and subtracting materials. For example, making ceramics from clay.
  3. Casting technique, which involves creating artwork by making a mold and then pouring a mixture of cement, plaster, and so on into it to create the desired shape. For example, making a sculpture.
  4. Welding techniques create works of art by combining one material with another to achieve a specific shape. For example, creating a contemporary sculpture using metal as the base material.
  5. Printing techniques involve creating artwork by first making a mold. For example, ceramics and sculptures are made from clay and cement.

Expressly Create Paintings on Canvas

Creating art is a form of expression of an idea or concept. An idea is a thought that begins with inspiration or imagination. Images captured through one's imagination can be realized in the form of artwork. You can explore ideas for your own artwork by creating a painting using canvas and oil paint.
You've already learned about painting media. Commercially available canvases come complete with a stretcher frame. However, you can also make your own using simple materials. Here's how to make a canvas.
  • Prepare materials and tools, including calico cloth, wooden battens, a saw, wall paint (white), and staples or small nails.
  • Four pieces of batten wood are cut to the specified dimensions, matching the length and width of the fabric. Each end of the wood is angled and then joined to form a rectangle.
  • The calico fabric is coated with wall paint. Once dry, repeat the application as needed. This seals the pores of the fabric so the oil paint can adhere to it. Then, stretch the fabric over the frame and secure it with staples or small nails.
After preparing the materials and tools, including oil paint and its diluent, a palette (can be replaced with plywood or a can lid), kerosene to wash the brush occasionally, and a rag, painting can begin. Once finished, write your name in the bottom corner of the canvas.

Work with your group members. Find two works of art, each one a two-dimensional work and three-dimensional works around you. Bring the works, then discuss the media and techniques used, along with other elements related to composition and proportion. 

Summary of the material on Elements, Principles and Media of Pure Fine Arts

  1. The elements of fine art include lines, planes, shapes, colors, textures, light and dark tones, and space.
  2. The principles of fine art apply to all branches of fine art, namely regarding composition and proportion.
  3. Composition is an arrangement that concerns balance, unity, rhythm and harmony in a work of fine art.
  4. Proportion is the impression of ideal (appropriate, appropriate, correct) proportionality between one element and its other elements in a unified visual element.
  5. Media for two-dimensional art include materials and tools for drawing. A variety of tools and materials are used depending on the type and style of the desired work.
  6. The media used to create three-dimensional art varies greatly depending on the technique used. 
  7. Creating works of art is a form of expression of an idea or concept.