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10.1.2: Visual analysis

  • Page ID
    261540
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    The term seems fairly straightforward: the analysis of visual images. But what exactly does this entail? We can analyze images to learn about their meanings, an artist’s intentions, cultural expressions and movements, and more through visual analysis. The basic building blocks for visual analysis are the elements and principles of composition. Learn more about these from The Kennedy Center:

    Elements

    Principles

    Line

    Balance (harmonious relation of elements in art)

    Value (degree of light and dark)

    Contrast (uses elements to hold and guide the viewer’s attention)

    Shape (created using lines)

    Movement (how a viewer’s eye is directed through the artwork)

    Form (3-dimensional shapes)

    Emphasis (use of elements to focus the eye on a particular part of an image)

    Space (the area around objects)

    Pattern (repetition of shapes, forms, textures)

    Color

    Proportion (relative size of elements)

    Texture (surface qualities)

    Unity (coordinated use of elements and principles)


    This page titled 10.1.2: Visual analysis is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Sarah Klein.

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