What’s behind those Captivating Masterpieces?
For centuries, artists have been captivating viewers with their work. What are the secrets behind these masterpieces?
In this blog post we will explore the elements of art and how they create these pieces that captivate us all.
A great piece of art can be so absorbing; it captures our attention and becomes a part of us for a time. It brings us in and makes us feel something even before we can put words to those feelings. We might be inspired by it or just want to sit for a moment, taking in the grandeur before continuing on with our day. Many times, we can't help but get completely absorbed.
What makes a piece of art so captivating? Is it the subject matter? Is it the colours or simply the whole experience of being there?
Each and every person has their own personal experiences of going to an art gallery. Some find images they enjoy and are inspired by, while others feel a connection with artists that they admire. Some even connect with an artist's work as if it is a close friend and want to spend more time with that person. Others are simply in awe at the challenge of finding something they appreciate!
We each come across things differently, so we need to understand that some people prefer not to express these feelings by creating art themselves.
Artists, on the other hand, need to understand that their creation has the potential to resonate with audiences not only in the present but possibly for generations.
To create art is therefore a sacred responsibility. It is also a gift and a blessing for those who are open to receiving it. Many people work as creators or as part of a larger group, such as an artist collective. There are many paths artists take; from truly free-spirited to extremely disciplined and methodical.
What we will look at here is what goes into making great art, especially masterful pieces that captivate us all.
The first step is an exploration of the elements of art; which is a fundamental study that opens the path to many levels of artistic achievement. The elements are: linear, form, value, texture and colour.
In order to create great art you need to have a thorough understanding of each element and how it all works together. This will make reworking compositions easier, as well as increasing your potential for expanding your skill level.
It will also give you the tools you need to communicate with other artists about your work in meaningful ways, not just relying on vague terms.
By understanding the elements of art, it will help you to understand yourself as an artist and how to become more effective in all aspects of your work. It will also help you be more effective with others who are creating similar types of art so that the collaborative efforts result in greater success.
To better understand these elements you will need to have a fundamental knowledge of shapes and light; which is common sense but one that many artists fail to understand completely.
The basics have been covered here on this blog, so please do take the time to review them: http://www.artmagna.net/blog/2011/8/11/the-art-of-learning-to-see
Another important aspect of this exercise is the exploration of value; which is the light and dark contrasts you see between colours and objects. You may want to start with a piece by Rembrandt, such as his "Two Men in a Room".
What you find interesting in this painting is the interaction between the two men where each are in different zones of light; one dogmatic and upright, while the other leans against a wall, with his head down.
You can see how he uses value to create movement by placing colours that help create contrast -- or "range" -- from dark to light. This gives a sense of depth as well as movement between each of the characters. It is also important to note how Rembrandt used the light to describe their personalities, by placing the young man's face in shadow, while his companion sits in a natural light source that creates highlights along his hair and clothing.
You will want to study the details; such as how he used texture and form to describe the texture of their clothing, so make sure you take some time studying this piece. You will be surprised at how much more effective you can become in creating art by simply understanding what is truly happening within a particular piece.
What is common to seeing a piece of art that is worth admiring is seeing how the artist has used the elements of art to create something of value. They can be combined effectively to create an image that touches each one of us in a different way. We respond with our own stories; some based on the history behind a particular piece or from our experiences in life.
This does not mean you need to know the history behind a particular piece, but it helps! If you are not familiar with Rembrandt then please take some time exploring what he did and why he was so influential for his time. He was a master of his craft and using the elements of art to bring out meaningful pieces.
If you look closely at the image above, you see that in the room there is a very small amount of light; where Rembrandt has managed to create value contrast within this space. This draws your attention to what he wants you to see, while leaving many questions as you take in the details and wonder what else is contained in that image.
To see how important value is make sure you study this piece, along with other pieces by Rembrandt... such as his "Night Watch". Clearly this man knew what he was doing when he sat down to create something for all of us to enjoy.
A lot of people do not appreciate the value of Rembrandt's art because they have not explored his life story and the reasons behind what he was doing. Not many people have access to Rembrandt's original works although we can see some reproductions going around at different museums in Amsterdam.
If you would like to learn more about his life, then we recommend reading "Rembrandt" by Guy Prentis. This book is a wonderful way to understand the man behind the work, which will help you appreciate his genius when you look at any of his pieces.
Click the image of the book below to learn more about the story behind this influential artist and his work:
Once you have explored Rembrandt, you will want to study his contemporary; Johannes Vermeer, who spent most of his life working in the Dutch town of Delft.
You can visit several museums devoted to both artists, where you can see many pieces and try to understand what made them both so prolific in creating great art.
You will also need to look at other works by other artists who have influenced artists today while they are in the various stages of their artistic development.
Conclusion:
The purpose of this exercise is to help you see how each element can be combined to create something that is more effective in creating a sense of balance and harmony, which will help your audience see it the way you do. You should strive to become an artist who creates pieces that are timeless and familiar; buildings that are iconic and inspiring!
Please feel free to share this article with others so they can benefit from what we have learned as well. It all comes down to understanding how it all works together and how it can be used effectively.
To learn more about Art Magna, please visit our website:
http://www.artmagna.