Art, Elements, and the Principles of Design: Understanding the Artist and Artisan

Art has been an integral part of human culture since the dawn of civilization. It has the power to
evoke emotions, spark imagination, and bring people together. At its core, art is a form of
expression that utilizes various elements and principles of design to convey meaning and
aesthetic appeal. In this report, we will delve into the world of art, exploring the elements and
principles of design, and examining the roles of the artist and artisan in society.
Elements of Art
The elements of art are the building blocks of any artwork. They are the fundamental components
that artists use to create a visual representation of their ideas. The seven elements of art are:
 Line: A continuous mark made on a surface by a drawing tool. Lines can be straight,
curved, diagonal, or zigzag, and can vary in width, length, and direction.
 Shape: A self-contained area with height, width, and depth. Shapes can be geometric (e.g.,
squares, circles) or organic (e.g., free-form, irregular).
 Form: A three-dimensional volume created by lines, shapes, and colors. Forms can be
realistic or abstract.
 Value: The lightness or darkness of a color. Value can be used to create contrast, texture,
and mood.
 Color: The property of an object that is perceived by the eye as a result of the way it
reflects or emits light. Colors can be warm, cool, bright, or muted.
 Texture: The surface quality or "feel" of an object or artwork. Texture can be visual (e.g., a
painting) or tactile (e.g., a sculpture).
 Space: The sense of depth, distance, or area between, around, or within objects. Space
can be positive (occupied by an object) or negative (empty).
Principles of Design
The principles of design are the guidelines that artists use to organize and arrange the elements of
art in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and effective. The seven principles of design are:
 Balance: The arrangement of visual elements to create a sense of stability and harmony.
 Proportion: The relationship between the size of different elements in an artwork.
 Emphasis: The focal point in an artwork that draws the viewer's attention.
 Movement: The sense of energy, action, or direction in an artwork.
 Pattern: The repetition of similar elements, such as shapes or colors, in a regular or
irregular arrangement.
 Unity: The sense of oneness or cohesion in an artwork, created by the use of similar
elements or principles.
 Contrast: The use of different elements, such as color, texture, or shape, to create visual
interest and emphasis.
The Artist
An artist is a person who creates works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, or
installations, that are primarily intended to convey emotions, ideas, or messages. Artists often
focus on expressing themselves, exploring new ideas, and pushing boundaries in their chosen
medium. Their work can be abstract, conceptual, or representational, and may not necessarily
have a practical function. An artist is a creative individual who uses their skills and imagination to
produce original works of art. Artists can work in a variety of mediums, including painting,
sculpture, photography, and printmaking. They may specialize in specific styles or movements,
such as modern, contemporary, abstract, or realism. The creative process for an artist typically
involves inspiration, conceptualization, and execution.
Characteristics of artists:
 Focus on creative expression and self-expression
 Often work in fine arts, such as painting, sculpture, or photography
 May create conceptual or abstract pieces
 Emphasis on aesthetics and emotional impact
 May not necessarily have a practical function
The Artisan
An artisan is a skilled craftsperson who creates objects that are both functional and aesthetically
pleasing. Artisans work with various materials, such as wood, metal, textiles, or ceramics, to
produce items like furniture, jewelry, pottery, or clothing. Their primary focus is on creating
functional pieces that are also visually appealing. An artisan is a skilled craftsman who creates
functional or decorative items using traditional techniques and materials. Artisans may specialize
in crafts such as woodworking, pottery, weaving, or metalworking. They often work with their
hands, using tools and equipment to shape and transform raw materials into finished products.
The artisanal process involves design, production, and quality control.
Characteristics of artisans:
 Focus on craftsmanship and technical skill
 Often work in traditional crafts, such as woodworking, weaving, or pottery
 Create functional items with aesthetic value
 Emphasis on quality, durability, and attention to detail
 May also be involved in restoration or conservation of historical pieces
Relationship between Artist and Artisan
Throughout history, there has been a blurred line between art and craft. Many artists have been
trained in traditional crafts, and many artisans have been inspired by artistic movements. Today,
collaborations between artists and artisans are common, resulting in innovative and unique works
that blend the boundaries between art and craft.
Differentiating an Artist from an Artisan
An artist and an artisan are two distinct individuals with different roles and responsibilities. An artist
is a creative individual who uses their skills and imagination to produce original works of art, often
with the intention of expressing emotions, ideas, or concepts. Artists may work in various
mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, or printmaking. On the other hand, an artisan
is a skilled craftsman who creates functional or decorative items using traditional techniques and
materials. Artisans often work with their hands, using tools and equipment to shape and transform
raw materials into finished products.
Key differences:
 Purpose: An artist creates art for aesthetic or emotional purposes, while an artisan creates
functional or decorative items for practical use.
 Medium: Artists work with a wide range of mediums, while artisans often specialize in
specific materials, such as wood, metal, or textiles.
 Techniques: Artists may use various techniques, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting,
while artisans use traditional techniques, such as woodworking, pottery, or weaving.
Medium and Techniques used by an Artist
Artists use a wide range of mediums and techniques to create their works.
Some common mediums include:
 Painting: oil, acrylic, watercolor, or mixed media
 Description: Painting involves applying paint or other materials to a surface to create
a visual representation. Artists may use different techniques, such as layering,
blending, or texturing, to achieve the desired effect.
 Sculpture: clay, stone, metal, or wood
 Description: Sculpture involves creating three-dimensional objects using various
materials. Artists may use techniques, such as modeling, carving, or casting, to
shape and transform the material.
 Photography: digital or film
 Description: Photography involves capturing images using a camera. Artists may use
techniques, such as composition, lighting, or editing, to create a specific mood or
effect.
 Printmaking: etching, lithography, or screen printing
 Description: Printmaking involves creating multiple copies of an image using a
variety of techniques. Artists may use techniques, such as layering, texture, or color,
to create a unique print.
Techniques used by artists may include:
 Drawing: sketching, shading, or rendering
 Description: Drawing involves creating images using various tools, such as pencils,
charcoal, or ink. Artists may use techniques, such as hatching, cross-hatching, or
stippling, to create texture and depth.
 Painting: layering, blending, or texturing
  Description: Painting involves applying paint or other materials to a surface to create
a visual representation. Artists may use techniques, such as layering, blending, or
texturing, to achieve the desired effect.
 Sculpting: modeling, carving, or casting
 Description: Sculpture involves creating three-dimensional objects using various
materials. Artists may use techniques, such as modeling, carving, or casting, to
shape and transform the material.
Performance Art
 Performance art is a type of art that involves the artist's physical presence or performance
in the creation of the work.
 It often combines elements of theater, dance, music, or visual art to create a unique and
immersive experience for the audience.
 Performing arts is a form of art where artists use their voices, and bodies to convey a
message or artistic expression.
 It is different from visual arts, in which an artist use paint, canvas and various materials to
create art objects.
Examples of performance art include:
 Marina Abramovic's "The Artist is Present" (2010)
 Description: Abramovic sat silently for 736 hours, inviting visitors to sit across from
her and make eye contact. This piece explored the relationship between the artist
and the audience, creating a sense of intimacy and connection.
 Tino Sehgal's "This Progress" (2010)
 Description: Sehgal created a series of choreographed movements and interactions
between performers and visitors in a museum setting. This piece explored the
relationship between the body and the space, creating a sense of fluidity and
movement.
 Carolee Schneemann's "Interior Scroll" (1975)
 Description: Schneemann extracted a scroll from her vagina and read from it,
exploring themes of femininity and the body. This piece challenged traditional notions
of art and the body, creating a sense of shock and provocation.
 Adrian Piper's "Catalysis" (1970-1971)
 Description: Piper performed a series of actions in public spaces, such as riding the
subway with a towel wrapped around her head, or walking down the street with a
sign that said "Wet Paint." This piece explored themes of identity, race, and social
norms.
 Chris Burden's "Shoot" (1971)
 Description: Burden had himself shot in the arm by an assistant from a distance of
15 feet. This piece explored themes of violence, danger, and the limits of the human
body.
 Vito Acconci's "Following Piece" (1969)
  Description: Acconci followed random people on the street, documenting their
movements and actions. This piece explored themes of surveillance, privacy, and the
relationship between the individual and society.
 Laurie Anderson's "Duets on Ice" (1974)
 Description: Anderson performed a series of duets with herself, using ice skates and
a microphone to create a sense of fragmentation and dislocation. This piece
explored themes of identity, technology, and the human body.
 Joseph Beuys' "I Like America and America Likes Me" (1974)
 Description: Beuys spent three days in a room with a coyote, exploring themes of
identity, culture, and the relationship between humans and animals.
 Ana Mendieta's "Rape Scene" (1973)
 Description: Mendieta performed a series of actions that reenacted a rape scene,
exploring themes of violence, trauma, and the female body.
 Hermann Nitsch's "Orgien Mysterien Theater" (1960s-1970s)
 Description: Nitsch performed a series of ritualistic actions, including animal
sacrifices and self-mutilation, exploring themes of sacrifice, ritual, and the human
body.
 Pina Bausch's "Café Müller" (1978)
 Description: Bausch performed a series of movements and actions in a café setting,
exploring themes of memory, nostalgia, and the human body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, art, elements, and the principles of design are essential components of the creative
process. The artist and artisan play vital roles in society, using their skills and imagination to
produce works that inspire, educate, and enrich our lives. By understanding the elements and
principles of design, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of art, and recognize the
importance of the artist and artisan in contemporary society.
History and Development of Art
Art history
 Also called art historiography
 Historical study of visiual art, being concerned with identifying , classifying, describing,
evaluating, interpreting, and understanding the art product abd development.
Cave panting
 Are also known as “parietal art”
 In terms of human figures, hand imagery is prevalent, especially in the form of hand stencils.
 The oldest known hand cave painting/drawing is a red hand stencils in Maltravieso cave,
spain.
 The earliest known cave paintings of animals date back to approximately 35,000 years old and
were discovered in caves in the Maros district, located on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
 In the philippines at tabon cave the oldest artwork may be a relief of shark above the cave
entrance.
Ancient Civilization
 Art ancient civilization first started in Mesopotamia.
 As region attained its development , other city states existed.
 Sumerian city states (souther Iraq)
 religious buildings and temples were established and their cultural arts flourished .
 The beginning of monumental architecture and the invention of writing ,about 3,100
BCE.
The Egyptian Era
 Egypt was one of the richest and most civilized lands in the ancient world .
 Egyptian history is usually divided in different dynasties:
1. The first ruler was King Menes also called King Narmer
 Pallete of King Narmer
--intricately carved to tell the story of King Narmer victory in the battle and the
approval of the Gods at the unification of egypt.
--Pallete used for grinding or mixing make up to be ritually applied to the image of
the God.
2. Called “Old Kingdom”, during the rule of King Djoser.
 The advances of the period were due mainly to Imhotep, the king’s first prime minister.
 Imhotep was a skilled architect, stateman, and scholar. He was the architect of the
famous “Step Pyramid”.
The Ancient Greek Art
 Is divided into four periods: Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic.
 Geometric
 characterize by geometric patterns and motifs.
 Archaic
 introduction of life sculptures
 use bright colors in ceramics, with the themes often involving mythology and daily life.
 Classical
 marked by a focus of idealized beauty and proportion.
 architecture reaches new heights with structures like pathernon, emphasizing harmony
and balance.
 Hellenistic
--features increased emotional expression and dramatic poses in art and sculpture.
The Roman Arts and Architecture
 The romans wanted their art and architecture to be useful.
 They planned their cities and build bridges , aqueducts, public baths , market places,
apartment houses, and harbors.
Chinese Art and Painting
 Earliest chinese painting was ornamental , not represenattional.
 It was during Warring States period that artist began to represent it to the world around them.
 During the six dynasty period, people began to appreciate painting for its own beauty, they
also began to write about art.
 Many critics believe that Tang dynasty was the golden age of Buddhist Sculpture.
Japanese Art
 In traditional Japan, no distinction was made between the fine arts of painting and sculpture
and the decorative arts.
 Paintings in Japan
 Beginning in the 900’s popular paintings were handscrolls.
 Screen painting is often thought of as one of the most characteristics forms of Japan.
 The Ukiyo-e translate as “Pictures of the floating world”.
 The purpose of Ukiyo-e was to capture and depict during Edo period of Japan.
 Themes mostly about landscapes, kabuki actors, beautiful women, and erotic scenes.
From the age of Renaissance to Realism
The Renaissance Art
 The origins of renaissance art can be traced to Italy in the late 13' and early 14 centuries.
During this so-called 'proto-renaissance'.
 Renaissance art painting, sculpture, architecture, music and literature produced during the
14th, 15th and, 16th centuries in Europe under the combined influencesof an increased
awareness of nature, a revival of classical learning and a more individualistic view of man.
 The Florentine painter Giotto (1267-1337), the most famous artist of the proto-renaissance,
made enomerous advancesin the techinique of representing the human body realistically.
 Florentine painter Giotto
 Giotto's masterwork is the decoration of the Scrovegni chapel, in Padua, also known as
the Arena Chapel, which was completed around 1305.
 The fresco cycle depicts the life of the virgin and the life of christ. It is regarded as one of
the supreme masterpieces of the Early Renaissance.
 hat Giotto painted the Arena Chapel and was chosen by the Commune of Florence in
1334 to design the new campanile (bell tower) of the Florence Cathedral are among the
few certainties about his life.
High Renaissance Art (1490-1527)
 By the end of 15 century rome have displaced the principal center of renaissance art, reaching
a high point under the powerful and ambitious Pope ILeo X (a son of Lorenzo de' Medici).
 Three great masters- Leonardo da Vinci, michaelangelo and Raphael- dominated the period
known as the high renaissance, which lasted roughly form the early 1490s until the sack of
rome by the troops of the holy roman emperor Charles V of spain in 1527.

Michelangelo Buonarroti 1475-1564

 Drew on the human body for inspiration and created work on a vast scale.
 He was the dominant sculptor of the high renaissance.
 He consider himself a sculptor first and foremost.
 He achieve greatness as a painter as well.
Renaissance in art practice
 A reverent revival of classical greek roman art dorm and style
 A faith in the nobility of man (HUMANISM)
 The mastery of illusionistic painting techniques maximizing 'depth' in a picture, including linear
perspective foreshortening and later quadratura
 The naturalistic realism of its faces and figures enhanced by oil painting techniques like
sfumato.
Mannerism art
 Derive from the Italian word maniera meaning style or stylishness refers to a stle of a painting,
sculpture or architecture that emerged in rome and Florence between 1510 and 1520.
 Mannerism act as a bridge between the idealized style of renaissance art and the dramatic
theatrialy of the baroque.
FROM THE AGE OF SYMBOLISM TO EXPRESSIONISM
 Expressionism was a dominant stiyle in Germany in the years immediately following world War
I.
 The spontaneous, instinctive and qualities of expressionism highly emotional have been pared
by several subsequents art movement in the 20th Century.
 The term "Expressionism” in is thought to have been colned 1910 by wzech art historian
Antionin Matejoek, who intended it to denote the opposite of impressioniom.
 'Art Nouveau’ design's were almost common in glassware, jewelery, and other decorative
objects like ceramics.
 The term "Art Nouveau" stemned from the name of the Parisian art gallery, called "La Manson
de I' Art Nouveau " owned by the avant garde art collector Siegfried Bing (1838-1905).
 There is no single definition or meaning of art Nouveau.
 The art should become part everyday life, it employed flat, decorative patterns that Could be
used in all art forms.
 the world was expanding beyond European Norms. Socialism no longer consisted of the
benevolent intentions with which it set out.
 The development of symbolism and reflected the anti-materialist philosophies that were
concerned with mysticism (a direct connection and unity with the ultimate reality).

 Art Nouveau, omamental style of art that flourished between about 1890 and 1910 throughout
Europe and the united states.
CUBISM TO INSTALLATION ART
CUBISM was a revolutionary new approach to representing reality invented around 1907- 08 by
artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. They brought different views of subjects (usually
objects or figures) together in the same picture, resulting in paintings that appear fragmented and
abstracted.
EXPLANATION
-Cubism was one of the most influential styles of the twentieth century. It is generally agreed to
have begun around 1907 with Picasso’s celebrated painting Demoiselles D’Avignon which
included elements of cubist style.
Picasso wanted to emphasize the difference between a painting and reality. Cubism involves
different ways of seeing, or perceiving, the world around us. Picasso believed in the concept of
relativity he considered both his observations and his memories when creating a Cubist image.
Cubism was one of the most influential visual art styles of the early twentieth century. It was
created by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) and Georges Braque (French, 1882-1963) in
Paris between 1907 and 1914.
The name ‘cubism’ seems to have derived from a comment made by the critic Louis Vauxcelles
who, on seeing some of Georges Braque’s paintings exhibited in Paris in 1908, described them as
reducing everything to ‘geometric outlines, to cubes’. The cubists wanted to show the whole
structure of objects in their paintings without using techniques such as perspective or graded
shading to make them look realistic.
3 Types of Cubism Art
1. Cezanian Cubism Art – Cezanian’s quasi geometric paintings led to many early
experiments in painting by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque that eventually helped
crystallize and unify cubism as its own movement.
2. Analytical Cubism Art – Analytical cubism ran from 1908-12. It’s artwork look more severe
and are made up of an interviewing of planes and lines in muted tones of black, greys and
ochres.
3. Synthetic Cubism Art- Synthetic cubism is characterized by flat depictions of everyday
objects and bolder, more symbolic compositions that its precursor, Analytical Cubism.
Installation Art
-Installation art is a visual artwork that can be constructed from a variety of materials and can be
created in a variety of locations.
-installation is a term mostly used to describe artworks that is made “in situ”. Installation art is
sometimes also called “environment”.
-Installation art is a modern movement characterized by immersive, larger-than-life works of art.
Characteristics of Installation art:
1. Immersive
2. Larger-Scale
3. Site-specific
Interactive Installation Art – Interactive installation art is a form of art that combines elements of
installation art, technology, and interactivity to create an immersive and engaging experience for
the viewer.
Time-based Installation Art - Time-based media art is a type of art that relies on time, duration,
or function to convey its meaning or message. It’s a broad term that encompasses various forms
of art that are experienced over a period of time, rather than being static or permanent.
Found Object Installation Art – Found object installation art is a form of art that involves the use
of everyday objects, often discarded or overlooked, and transforming them into a work of art.
Sound Installation
✓A sound installation uses audio elements to create an immersive experience. Artists might use
music, spoken word, or environmental sounds to convey emotions or tell a story.
Political Installation
✓Political installations focus on social issues and provoke thought and discussion. These artworks
often address topics like war, inequality, or human rights. For instance, an installation might
feature everyday objects to symbolize oppression, encouraging viewers to reflect on societal
problems and their impact.
Multimedia Installation
✓Multimedia installations combine various forms of media, such as video, sound, and visual art.
This type of installation engages multiple senses and can explore complex themes.
Summary:
Sound, Political, and Multimedia. They use audio, social issues, and mixed media to create
immersive experiences, provoke thought, and explore complex themes.
THE AGE OF RENAISSANCE TO REALISM
1. Art appreciation- In art criticism the word 'Baroque' came to be used to describe
anything irregular, bizarre, or otherwise departing from established rules and This
biased view of 17th-century art styles was held with few modifications by critics from
Johann Winckelmann to John Ruskin and Jacob Burckhardt, and until the late 19th
century
2. Three broader cultural and intellectual tendencies had a profound impact on Baroque
art as well as Baroque music.
1. The first of these was the the Counter-Reformation and the expansion of its
domain, both territorially and intellectually.
2. The second tendency was the consolidation of absolute monarchies, accompanied
by a
3. simultaneous crystallization of a prominent and powerful middle class, which now
came to play a role in art patronage

4. The third tendency was a new interest in nature and a general broadening of human
intellectual horizons, spurred by developments in science and by explorations of the
globe.
5. Architecture, Painting. And Sculpture- The arts present an unusual diversity in the
Baroque period, chiefly because currents of naturalism coexisted and intermingled
with the typical Baroque style. Indeed, Annibale Carracci Baroque coffered Ceiling of
Cupola of San Carlo at Fontane, Rome.
6. Rococo Art- Rococo painting, which originated in early 18th century Paris, is
characterized by soft colors and curvy lines, and depicts scenes of love, nature,
amorous encounters, light-hearted entertainment, and youth.
7. Sculpture and Porcelain- Religious sculpture followed the Italian baroque style, as
exemplified in the theatrical altarpiece of the Karlskirche in Vienna .
8. Rococo Fashion- The Rococo fashion was based on extravagance, elegance,
refinement and decoration. Women's fashion of the seventeenth-century was
contrasted by the fashion of the eighteenth-century, which was ornate and
sophisticated, the true style of Rococo (Fukui, et, al, 2012).
9. Neo Classicism- As the term implies, neoclassicism is a revival of the classical past.
The movement began around the middle of the 18th century, marking a time in art
history when artists began to imitate Greek and Roman antiquity and the artists of
the Renaissance. Neoclassicism grew to encompass all of the arts, including
painting, sculpture, the decorative arts, theater, literature, music, and architecture
10. Neoclassicism- Characteristics-
 Neoclassical works (paintings and sculptures) were serious, unemotional,
and sternly heroic. Neoclassical painters depicted subjects from Classical
literature and history, as used in earlier Greek art and Republican Roman
art, using somber colors with occasional brilliant highlights, to convey
moral narratives of self-denial and self-sacrifice fully in keeping with the
supposed ethical superiority of antiquity.
 Neoclassical sculpture dealt with the same subjects, and was more
restrained than the more theatrical Baroque sculpture, less whimsical than
the indulgent Rococo.
 Neoclassical architecture was more ordered and less grandiose than
Baroque, although the dividing line between the two can sometimes be
 blurred. It bore close external resemblance to the Greek Orders of
architecture, with one obvious exception - there were no domes in ancient
11. Romantic art- Despite the early efforts of pioneers like El Greco (Domenikos The
otocopoulos) (1541-1614), Adam Elsheimer (1578-1610 ) and Claude Lorrain (1604-
82), the style we know as Romanticism did not gather momentum until the end of the
18th century when the heroic element in Neoclassicism was given a central role in
painting.
12. Origins- after the French Revolution of 1789, a significant social change occurred
within a single generation. Europe was shaken by political crises, revolutions and
wars. When leaders met at the Congress of Vienna (1815) to reorganize European
affairs after the Napoleonic Wars, it became clear that the peoples' hopes for 'liberty,
equality and fraternity' had not been realized. However, during the course of those
agitated 25 years, new ideas and attitudes had taken hold in the minds of men.
13. German Romanticism (1800-1850)
 In Germany, the young generation of artists reacted to the changing times by a
process of introspection: they retreated into the world of the emotions - inspired
by a sentimental yearning now seen as a time in which men had lived in harmony
with themselves and the world.
14. The preferred genre among Romanticists was landscape painting. Nature was seen
as the mirror of the soul, while in politically restricted Germany it was also regarded
as a symbol of freedom and boundlessness. Thus the iconography of Romantic art
includes solitary figures set in the countryside, gazing longingly into the distance, as
well as vanitas motifs such as dead trees and overgrown ruins, symbolizing the
transience and
15. Spanish Romanticism (1810-30)
 Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) was the undisputed leader of the Romantic art
movement in Spain, demonstrating a natural flair for works of irrationality,
imagination, fantasy and terror. By 1789, he was firmly established as official
painter to the Spanish Royal court. Unfortunately, Hagan and the Rhine
Daughters By Moritz Von Schwind View of the Copper Mill in Vietri by Adrian
Ludwig Richter about 1793, he was afflicted by some kind of serious illness,
which left him deaf and caused him to become withdrawn.
16. French Romanticism (1815-50)
 In France, as in much of Europe, the Napoleonic Wars ended in exile for
Napoleon and a reactionary wave of Restoration Policies. The French republic
once again became a monarchy.
 In fine art terms, all this led to a huge boost for Romanticism, hitherto restrained
by the domination of Neoclassicists such as the political painter Jacques Louis
David (1748-1825) and other ruling members of the French Academy who had
reigned unchallenged.
17. Romanticism in England (1820-1850)- This emancipation of color is particularly
characteristic of the painting of William Turner (1775-1851). For Turner, arguably
the greatest of all English painters of Romanticism, observation of nature is
 merely one element in the realization of his own pictorial ambitions. The mood of his
paintings is created less by what hu painted than by how he painted, especially how
he employed color and his paint brush. Many of his canvases are painted with rapid
slashes. Other English Romantic painters include William Blake (1757-1827)
and John Martin (1789-1854.
18. Impact of Romanticism
 The Romantic style of painting stimulated the emergence of numerous schools,
such as: the Barbizon school of plein air landscapes, the Norwich school of
landscape painters; the Nazarenes, a group of Catholic German and Austrian
painters; Symbolism like Arnold Bockl (1827-1901) and the Aestheticism
movement.
19. The Art of Realism
 From 1400 to 1800, Western art was dominated by Renaissance-inspired
academic theories of idealized painting and high art executed in the Grand
Manner. Thereafter, caused partly by the huge social changes triggered by the
Industrial Revolution, there was a greater focus on realism of subject - that is.
subject matter outside the high art tradition.
20. Realism in the 20th Century
 In the 20th century, Realism continued to evolve and adapt to new artistic
movements and styles.
21. Verismo 1890-1900- Verismo was an art movement that emerged in Italy in the late
19th century, specifically between 1890 and 1900. The term "Verismo" comes from
the Italian word "vero," meaning "true," and is often translated as "realism" or
"truthfulness." Verismo was a response to the idealized and romanticized depictions
of everyday life that were common in Italian art at the time.
22. Characteristics: Genres and Subject Matter
 The style of Realist painting spread to almost all genres, including history
painting, portraits, genre-painting, and landscapes, For example, landscape
artists went out to the provinces in search of the 'real France, setting up artistic
colonies in places like Barbizon, and later at Grez- Sur-Loing, Pont-Aven, and
Concarneau.
23. Realist Artists
 Realist artists, strongly associated with the 19th century movement include: Jean-
Francois Millet (1814-75), Gustave Courbet (1819-77), Honore Daumier (1808-
79). However, many more were influenced by Realism without allowing it to
dominate their work.
24. Famous 19th Century Realist Paintings
25. The main schools of Realism during the nineteenth century included the English
Figurative School, the French School (led by Gustave Courbet), the Russian School
(led by Ilya Repin), the German School ( led by Adolph von Menzel), and the
American School (led by Thomas Eakins) In addition, numerous artists produced
paintings in the realist style, including the Romantic The odo re Gericault
 (notably his asylum portraits), the Impressionist Edgar Degas (notably his ballet
pictures)
26. Realism in the 20th-Century
27. With two horrific world wars, a worldwide depression, the holocaust, the Vietnam
War and the appearance of nuclear weapons, twentieth century realist artists had no
shortage of subjects. Indeed, modern realism appeared in a wide variety of forms.

Here is a short introduction to a selection of realist schools and themes in fine art painting and
sculpture (Encyclopedia Art History)
1. Verismo (1890s/1900s) -This Italian term implies extreme raw realism, without
any interpretation. The word first appeared in the violent melodramatic operas of
Mascagnie, such as Cavalleria Rusticana (1890), and was taken up by Italian
artists like Telemaco Signorini (1835-1901)
2. Ashcan School (c.1908-1913) painters who strove to chronicle everyday life in
New York City during the pre-war period, producing realistic and unvarnished
pictures and etchings of urban streetscapes and genre scenes.
3. Precisionism (1920s) - An American painting movement which depicted
urban/industrial landscapes often in a Cubist/Futurist manner, its members were
known by a variety of labels such as "Cubist -Realists", "Immaculates". "Sterilists"
or "modern classicists".
4. Social Realism (1920s/1930s) - The term Social Realists describes the urban
American Scene artists who worked during the Depression era. Social Realism is
a naturalistic style of realism which focuses exclusively on social issues and
everyday hardships. Best known members of the Social Realism school include
Ben Shahn (1898-1969),
5. Surrealism (1920s/1930s) -A bizarre art -form, Surrealism was founded in Paris
in 1924 following the publication of Andre Breton's manifesto. Based on the
psychoanalytical ideas of Sigmund Freud, Surrealism sought to release the
creative potential of the unconscious mind.
6. American Contemporary Realism (1960s/Early 1970s) - This term describes
the relatively straightforward realistic approach to representation taken by artists
in the post -abstract era. Well aware of modern abstract concepts of art,
contemporary realists nevertheless prefer to paint or sculpt in a more traditional
manner.
7. Cynical Realism (China) (1990s) -Cynical Realism is a satirical style of Chinese
contemporary painting which appeared in the 1990s following the suppression
The Ashcan School was a small group of of the Tiananmen Square
demonstrations.