PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
(UNIVERSITY OF THE CITY OF MANILA)
INTRAMUROS, MANILA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Report: Art Forms: Visual Arts
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in AAP 0007-13 ART APPRECIATION
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering
Submitted by:
ISLETA, Chel Marianne J.
CABILIN, Shedil Mae D.
GAYAGAYA, Jerson P.
SALUT, Mack Leila A.
Submitted to:
Ma. Belinda O. Marquez
Instructor
Date: February 20, 2025
What is Visual Arts?
Visual art is a wide range of art forms that are primarily visible and created to be appreciated
through sight. This includes painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking, as well as modern forms
like photography, digital art, and performance art. These art forms serve as a way for personal
expression, cultural storytelling, and societal reflection. They captivate viewers by conveying
emotions, ideas, and narratives that resonate to all individuals.
History of Visual Arts
The history of visual arts reflects the evolution of human civilization. From the earliest cave
paintings to contemporary and digital arts, it has continually transformed, reflecting societal changes,
technological advancements, and cultural exchanges throughout the times.
● Ancient Art
Early human civilizations used visual arts for communication and for ritualistic purposes.
Cave paintings, petroglyphs, and carvings served as representation of their everyday life and their
spiritual beliefs.
● Classical Art
The civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome emphasized focus on realism and idealized
forms in their sculptures and mosaics, laying the foundation for Western art traditions.
● Medieval Art
Art became mainly religious, with illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and frescoes
depicting biblical narratives.
● Renaissance Art
Art focused more on humanism and naturalism that led to masterpieces by artists like
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who pushed the boundaries of perspective, anatomy, and
emotion in their works.
● Modern and Contemporary Art
Industrialization and world wars triggered movements such as Impressionism, Cubism,
Abstract Expressionism, and computer art, each of which pushed the boundaries and explored new
mediums and concepts.
At those times, visual art did not merely depict cultural values and incidents but also
influenced and shaped cultural and political landscapes.
Importance of Visual Arts and Artists
Visual arts and artists hold a crucial role in society for several reasons:
● Cultural Preservation and Reflection
Art serves as a historical record, capturing the essence of different eras, cultures, and
experiences. It preserves traditions and offers insights into the human condition across time. For
instance, the cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora in India provide a glimpse into ancient civilizations
and their way of life.
● Enhancing Cultural Awareness
Engaging with visual art fosters a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
It encourages empathy and broadens one's worldview, promoting social bond and mutual respect.
Artistic expressions often challenge stereotypes and invite viewers to explore experiences beyond
their own.
● Economic and Educational Impact
The visual arts industry contributes significantly to the economy through galleries, museums,
and creative industries. Moreover, art education enhances critical thinking, creativity, and problem-
solving, which are useful in most aspects of life.
● Personal and Collective Transformation
Art inspires people to think, stimulating emotions and ideas. It can serve as an agent for social
change by addressing challenging issues of the time and provoking controversy. Artists often use their
platforms to comment on political and social matters, influencing public views.
Types of Visual Arts
It is a visible artistic accomplishment like paintings or statues, whereas the broader meaning
of "the arts" encompasses everything from painting to theater, song, design, and much more. These
kinds of visual arts fall into three categories: Fine Arts, Applied Arts, Digital and Multimedia Arts,
Decorative Art, and Performance and Installation Arts. There are subcategories within each of these
visual art forms, which can include representational, abstract, and non-objective art.
1. Fine Arts
Fine art is a visually pleasing art form that distinguishes it from decorative and commercial
arts. It allows artists to express their creativity without considering commercial or practical factors.
The term "fine arts" was used to distinguish specific art forms from commercial design or artisans'
labor. Fine arts aim to convey beauty, emotion, and conceptual ideas, often serving as a medium for
personal or cultural expression.
Painting is a way of applying pigment to a surface to dream up an image, idea, or feeling.
Over the centuries this art has evolved, with styles and techniques combined. The key
mediums and methods are:
● Oil painting: Uses pigments suspended in oil, providing depth and rich texture.
● Acrylic Painting: Uses fast-drying synthetic paints, providing versatility and vibrant
colors.
● Watercolor Painting: Uses water-based pigments which produce a sheer, fluid
effect.
Sculpture is the third dimensional art form, in carving, modeling and assembling material.
From realistic depictions to abstract designs, it spans a variety of forms. Materials and
techniques commonly used in are:
● Carving: Cutting away material from a substance like wood or stone to expose a
shape.
● Modeling: Molding with malleable material (e.g. clay or wax)
Drawing is the act of making marks on certain surfaces to express an object, an idea, or an
emotion. It serves as a primary skill from which all other arts are built and is an independent
medium in and of itself. Today we shall briefly review some of the techniques and tools that
help give birth to the art of drawing.
● Pencil Drawing: Using graphite pencils for rendering images in fine detail and
precision.
● Charcoal Drawing: Working with charred wooden sticks to generate an obscuring
depth of dark tones and dramatic shading effects.
● Ink Drawing: Providing clear lines and stark contrasts with an application of pen and
ink.
● Pastel Drawing: The use of sticks comprising pigment and binder-they give soft,
easily blended shades.
2. Applied Art
Applied art is a practical art form usually employed for such purposes as in design,
decoration, advertising, product design, and architecture. This art form connects the world of
creativity with practicality and includes fields such as graphic design, interior design, fashion design,
and industrial design, all of which add utility to visual appeal.
Graphic design is the technique for merging letters with images into a visual message. It is
critical for branding, advertising, and digital innovation. Components are:
● Layout Design: The layout of all visual entity elements on a page or screen intended
to capture the eye of the viewer, with the highlighted core information.
● Logo Design: Creating a unique symbol that can encompass the identity of a brand.
Fashion Designing it's about creating all sorts of clothing, accessories, or even acting as a
designer for a company's fashions that add meaning in the context of locality or culture. It
creates art with practicality.
Interiors Design the space, planning out the furniture color schemes in the house or office,
including fixtures.
3. Digital and Multimedia Arts
Digital and multimedia arts refer to artistic works that use digital technology and interactive
media to create, manipulate, and present art. The field of digital arts and multimedia comprises a wide
range of artforms, techniques, and technologies that enable us to tell stories, convey information, and
develop entertaining and immersive experiences through the use of digital technology.
● Digital Painting & Illustration - Digital painting is the process of creating art with digital
tools that mimic conventional painting methods like drawing, watercolour, and oil painting.
Instead of using conventional brushes and canvases, artists use tablets and software.
● 3D Motion & Animation - Using specialised software, 3D modelling entails producing
three-dimensional environments, characters, and objects. These 3D models gain motion
through animation.
● Game Design & Development - The process of conceiving interactive experiences,
narratives, and gameplay mechanics. Coding, asset production, and testing are all part of
game development.
● Motion Graphics & Visual Effects - To produce captivating videos, motion graphics uses
animated graphic design elements such as text, shapes, and images. In order to create effects
that are either too costly or difficult to film in real life, visual effects (VFX) incorporate
computer components into live-action video.
● Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) - Users engage with a fully realistic
digital environment created by virtual reality (VR) with the use of controllers and headsets.
By incorporating digital components onto the real world, augmented reality (AR) adds
interactive features to the environment.
4. Decorative Arts
A visual art style known as the decorative arts involves creating things that are both visually
beautiful and practical. Because they could and were used to adorn interior spaces, ordinary fine art
forms like paintings and sculptures were historically included in the category of decorative arts.
● Ceramics & Pottery - The art of shaping, glazing, and firing clay to create functional or
decorative items.
● Furniture Design & Woodwork - Artistic craftsmanship applied to functional furniture
pieces, often including carved or inlaid details.
● Textiles & Tapestries - The design of fabrics for clothing, wall hangings, or upholstery.
● Glasswork - The art of shaping and decorating glass for functional and decorative purposes.
● Metalwork & Jewelry - Includes goldsmithing, silverwork, and decorative metal objects.
5. Performance Arts
Performance art is a live, often experimental, artistic expression that combines elements of
theater, dance, music, and visual art. It is usually presented in front of an audience and focuses on the
artist's body, movement, or interaction with space and objects. Unlike traditional theater, performance
art is often improvisational, conceptual, or politically/socially driven.
● Dance - Dance is the art of expressing emotions, stories, or ideas through movement, rhythm,
and body gestures. It can be performed solo, in pairs, or in groups and often incorporates
music.
● Theater - Theater is a live performance art where actors portray characters in a story using
dialogue, movement, and stagecraft. It combines elements like acting, directing, costumes,
lighting, and scenery.
● Music - Music is the art of organizing sound through melody, harmony, rhythm, and
expression. It can be instrumental, vocal, or both.
● Poetry - Poetry is a literary art form that uses rhythm, rhyme, and vivid language to express
emotions, ideas, or narratives. It can be performed as spoken word, recitations, or
incorporated into music.
What is a Visual Artist?
A visual artist is a creative professional who creates art to express ideas, emotions, or
concepts. They use various mediums and techniques to convey their message to everyone in the form
of visual art. Visual artists can specialize in one or multiple types of visual arts, ranging from
traditional disciplines like painting and sculpture to modern forms like digital art and performance art.
Their primary goal is to provide a powerful message by combining different expressive modalities to
create a unique artwork that shows the vision of the artist.
Characteristics of a Visual Artist:
1. Creative Vision: Ability to conceptualize and create original works.
For you to convey your message, you must have a vision of what you want to create.
Imagination is a key element in having a creative vision. You must be able to see things
outside of the tangible world we have. It’s like breaking the limits of what we know. You can
innovate from the existing techniques that we have today or you can introduce a new idea that
may be used to inspire the next generation.
2. Technical Skill: Proficiency in chosen techniques, tools, or mediums.
For you to have visual art, you must be proficient in your chosen specialization. You
must have the ability to use the tools and equipment relevant to your chosen technique. As
much as possible, learn to use the tools just like an extension of your hands. If you’re able to
do it, you can be as precise and accurate as you can be. Your artwork will be as close to what
you are envisioning. Of course, you must integrate your technical skills with your creativity in
order to create the art that will best describe your message.
3. Expressive Style: A unique approach that sets their work apart.
Each person has their own unique way of expressing their emotions. Just like normal
people, each artist must have a unique approach to their art. You may get some inspiration
from other artists as long as you do not copy their approach. You can experiment from scratch
to know what works for you. As a virtual artist, you want to stand out from the rest. It’s like
in a company. For you to be promoted, you must have a positive characteristic that sets you
apart from the rest. There are a lot of virtual artists in the world. For you to be known in your
chosen field, you must show the world what you want to convey in your own creative way.
4. Cultural Reflection: Often addresses societal themes, emotions, or personal experiences in
their art.
People are attracted to art not just because of its aesthetics. They are attracted because
they feel like they are described in the art. They can relate themselves or the society they live
in with the art. An artwork that gives a powerful message is more appealing to the mass
compared to those who focused on the aesthetics of the art. One example is the artwork of
Juan Luna, which is the Spoliarium. It won an award in Madrid, Spain not just because of the
great technical skills of Luna, but because of the message of the work that shows a moment
where the gladiators are in the state of suffering and despair. This explains what the situation
of the people in the Philippines are experiencing. It also shows the growing national sentiment
of the Filipinos in the Spaniard era.
Examples of Well-Known Visual Artists:
Michelangelo
- An Italian Renaissance artist known for his sculpture, painting, and architecture. His style is
mostly realism, which were highly detailed. It also includes muscular figures with a focus on
movement and strength.
- He’s considered as one of the greatest sculptors of all time because of his deep understanding
of human anatomy and ability to convey emotion using sculptures.
- Some of his notable works are David, Pieta, and Sistine Chapel Ceiling.
Pablo Picasso
- A Spanish artist known for pioneering Cubism and redefining artistic expression. His style
involves the rejection of traditional realism and focuses on bold experimentation and
abstracted forms.
- His radical approach to art influenced the abstract and modern art movements worldwide.
- Some of his notable works are Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Guernica, and The Weeping
Woman.
Leonardo da Vinci
- He is a Renaissance polymath known for the use of sfumato technique (masterful use of light
and shadow in creating soft, realistic figures). He is not just a painter. He is also a scientist,
inventor, and anatomist.
- He’s considered the pioneer of scientific realism in art.
- Some of his notable works are Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Vitruvian Man.
Vincent Van Gogh
- He is a Dutch Post-Impressionist known for the use of bold colors, thick brushstrokes, and
deeply emotional paintings.
- His unique style influenced Expressionism and modern art.
- Some of his notable works are Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Bedroom
Donatello
- He was an Italian sculptor during the early Renaissance period. He is known for introducing
realistic human emotion, movement, and perspective.
- He is known for laying the foundations of realism in sculpture.
- Some of his notable works are David, Gattamelata, and Saint George.
Some of the Filipino Virtual Artists
Rudy San Pedro
- He uses oil on canvas paintings to bring out rich, bold colors, and intricate textures, depicted
through vivid, lifelike details.
- Some of his works include When All is New and Fortitude.
Hyacinth Shane Balina
- She uses puzzle pieces onto the canvas to create an optical illusion.
- Some of her works include Dose 1: Mistake and Tall Tales
Ronnie del Carmen
- Co-director of the animated film Inside Out
- Storyboard artist for Batman: The Animated Series
Summary
Visual arts cover a wide variety of creative forms, ranging from classical forms such as
painting, sculpture, and drawing to contemporary innovations such as digital art, performance art, and
multimedia design. Over time, art has developed along with human civilization, mirroring cultural,
political, and technological developments—from cave paintings in ancient times to Renaissance
masterpieces, contemporary abstract movements, and digital developments. Visual arts are a rich tool
for telling stories, conserving cultures, and commenting on society, creating societies and impacting
feelings, concepts, and views. Artists have the important job of doing this transformation, relying on
their creative imagination, technical abilities, and expressive modes to create works that challenge,
motivate, and touch people from one generation to another. As the influence of art spills over into
education, economy, and daily life, it enhances critical thinking, encourages empathy, and spurs
innovation in fields such as architecture, fashion, and entertainment. As technology keeps pushing
artistic boundaries, visual arts continue to be a key medium for self-expression, cultural identity, and
social transformation, illustrating that art is not only about beauty but also about meaning,
communication, and human experience.
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