Understanding the Aesthetic Response A method for analyzing the different aspects of the human perception process

Framework for evaluating aesthetic perceptions Form –All that is apparent to the observer –Design elements and principles –Expressive and referential characteristics Viewer –Individual characteristics –Preferences –Values Context –Physical –Cultural

Summary of Elements Color Line Light Pattern Shape Space Texture

Color theories Physics or Light theory (Newton) –Based on prism refraction; light wavelength –Additive; all primaries add to white Pigment Theory (Prang, Munsell) –Categorizes colors in primaries; further differentiation dependent on theorist Psychological Theory (Ostwald) –“psychologically” different hues: r, g, y, b

Color Prang color wheel – pigment and additive theories Pigment theory of color development –Primary –Secondary –Tertiary

Prang Color Theory Tint Shade WarmCool

Prang Color Theory

Color Munsell System – pigment theory –Hue –Value –Chroma (intensity)

Munsell System Hue

Munsell System

Line An elongated mark The connection between points Object’s edge 9 aspects: path, thickness, evenness, continuity, sharpness, contour, consistency, length, direction

Light Lightness Darkness Provides depth effects: roundness, flatness, 2-D to 3-D Drama Temperature

Light

Pattern Arrangement of lines, color, shapes, space on a surface Not garment pattern Collective grouping of more than 7 objects

Shape and Form Line + Space Shape – 2-dimensional Form – 3-dimensional –Hollow – volume –Solid – mass

Space 2-D or 3-D Positive or negative – enclosed – unenclosed Shape-space Figure-ground Foreground- background Internal-external

Perception of Space Size of divisions Overlapping Closeness of shapes Density of divisions Convexity/concavity Enclosing lines

Space as Ground Provides importance – identifies, isolates, defines, distinguishes Exerts pressure – locates object in position of distance and position Provides distance Allows for rest and relief in composition Creates depth Appears more airy, less dense than surrounding objects

Space as Volume Convex and concave effects Hollowness

Texture Tactile –Feeling in hand Visual –Appearance to eye –Created through repetition, pattern, gradation

Summary of Principles Balance Emphasis Harmony Rhythm Proportion Scale

Balance Symmetry (formal) Asymmetry (informal) Radial

Emphasis Focal point May be multiple –Primary –Secondary Achieved through contrasting color, gradation, repetition, etc.

Harmony Agreement in feeling Consistency in mood Culturally constructed

Rhythm Feeling of organized movement – repetition Smooth, flowing, sharp, staccato, syncopated

Proportion Comparative relationship between parts Parts are related to each other within the greater whole Greek “Golden Mean” – 3:5 ratio 5:8 also considered classically attractive

Scale Relationship of sizes to the whole Generally considered in human terms

Viewer Individual personal characteristics –gender, age, or height. Individual personal preference –accumulated knowledge of likes and dislikes –Expectations based on past experiences Individual personal values – these are often the most difficult to discover superficially, as they may be deeply rooted.

Context Physical –Immediate surroundings Lighting Colors Space Cultural –Date, time, place –Values and ideals of society