Aesthetic Qualities All visual art can be defined by one of three aesthetic qualities. They are: Imitationalism, Formalism or Emotionalism
Imitationalism If the purpose of the artist was primarily to copy reality, we would call it Realism or Imitationalism. Value, or shading and accurate color and size of objects are all elements used in Imitationalism Wm. Harnett My Gems
Study of an Apostle’s Hands Leonardo Da Vinci Self Portrait Albrect Durer Study of an Apostle’s Hands
Formalism When the artist is focusing more on the formal qualities of art – the elements and principles – then we call this Formalism. Formalism uses line, color, shape, space, and value, but not in a representational way
Vassily Kandinsky Composition X
Stuart Davis
Jackson Pollack
Jackson Pollack Lavender Mist
Emotionalism When the main motive of an artist is to convey an emotion or idea to the viewer, we call this type of art Expressionism, or Emtionalism Works showing Emotionalism may also be Imitational or Formal, but their more important emphasis is on a mood or feeling.
Pablo Picasso Gurenica 1937 11’ x 25.6’
Romare Bearden Fractured Tales
Mary Cassatt The Boating Party