1. Aesthetic Qualities
All visual art can be defined by one of three aesthetic qualities. They are: Imitationalism, Formalism or Emotionalism

2. 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

3. Study of an Apostle’s Hands
Leonardo Da Vinci
Self Portrait
Albrect Durer
Study of an Apostle’s Hands

4. 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

5. Vassily Kandinsky Composition X

6. Stuart Davis

7. Jackson Pollack

8. Jackson Pollack Lavender Mist

9. 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.

10. Pablo Picasso Gurenica
’ x 25.6’

11. Romare Bearden Fractured Tales

12. Mary Cassatt The Boating Party