A large number of art forms have been developed and refined by humans over the course of human history. These forms can be categorized by their subject, style and materials. In general, art can be classified into two categories: visual and decorative arts. The former focuses on the creation of physical objects, while the latter discusses the transmission of ideas and values across space and time.
Visual arts encompass a broad range of artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The category includes two-dimensional works, such as prints and paintings, as well as three-dimensional work, such as pottery and sculpture.
While traditional definitions of art vary, the term generally implies the skillful use of an artist’s creativity to convey an aesthetic or emotional response. For instance, a piece of artwork might be considered beautiful for one person, but a third might not care for it at all. There are also a variety of different reasons why people might make art. Some people might do it to communicate their feelings or emotions, while others might do it as a way of expressing themselves.
As the terms suggest, a characteristic may be a singular, consistent attribute of an artist, a group of artists, or a specific time period. It could be a physical object, such as a glass print, or an overall effect, such as an overall color effect, or a specific element, such as a design feature.
One of the most popular ways to describe a characteristic is to define it in terms of color. Colors may have different values, such as brightness or darkness, or they may be used in combination to create a hue. Sometimes, the most effective color effect is a combination of complementary colors. Depending on the arrangement of objects in a piece, a particular hue may have an overall color effect that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Similarly, a color may be perceived as the most important feature of an artwork, especially if it is a color that evokes an emotional reaction. However, the term is also used to refer to a process, such as the use of a colorful paint.
For example, a thick, juicy application of paint is often emphasized, as the effect of light on the surface is rendered more dramatic. Another technique is cross-hatching, which is a series of closely spaced dots to create the illusion of three-dimensionality on a flat surface.
Similarly, a free and rhythmic use of line is sometimes used in a design. Japanese wood-block prints are an excellent example of this. During the 20th century, a movement referred to as Dada poked fun at the established arts and re-evaluated their function. This movement used visual perception to create a wacky and unorthodox art form, resulting in art that is both funny and strange.
Lastly, a large area of color is usually used to represent an aesthetic or emotional response. Depending on the purpose of the work, a particular color might be chosen for its symbolism, for its physical appearance, or for the expression of an emotion.