INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL ART

Definition of Art and Visual art

What is ART exactly? This can be tough. Art has been around for thousands of years, and through the
ages it has evolved in a number of ways. The reasons for creating it vary from person to person, depending on
any number of factors as well, so defining art is pretty tricky and is something that's been debated throughout
history.

Visual Art
a visual object or experience consciously created through an expression of skill or imagination. The term art
encompasses diverse media such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, decorative arts, photography, and
installation.

Visual art are forms that create forms that are visual in nature such as ceramics, drawing, painting,
sculpture, print making, design, crafts, photography, video, film making and architecture, interior and fashion
design.

Grouping the Arts

I. Major Arts

 Painting – is the expression of ideas and emotions, with the creation of certain aesthetics qualities, in a
two-dimensional visual language. The elements of this language—its shapes, lines, colors, tones, and
textures—are used in various ways to produce sensations of volume, space, movement, and light on a
flat surface.

 Architecture – is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills
associated with construction. The practice of architecture is employed to fulfill both practical and
expressive requirements, and thus it serves both utilitarian and aesthetic ends.

 Sculpture – is an artistic form in which hard or plastic materials are worked into three-dimensional art
objects. The designs may be embodied in freestanding objects, in reliefs on surfaces, or in environments
ranging from tableaux to contexts that envelop the spectator.
 Literature – is a body of written works. The name has traditionally been applied to those imaginative
works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic
excellence of their execution.

 Music – is an art concerned with combining vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty of form or
emotional expression, usually according to cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and, in most Western
music, harmony.

 Dance – is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, for
the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the
movement itself.

II. Minor Arts

 Decorative Art – are also called Applied Arts. The art concerned with the production of high-quality
object that are both useful and beautiful. Decorative art, any of those arts that are concerned with the
design and decoration of objects that are chiefly prized for their utility, rather than for their purely
aesthetic qualities. Ceramics, glassware, basketry, jewelry, metal ware, furniture, textiles, clothing, and
other such goods are the objects most commonly associated with the decorative arts.

 Popular Art – these include the film, newspaper, magazine, radio and television. This group is
characterized as lively. Popular Art includes any dance, literature, music, theatre or other art form
intended to be received and appreciated by people.

 Graphic Art- the art and profession of selecting and arranging visual elements such as typography,
images, symbols, and colors to convey a message to an audience. It also covers the commercial arts like
the design of books, advertisement, signs, postern, and other displays for advertisement.

 Industrial Art – an educational program which features fabrication of object in wood or metal using a
variety of hand, power or machine tools. Its aims at developing manual skills, a familiarity with tools
and machines, or an acquaintance with industrial processes and design. Industrial Art includes carpentry,
metallurgy, automotive technology, building and construction.
Example of Visual Arts

 Painting – is the expression of ideas and emotions, with the creation of certain aesthetics qualities, in a
two-dimensional visual language.

 Sculpture – is an artistic form in which hard or plastic materials are worked into three-dimensional art
objects.

 Cinema - also called motion picture or movie, series of still photographs on film, projected in rapid
succession onto a screen by means of light. Because of the optical phenomenon known as persistence of
visions, this gives the illusion of actual, smooth, and continuous movement.

 Photography - The Word Photography literally means 'drawing with light', which derives from the
Greek photo, meaning light and graph, meaning to draw. Photography is the process of recording an
image – a photograph – on light sensitive film or, in the case of digital photography, via a digital
electronic or magnetic memory.

 Drawing- is essentially a technique in which images are depicted on a surface by making lines, though
drawings can also contain tonal areas, washes and other non-linear marks.

 Engraving - technique of making prints from metal plates into which a design has been incised with a
cutting tool called a burin.

Understanding the value of Visual art

The Essence and Importance of Art and Visual arts    

 Art can help us understand our history, our culture, our lives, and the experience of others in a manner
that cannot be achieved through other means. It can also be a source of inspiration, reflection, and joy.    

 Visual art is a fundamental component of the human experience reflecting the world and the time in
which we live.    
  Art can be appreciated through beauty and emotional power.

Why art is important?

1. It is used in preserving our history.

     Art is important sources for historians, they record events, people, places, emotions and cultures. Art
history allows us to look back and understand how our civilization evolved over the centuries.

2. Art is good for mental health.    

There is a positive connection between art and mental health—artistic activities such as sculpting,
painting, or drawing are known to lower stress levels and promote mental calmness. Creating art takes your
mind off of your everyday life and a relaxing distraction.

3. Art is a form of communication.

   Art is a visual message, idea or feeling. Artists use art to communicate to viewers what their thoughts
are. Art is way a way of expression, a way of joy, a way of making people understand things which can't be
done verbally.

4. Art helps you know who you really are.

      It allows us to become more connected to our inner selves in relationship to “other,” the world, and
spirit. Art making becomes an energizing experience and enlivening. Art will help us to grow, problem-
solve more readily and self-actualize. Art will give you confidence in showing your skills to everyone.

History and Forms of Visual Arts

Forms of Visual arts

- Architecture - Painting
- Ceramics - Photography
- Drawing - Sculpture

Architecture - Is the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other
structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as
works of art.
In Architecture, it needs much patience, effort and time.

Some types of Architecture:

- Modern Architecture
- Baroque Architecture
- Gothic Architecture

Ceramics - Ceramic art is art made from ceramic materials, including clay. It may take forms including artistic
pottery, including tableware, tiles, figurines and other sculpture.

Photography – Meaning is derived through storytelling, symbolism and metaphor that leaves space for
imagination and deeper audience engagement. Photos become art when they explore the photographer's
authentic nature and world view while illuminating universal themes like the human condition.
The art or practice of taking and processing photographs.

Types of Photography:

Fashion Photography - is a genre of photography which is devoted to displaying clothing and other fashion
items.

Food Photography - is a still life photography genre used to create attractive still life photographs of food.

Landscape Photography - shows the spaces within the world, sometimes vast and unending, but other
times microscopic.

Wedding Photography - is a specialty in photography that is primarily focused on the photography of

events and activities relating to weddings.

Documentary Photography - is a style of photography that provides a straightforward and accurate

representation of people, places, objects, and events, and is often used in reportage.

Drawing - The act or art of creating a picture, plan, or sketch by making lines on a surface.

Painting - The process of applying paint, or another medium, to a solid surface – usually a canvas.
Sculpture - The art of forming solid objects that represent a thing, person and idea out of a material such as
wood, clay,
metal, or stone.

History of Visual Arts in the Philippines

Pre-Colonial Period
900-1565
The Pre-Colonial Period is when our indigenous ancestors inhabited the Philippines and the time before the
coming of our first colonizers. Even before colonizers came, indigenous Filipinos already had their own art,
literature, and architectures.

LITERATURE:
Cave Drawings and Writings and Rituals, Chants, Storytelling, Music, and Dance

VISUAL ARTS:
Pintados – Tattoos from the Panay
Bulul- Wooden sculpture of the Rice God of Ifugao
Manunggul Burial Jar – “ship-of-the-dead” represent the journey of the soul to the afterlife.

ARCHITECTURE: Caves and Nipa Hut

Islamic Period
1201
In the 13th century, traders and missionaries introduced Islam religion in the Philippines, specifically, Sayyid
Abubakar of Arabia. He spread the religion called Arabic mostly in Mindanao and was embraced by the
Magindanaoan, Tausog, Yakan, Samal, and Badjao. The history of the Philippine Muslims is part of the
backbone of the historical development of the whole country.

LITERATURE: Quran
ARCHITECTURE: Mosque
VISUAL ARTS: Ukkil/Okir - the art of sculpting or carving and a particular curvilinear design.
Spanish Colonial Period
1521 – 1898
When the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines in 1521, the colonizers used art as a tool to propagate the
Catholic faith through beautiful images. With communication as a problem, the friars used images to explain the
concepts behind Catholicism and to tell the stories of Christ’s life and passion.

ARCHITECTURE: Plaza Complex, Light House, and Bridge

VISUAL ARTS: Santo, Altar Pieces, and Carroza

MUSIC AND DANCE:

Pasyon or Pabasa - is a retelling of the Passion of Christ.
Kundiman or Balitaw- is the classic form of Filipino love song.

LITERATURE:
Manyan of Mindoro or Baybayin - The pre-colonial beautiful ancient writing script of the Islands of the
Philippines.
Doctrina Christiana - Spanish for “Christian Doctrine” or “The Teachings of Christianity,” is believed to be the
first book printed in the Philippines in 1593.

THEATER ARTS:
Komedya: The term moro-moro refers to a type of folk drama performed in villages throughout the Philippines,
usually during fiestas.
Senakulo - is a nationwide event that helps devout locals relieve biblical events pertinent to the life, tribulations
and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

VISUAL ARTS:
Carta Hydrographica de las islas Filipinas - Shows names of coastal towns and historical sailing routes.
The Basi Revolt - The 14 oil paintings depicting scenes of the Iloko peasants.
Spoliarium - The Spoliarium (often misspelled Spolarium) is a painting by Filipino painter Juan Luna.

American Occupation
1898 – 1946
After winning from being the colony of Spain, Americans took over. Most architectures were modernized, and
cities had a major development in this era.
A theater show which focuses on comedy was released and they called it Vaudeville.
Fabian De la Rosa was the first painter of note for the 20th century.

Japanese occupation
1946-1969

It was considered as the darkest period of the Philippine History. It destroyed most of the arts that were made.
Modern Art was slowly getting into the Art world in this era.

Victorio Edades with Carlos Francisco and Galo Hernandez considered Triumvirate pioneered the modern art.

70’s to contemporary period

Contemporary art mirrors contemporary culture and society, offering the general audiences' rich resources to
consider current ideas and rethink the familiar. The work of contemporary artists is a dynamic combination of
materials, methods, concepts, and subjects that challenges traditional boundaries and defies easy definition.

Decorative Arts

Decorative Arts - In general, decorative arts is defined as "the design and aesthetics of functional and utilitarian
objects, often with an emphasis on unique and hand-crafter forms.

What is the significance of Decorative Arts in our daily lives?

- Decorative Arts are concerned with the design and decoration of objects that are chiefly prized for their utility,
rather than for their purely aesthetic qualities.

What is the usage of Decorative Arts in the person's life?

- Decorative Arts can be used in different form that can be helpful to us.

Some Examples of Decorative Arts

- Basketry - Glassware
- Floral Decoration - Metalwork
- Furniture - Pottery
Commercial Art- is the art of creative services. It is referring to art created specifically for commercial
purposes especially advertising, illustrations in magazines or book.

Advertising- is a promotional activity which aims to sell a product or service to a target audience.

Graphic Design- is the art or profession of visual communication that combines images, words and ideas to
convey information to an audience.

Logos - A logo is a symbol, name or trademark of a company. Logos are used by companies because they
represent a concise image of the company.

Fine Arts - Is a visual art considered to have been created primarily for aesthetic purpose and judged for its
beauty and meaningfulness, specifically, painting, sculpture, drawing, water color, graphic and architecture.

What is the significance of Fine Arts in our daily life?

- Arts gives us meaning and helps us understand our world. Scientific studies have proven that art appreciation
improves our quality of life and makes us feel good. When we create art, we elevate our mood, we improve our
ability to problem solve, and open our minds to new ideas.

What is the use of arts in our life?

- Art gives meaning to our lives and help us understand our world. It is an essential part of our culture because it
allows us to have a deeper understanding of our emotion, it increases our self-awareness and also allows us to
be open to new ideas and experience. Art makes life more manageable, tolerable and enjoyable.

The different examples of Fine Arts

Painting - is the application of pigments to a support surface that establishes an image, design or decoration. In
art, the term 'Painting' describes both the act and the result. Most Painting is created with pigment in liquid form
applied with a brush.

Sculpture - is the branch of the visual arts that operates in three dimensions. It is one of the plastic arts. Durable
sculptural processes originally used carving and modelling, in stone, metal, ceramics, wood and other materials
but, since Modernism, there has been an almost complete freedom of materials and process.
Architecture - is art that shares a story and develops a theme for the audience. While it can stand alone as a
form of art, it also is closely related to other art forms. 

Cinema - as an artistic or experimental work expressing symbolic meaning through the medium of film.

Music - Music is generally perceived as the most universal of all art forms.” The literal meaning of the word
'music' according to any dictionary is art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds in harmonious or
expressive way.

Theater - is a collaborative art form which combines words, voice, movement and visual elements to express
meaning. The field of theatre encompasses not only live improvised and scripted work, but also dramatic forms
such as film, television and other electronic media.
VISUAL ARTIST IN THE PHILIPPINES

Fernando Amorsolo - was the first National Artist. Amorsolo received the official moniker "Grand Old Man of
Philippine Art" when the Manila Hilton opened its art center on January 23, 1969, with a display of a number of
his pieces. Amorsolo created the backlighting method that became his signature when he returned from his
studies abroad in the 1920s. In this technique, figures, a cluster of leaves, a spill of hair, and the swell of a
breast are seen aglow on canvas. According to Nick Joaquin, this light accurately captures Amorsolo's
enthusiasm and is the joy of a sensualist completely in love with the land and the Philippine sun. His citation
underscores all his years of creative activity which have “defined and perpetuated a distinct element of the
nation’s artistic and cultural heritage”.

 Planting rice with Mayon- This Art depicts a group of men and women working on a farm in a
traditional Filipino setting on a hot summer day.
 Washing Scene/ Lavanderas- It portrays the steady, unhurried pace of rural life, distancing the
observer from the quick, busy pace lived elsewhere and bringing to mind the elegance and simplicity of
regular activities and experiences.
 The making of Filipino Flag - In order to demonstrate Filipino citizens how the Philippine flag was
formed and to remind them of the traditions and practices that we take for granted, Fernando Amorsolo
devised the backlighting method Chiaroscuro and employed natural light in his paintings.

Napoleon Abueva - a Bohol native, received the National Artist Award when he was 46 years old. Abueva,
who is revered as the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture," contributed to the development of the current
sculpture landscape in the area. He has worked with practically every type of material, from hardwood (molave,
acacia, langka wood, ipil, kamagong, palm wood, and bamboo) to adobe, metal, stainless steel, cement, marble,
bronze, iron, alabaster, coral, and brass. He is skilled in both academic representational style and modern
abstract. Abueva developed a number of pioneering ideas, including "buoyant sculpture"—art intended to be
seen from the surface of a tranquil pool. Abueva presented a one-man performance at the Philippine Center in
New York in the 1980s. His works have been installed in different museums here and abroad, such as The
Sculpture at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
 Kaganapan (1953)- done in marble showing a fluid and simplified form of a pregnant woman.
Kaganapan literally interprets the female reproductive function as a fulfillment for women.
 9 muses (1994)-Found in UP Diliman's Hardin ng mga Diwata, Abueva's “Siyam na Diwata ng Sining”
represents the 9 muses: architecture, dance, film, literature, music, painting, photography, sculpture, and
theater.
 Kiss of Judas 1955- tilting towards the former, planting a kiss. It represents the iconic Biblical image of
the betrayal of Jesus, encapsulated in the work titled, “Kiss of Judas.”

Cesar Legaspi - A pioneer “Neo-Realist” of the country, Cesar Legaspi is remembered for his singular
achievement of refining cubism in the Philippine context. Legaspi belonged to the so-called “Thirteen
Moderns” and later, the “Neo-realists”. His distinctive style and daring themes contributed significantly to the
advent and eventual acceptance of modern art in the Philippines. Legaspi made use of the geometric
fragmentation technique, weaving social comment and juxtaposing the mythical and modern into his
overlapping, interacting forms with disturbing power and intensity.
 Gadgets II (1949)- a well-known piece by Legaspi from this era, illustrates the mutant fusion of man
and machine in a time when the industrial was both feared and mythologized.
 Morning dance 1982- is a "nudes" type of painting.
 Man and Woman 1945- “Man and Woman” (also entitled Beggars), 1945, in an expressionist idiom
involving distortion, shows a couple in rags amidst the skeletons of buildings which we broken like
surrealist sculpture.

Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco - a poet from Angono, was responsible for reviving the lost art of the mural and
continued to be its most illustrious exponent for almost three decades. Francisco transformed historical shards
into vivid accounts of the fabled bravery of his race's forefathers in panels like those that adorn the City Hall of
Manila. He founded what was then called in the local art circles as "The Triumvirate," which included Victorio
C. Edades and Galo Ocampo, which was generally associated with the "modernist" painters. The distinguishing
characteristics of Botong's work were his precise sense of composition, the lush tropical sense of color, and his
unwavering trust in the traditional values shown by the residents of Angono.
 Bayanihan- refer to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation.
  Magpupukot 195- Magpupukot means pulling in the net. Painting the lives of the fishing community
was one of Botong’s favourite subjects. Angono, his hometown where he was based, was a fishing
village.

Juan Luna - is without doubt the most famous and celebrated Filipino artist in the history of Philippines. With
iconic and remarkable masterpieces such as ‘Spoliarium’, ‘Blood Compact’ and ‘The Death of Cleopatra’, Luna
is known for his dynamic and unique style, along with his dramatic and captivating canvases. His work is
remembered as one of the principal examples of Romanticism and Realism schools of art. Juan was not just an
artist, he was a revolutionary and influential political activist who was an active participant in the Philippine
Revolution that took place in the late 19th century.

Spoliarium- “Spoliarium” was the name given to the Roman Colosseum basement where fallen gladiators were
thrown in after combat, which is depicted in the life-sized piece. The painting features a glimpse of Roman
history centered on the bloody carnage brought by gladiatorial matches.

The Death of Cleopatra 1881- "The subject of the painting," he wrote, "is the death of that queen of Egypt
whom Horace called the fatal monster, and Virgil a cursed woman; that one which Michelet said does not
deserve mercy or admiration. In golden bed lies the corpse of Cleopatra, adorned with pharaonic magnificence;
the slave Iras, also dead, is in front of the bed; the black slave Charmion, who has just placed the royal crown
on her lady's head, falling at that moment, as if struck by lightning."

Dalagang Pilipina - Amorsolo's attempt to depict Filipina beauty as opposed to the typical Maria Clara image
commonly associated with local women. Fernando Amorsolo

Sandugo - is a Visayan word which means "one blood". The Sandugo is depicted in both the provincial flag and
the official seal of the government in Bohol. It also features the image of the blood compact. Sandugo literally
means “one blood.” Said to be a tradition in the island, the sandugo is solemn pledge that marks the bond of
friendship between two tribes. It is binding and must be honored by both parties. Napoleon Abueva
Descent - is not just a brilliant masterpiece in and of itself, but it is also a testament to Cesar Legaspi’s tenacity
and resolve to overcome his personal limitations for the love of his art. Cesar Legaspi

Bayanihan - is a Filipino word derived from the word bayan meaning town, nation, or community in general.
"Bayanihan" literally means, "being a bayan," and is thus used to refer to a spirit of communal unity and
cooperation. Carlos Francisco
Spoliarium - The painting features a glimpse of Roman history centered on the bloody carnage brought by
gladiatorial matches. Spoliarium is a Latin word referring to the basement of the Roman Colosseum where the
fallen and dying gladiators are dumped and devoid of their worldly possessions. Juan Luna

Importance of Philippine Visual Arts

 To show the cultural richness in our country by expressing the archipelago in all its diversity.
 It promotes our cultural heritage through the use of indigenous materials.
 It helps us understand our history, our culture, our lives, and the experience of others in a manner that
cannot be achieved through other means.
 The Philippine visual arts encompass a range of forms developed by Filipinos in the Ethnic, Spanish,
American, and contemporary traditions.

CONTEMPORARY ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINE CULTURE - The term contemporary art refers to art
produced today. It can be through the form of painting, sculpture in the Philippines, photography, installation,
performance, and video art. However, the exact starting point of contemporary arts in the Philippines and in the
world is still debated and unclear but many art historians consider the late 1960s or early 1970s to be a suitable
estimate. Read the list below of the Filipino artists who exhibited some of the best contemporary art examples
in the Philippines.

NOTABLE CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS IN THE PHILIPPINE CULTURE

RONALD VENTURA
A Filipino contemporary artist known for his dynamic melding of realism, cartoons and graffiti.
Artwork: Crack in the Hull (Is a mixed media where it depicts two nude people riding in a boat coursing throu
gh a red
lagoon.)

ANDRES BARRIOQUINTO - Is a world renowned contemporary artist known for his captivating dark,
surrealist paintings
Artwork: The back of love

ELMER BORLONGAN - Is a prominent contemporary Filipino painter best known for his distinctive use of
figurative expressionism
Artwork: Quiapo (One of Manila's best-known landmarks, Quiapo is the Black Nazarene's home.)
JOSE JOHN SANTOS III - Is a highly significant and respected name in contemporary art within the
Philippines. His works are richly textured creations, often deceptively appearing as collages despite their oil on
canvas medium.
Artwork: Untitled (The painting shows a house turned inside out, where a woman peers out to watch two bulls
in silhouette at loggerheads)

ANNIE CABIGTING - Is a Filipino Asian Modern & Contemporary painter who was born in 1971.
Artwork: Kunst Museum (is literally translated into English as "museum of the arts")

JIGGER CRUZ - is a leading Filipino artist who has gained international acclaim for his tactile and sensorial
paintings
Artwork: Blares of the Opposite (explores the concept of healing)

MARK JUSTINIANI
is a surreal artist in the most fundamental sense, choosing colors, shapes, and proportions based on intuitive
indigenous based aesthetic thinking Artwork: Ang Hari

ALFREDO ESQUILLO - is an acclaimed and multi-award-winning contemporary painter hailing from the
Philippines.
Artwork: Daang Ligid Cruz ( is  an allegory of Philippine Catholic life that transforms a particular event, the
Feast of Souls and Saints, into a sustained discourse on the Filipino Way of the Cross.)

MARINA CRUZ - Is known for her nostalgic photorealistic paintings of old clothes kept by her family. Artwor
k: White on Red Threads

BUEN CALUBAYAN - Is a Filipino Asian Modern & Contemporary painter who was born in 1980.
Artwork: Bundok Banahaw (Is an active complex volcano on Luzon in the Philippines)

BENEDICTO CABRERA - better known as BenCab, is a figurative painter from the Philippines. Artwork: Fa
mily

OSCAR VILLAMIEL - Is a multimedia artist known for his large-scale installations consisting of objects
found in local communities. Artwork: Cheap Medicine

MOST FAMOUS PAINTINGS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE ARTISTS

The Making of the Philippine Flag by Fernando Amorsolo - behind this painting is Fernando Amorsolo. The
Making of the Philippine Flag is one of the most famous paintings in the Philippines. It shows three women
(Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, Dr. Jose Rizal’s niece). This
Filipino painting may be the most notable but there are some stories going around saying that Amorsolo’s
depiction isn’t accurate because one of the three women sewing the Philippine flag is a child. 

Spoliarium by Juan Luna - a gigantic painting more than 4 meters high and 7.5 meters wide, making it the
largest painting in the Philippines—is among the most Philippine historical paintings. The famous artist in the
Philippines behind this painting is Juan Luna. Although the painting does not portray any historical event or
figure, this famous painting in the Philippines is considered an important symbol of the Philippine revolution.
You can see Spoliarium at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Gathering of Heroes by Juanito Torres

Another notable Filipino painting is the Gathering of Heroes created by the Filipino modern artist Juanito
Torres. This famous art in the Philippines depicts key figures in Philippine history, including those part of the
19th-century Philippine movement, in what is said to be a composition reminiscent of Marvel’s “X-Men” cover.
The Filipino artist who created this wonderful Philippines art is Juanito Torres.

Filipino Struggles Through History by Carlos “Botong” Francisco

According to the National Museum, the “Filipino Struggles Through History” is arguably the greatest extant
work of Filipino famous painter Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and among his last, as it was finished in 1968—
only months before his death on March 31, 1969. 

Granadean Arabesque by Jose Joya

The “Granadean Arabesque,” a masterpiece by a Filipino famous painter and National Artist Jose Joya, is a
horizontal Philippine abstract art that showcases different shades of yellow, broad strokes and an impasto mixed
with sand. This masterpiece is an embodiment of Joya’s talent as a mixed-media artist and pioneer of modern
Filipino paintings and art in the country.

Alkaff Bridge by Pacita Abad

While this might not be the usual Filipino painting hanging on a wall, Alkaff Bridge in Singapore is one of the
most popular works of art created by a notable painter in the Philippines, Pacita Abad. She is a Filipino artist
born in Batanes. Her work Alkaff Bridge is a 55-meter bridge covered in over 2,000 colourful circles making it
among the most visited attractions in Singapore. The Alkaff Bridge was completed a few months before Pacita
passed away from lung cancer in 2004.

The Fishermen by Ang Kiukok

Another Filipino painting worth noting is The Fishermen by National Artist in the Philippines, Ang Kiukok.
This Filipino famous painting depicts the hope and struggle of fishermen. The Fishermen shows a group
working together as they haul a net telling us their struggle. While the crimson sun above is an emphatic symbol
of constancy and perpetual energy. 

Sabel by Benedicto Cabrera

If you’re searching for contemporary Filipino paintings, there’s a high chance you’ve stumbled upon the
renowned Sabel by BenCab. According to him, “Sabel” was the woman she saw scavenging around his
Bambang neighborhood in 1964. She took a photo of him and sketched it. To him, Sabel is a representation of
not just a homeless woman but of any Filipina as well. Now, the Filipino painting Sabel is a major subject that
recurs through BenCab’s works through the decades.

Three Women In A Landscape by Anita Magsaysay-Ho

If you’re fond of Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s paintings, you’d notice that she likes to celebrate the Filipino women
in her works. She is the first cousin of former president Ramon Magsaysay, a student of the well-known painter
in the Philippines Fernando Amorsolo, and one of the pioneering Filipino modern artists.

Noche Clara by Fernando Zobel de Ayala

If the name Fernando M. Zóbel de Ayala rings a bell, that’s because he is part of the prominent and wealthy
Ayala family. But more than being an Ayala, he is known for his talent for paintings Philippines. He has
developed his distinct style that people came to know even with a glance and is now considered among the most
expensive artists in the country because of his painting price Philippines. His popular Filipino paintings are
usually composed of blacks, whites, and blues. 

ROLES OF VISUAL ART IN THE PHILIPPINE CULTURE

CULTURAL PRESERVATION - From prehistoric cave drawings to modern street art, visual works of art tell
a story and reflect the evolving human experience.

INSPIRATION AND EXPRESSION - Artistic expression can be a more powerful and universal means of
communication than language.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ACTIVISM - Responsibilities of an artist in our society include speaking up
about social justice and advocating for meaningful, sustained change.

HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION - The importance of visual art extends to understanding,

commemorating, and recording history through the creation of artworks.

PHILIPPINE FLAG

Section 26 of Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, says May 28 to June 12
mark the official celebration of Flag Days.
Three stars: LUZON, PANAY, MINDANAO
Eight Rays: MANILA, CAVITE, BULACAN, PAMPANGA, NUEVA ECIJA, LAGUNA, BATAAN,
BATANGAS
On the White Triangle: The color white is often seen as a symbol of purity. But the white triangle actually
represents the Katipunan, which, through the blood compact, compelled the masses to rise in revolt.

NATIONAL MUSEUMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 National Museum of Fine Arts
 National Museums of Anthropology
 National Museums of Natural History
 National Planetarium
 Ayala Museums
 Metropolitan Museums of Manila

The Major Art Center in the World

Louvre Museum, Paris, France

French Musée du Louvre, official name Great Louvre or French Grand Louvre, national museum and
art gallery of France, housed in part of a large palace in Paris that was built on the right-bank site of the 12th-
century fortress of Philip Augustus. It is the world’s most-visited art museum, with a collection that spans work
from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century.
ESTABLISHED: 1793-PRESENT

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherland

is the national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch arts and history and is located in Amsterdam. The
museum is located at the Museum Square in the borough of Amsterdam South, close to the Van Gogh Museum,
the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Concertgebouw.[12] The Rijksmuseum was founded in The
Hague on 19 November 1798 and moved to Amsterdam in 1808, where it was first located in the Royal
Palace and later in the Trippenhuis. The current main building was designed by Pierre Cuypers and first opened
in 1885. ESTABLISHED: NOVEMBER 19, 1798

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, United States
byname the Met, the largest and most comprehensive art museum in New York City and one of the foremost in
the world. The museum was incorporated in 1870 and opened two years later. The complex of buildings at its
present location in Central Park opened in 1880. ESTABLISHED: 1870-PRESENT

Hermitage museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia

art museum in St. Petersburg founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great as a court museum. It adjoined the Winter
Palace and served as a private gallery for the art amassed by the empress. Under Nicholas I the Hermitage was
reconstructed (1840–52), and it was opened to the public in 1852. Following the October Revolution of 1917,
the imperial collections became public property, and the museum was expanded in the 1920s with art
requisitioned from private collections. In 1930–34, during the push for rapid industrialization, some of the
masterpieces were sold by the Soviet government in order to underwrite purchases of industrial machinery from
the West. The museum’s collection of late 19th to early 20th-century European art was expanded substantially
in the immediate post-World War II period. The museum is now housed within five interconnected buildings,
including the Winter Palace (1754–62) and the Small, Old, and New Hermitages.
ESTABLISHED: 1852-PRESENT

Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain

art museum in Madrid, housing the world’s richest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish painting, as
well as masterpieces of other schools of European painting, especially Italian and Flemish art. The Prado’s
building had its start in 1785 when Charles III commissioned the architect Juan de Villanueva to design a
natural science museum. The construction of the Neoclassical-style building was interrupted during
the Napoleonic Wars, but it was completed under Ferdinand VII in 1819 and was opened to the public as the
Royal Museum of Painting. In 1868 it became the National Museum of the Prado after the exile of Isabella II,
who had enlarged the collection with paintings from the royal palaces and the Escorial.
ESTABLISHED: 1891-PRESENT

Museum of Modern Art, New York City, New York, United States
comprehensive collection of primarily American and European art ranging from the late 19th century to the
present that was established in New York City in 1929, with Alfred H. Barr as the founding director. According
to the museum’s founding trustees—especially Lillie P. Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan, and Abby Aldrich
Rockefeller—the museum would be dedicated exclusively to the most progressive tendencies in modern art.
The museum’s holdings of Cubist, Surrealist, and Abstract Expressionist paintings are especially extensive: it
is home to Pablo Picasso’s pivotal Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907). Besides paintings, sculpture, and graphic
art, the museum was one of the first in the United States to include in its collection industrial
design, architecture, photography, and motion pictures.
ESTABLISHED: 1929-PRESENT

National Gallery, London, United Kingdom

art museum in London that houses Great Britain’s national collection of European paintings. It is located on the
north side of Trafalgar Square, Westminster. The National Gallery was founded in 1824 when the British
government bought a collection of 38 paintings from the estate of the merchant John Julius Angerstein. The
collection was first exhibited on May 10 of that year in Angerstein’s house at 100 Pall Mall, but in 1838 it was
reopened to the public in its current premises. This Neoclassical structure, designed by the Greek
Revival architect William Wilkins, was enlarged in 1860, 1876, 1886, and 1975, and in 1991 it was expanded
further with the addition of the Sainsbury Wing by the American architect Robert Venturi. Until the opening of
the Tate Gallery in 1897, modern British art was also displayed at the National Gallery.
ESTABLISHED: 1824-PRESENT

Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France

national museum of fine and applied arts in Paris that features work mainly from France between 1848 and
1914. Its collection includes painting, sculpture, photography, and decorative arts and boasts such iconic works
as Gustave Courbet’s The Artist’s Studio (1854–55), Édouard Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur
l’herbe (1863; Luncheon on the Grass), and Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la
Galette (1876; Bal du moulin de la Galette).
ESTABLISHED: 1986-PRESENT

British Museum, London, England, United Kingdom

comprehensive national museum with particularly outstanding holdings in archaeology and ethnography. It is
located in the Bloomsbury district of the borough of Camden. Established by act of Parliament in 1753, the
museum was originally based on three collections: those of Sir Hans Sloane; Robert Harley, 1st earl of Oxford;
and Sir Robert Cotton. The collections (which also included a significant number of manuscripts and other
library materials) were housed in Montagu House, Great Russell Street, and were opened to the public in 1759
ESTABLISHED: 1753-PRESENT

Greatest International Visual Artists

MICHAELANGELO (1475-1564)
In full Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. He is regarded as the greatest sculptor and painter of all
time. He was a major figure of the Renaissance in Italy, especially in Florence and Rome.
Michelangelo is popularly known for the Italian Renaissance sculpture as well as the Sistine Chapel frescoes,
among other incredible works of art.

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN (1606-1669)

In full Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, Rembrandt originally spelled Rembrant. He is a Dutch painting
genius who created several masterpieces. He made several canvasses famous for their emotional content, which
is why Rembrandt was branded as a realist painter.
 The best known and the most famous Rembrandt painting, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes
Tulp was made in 1632.

PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973

also known as Pablo Ruiz y Picasso, was singular in the art world. Spanish expatriate painter, sculptor,
printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer, one of the greatest and most-influential artists of the 20th century
and the creator (with Georges Braque) of cubism.
 "Guernica" is not only Picasso's best-known work, it's one of the most famous and google searched
painting in the world.

LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519)

Italian painter, draftsman, sculptor, architect, and engineer whose skill and intelligence, perhaps more than that
of any other figure, epitomized the Renaissance Humanist ideal.
 His Last Supper (1495–98) and Mona Lisa (1503–19) are among the most widely popular and influential
paintings of the Renaissance.

CLAUDE MONET (1840-1926)
in full Oscar-Claude Monet, French painter who was the initiator, leader, and unswerving advocate of the
Impressionist style.
He is popularly regarded as the founder of French Impressionist painting. Monet had an incredible passion for
documenting the countryside in his numerous paintings.
 Claude Monet's Impression, Sunrise is the famous painting that paved the way to the development of
Impressionism.

VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853-1890)

in full Vincent Willem van Gogh, Dutch painter, generally considered the greatest after Rembrandt van Rijn, and
one of the greatest of the Post-Impressionists. The striking colour, emphatic brushwork, and contoured forms of
his work powerfully influenced the current of Expressionism in modern art. His contribution to art was basically
painting
 Starry Night is one of the most recognized pieces of art in the world

AUGUSTE RODIN (1840-1917)

in full François-Auguste-René Rodin, French sculptor of sumptuous bronze and marble figures, considered by
some critics to be the greatest portraitist in the history of sculpture.
He was deeply inspired by tradition yet rebelled against its idealized forms.  He believed that art should be true
to nature, a philosophy that shaped his attitudes to models and materials
 Originally called The Poet, The Thinker is one of his famous artworks.

Contribution of Visual Art in the World

Art helps you process your emotions and understand your surroundings. It allows you to see life from a
different perspective and it makes you feel alive. Art has always been an important part of human society since
the beginning of time. Art has been used as a tool for cultural exchange, education, and expression.

Contribution of Visual Art in the World

 Visual art is Everywhere
 Visual Art has gone Along Away
 Visual Art is itself
 The visual arts are art forms that create works that are primarily visual in nature
 Visual art education helps students understand basic skills like reading and writing which are crucial
fundamental skills for daily life.
 Visual art is an excellent way to communicate something when it cannot be described by words
LINE is a row of points that continues both directions and is usually represented by a mark. It is an n essential
element of visual arts
Types of Lines
1. Actual Line is physically present, existing as solid connections between one or more points.
2. Implied Lines refers to the direction to witch an eye takes as it follows other elements within an art
work. Implied lines aren’t drawn, but they are created with colors, shadows, shapes, textures, and spaces
between objects.
3. Straight or Classic provide the structure to a composition. A straight line is defined as a line traced by a
point travelling in a constant direction with zero curvature.
4. Expressive Lines or Curved Lines, indicate movement that is flexible.
5. Outline or contour line created path around the edge of a shape.  The way lines are created can be used
to express emotions and to create mood.
6. Cross Contour Line describes the form of the shape and reflects the movement of your eye. They
help you understand the solid form of the object when you create shading using this type of line.
7. Hatch lines are repeated at short intervals In generally one direction. They give shading and visual
texture to the surface of an object.
8. Crosshatch line provide additional tone and texture. They can be oriented in any direction. Multiple
layers of crosshatch lines can give rich and varied shading to objects by manipulating the pressure of the
drawing tool to create a large range of values.

SPACE is the empty area surrounding real or implied objects. Humans categorize space: there is outer space,
inner space, which resides in people’s minds and imaginations, and personal space, the important but intangible
area that surrounds each individual and which is violated if someone else gets too close. 
But in art Space has two (2) types; the Positive Space and Negative Space
1. Positive space refers to the main subject or focus.
2. Negative space refers to the area surrounding your subject or background.
TEXTURE – texture is the element associated with the sense of touch.
“The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin (1435)” by Jan Van Eyck shows various texture in the clothing yet the actual
surface of the work remains very smooth.
“The Starry Night (1889)” by Vincent van Gogh contains a great deal of actual texture through the thick
application of paint.
SHAPE AND VOLUME - refers to an area in a two-dimensional space that is define by edges volume is three-
dimensional, exhibiting height, width, and depth.
“Small Bouquet of Flowers in a Ceramic Vase (1599)” by Jan Brueghel the Elder three dimensional figures may
be depicted on the flag picture plane through the use of the artistic elements to imply depth and volume.
FORM it is the physical volume of a shape and the space that it occupies.
 As one of the elements of art, along with the line, shape, texture, value, space, and color, form in art
helps artists to produce an illusion of 3D and depth on a two-dimensional surface.

PERSPECTIVE deals with the effect of distance to the appearance of the object.
 One-Point Perspective
 Two-Point Perspective
 Three-Point Perspective
One-Point Perspective occurs when there ceding lines appear to converge at a single point on the horizon and
used when the flat front of an object is facing the viewer.
“A classic Renaissance artwork using One-Point Perspective is Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper from
1498.”
Two-Point Perspective occurs when the vertical edge of a cube is facing the viewer, exposing two sides that
recede into the distance, one to each vanishing point.
Sample description of Two-Point Perspective in a painting: Paris Street, Rainy Day (1964) by Gustave
Caillebotte.
Three-Point Perspective is used when an artist wants to project a “bird’s-eye view”, that is, when the projection
lines recede to two points on the horizon and a third either far above or below the horizon line.
COLOR in the visual arts, color is the most noticeable element.
Color Theory classifies into the ‘’Primary Colors, Secondary Colors, and Tertiary Colors’’.
There are many important key terms associated with the study of color as an art element.
 Hue- the dimension of color that gives colors its name.
 Value (tint, shade)- The darkness and lightness of the hue
 Intensity- The brightness and the darkness of the color.
 Adjacent Color- Colors that are next to each other in the color wheel.
 Analogous Color- Three or four neighboring colors with one color in all mixtures.
 Complementary Color- Colors that are opposite each other in the color wheel.
 Split Complementary Color- Any three colors forming a Y in the color wheel.
 Triadic Color- Three colors forming a triangle in the color wheel.
 Warm Color- Colors associated warmth, cheerfulness, and excitement. Usually associated with
sources of heat.
 Cool Color- Colors associated with distance, tranquility, and restfulness.
 Monochrome- A color with different shade
 Additive Color- Color created by mixing Green, Red, and Blue.
  Subtractive Color- The reverse of additive color, the primary colors become cyan, magenta, yellow,
and black.
 Tone- Gradation of a color on a lighter or darker scale.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

HARMONY
- Harmony in art and design is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. For
instance: adjacent colors on the color wheel, similar shapes, etc.

BALANCE
- As a principle of art, balance refers to the distribution of weight in a composition. The principle of
balance most often refers to the visual heaviness of shapes and forms in an artwork.

Types of Balance

Symmetric balance – is the most visually stable, and characterized by an exact or nearly exact compositional
design on either (or both) sides of the horizontal or vertical axis of the picture plane.

Asymmetric balance – a compositional balance is simply a visually unstable balance because the elements are
offset from each other.

Radial balance – is essentially another type of symmetry that suggests movement from the center of the
composition to the outer edge and vice versa. This applies to round objects.

PROPORTION
- refers to the dimensions of composition and relationships between height, width, and depth. How
proportion is used will affect how realistic or stylized something seems.

GOLDEN RATIO
- is a proportion that occurs in nature. It reflects the rate and pattern in which many things grow.
- The Golden Ratio can be written mathematically as 1:1.62. Objects are related by the Golden Ratio
when one is 1.62 times the length of the other.

SCALE
 - refers to the overall physical size of artwork or objects in the artwork.

LARGE SCALE
- An artist may create an artwork that is much larger than it would be in real life in order to create a visual
impact.

SMALL SCALE
- When artists create work on a miniature scale, the impact is often created through the level of detail and
skill involved.

CONTRASTING SCALE
- Scale also relates to the size of one part of an artwork in relation to another. Artists can choose to
compose an image with contrasting scales to create tension or drama.

RHYTHM
- is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized
movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing.

Types of Rhythm

Random Rhythm
- Elements are repeated with no regularity and therefore create a random rhythm.

Regular Rhythm
- is created when a series of elements (often identical or similar) are placed at regular intervals in an
artwork. If an artist isn't careful, this type of rhythm can be monotonous or boring.

Alternating Rhythm
- is when two or more motifs are alternated. It is similar to the regular rhythm but, because more things
are repeated, it adds more variety to an artwork.

Flowing Rhythm
- is created by bending and curving different elements and intervals in an artwork.

Progressive Rhythm
 - In progressive rhythm, each time an element or motif repeats itself, it changes a little and transforms
gradually. It changes from one thing to another.

REPETITION AND PATTERN

REPETITION
- is when an object, shape, form, color, or pattern is repeated over and over again to create a rhythm. It
helps unify an artwork.

PATTERN
- is when a combination of elements or shapes are repeated in a predictable, recurring arrangement in a
work of art. Artists use patterns to symbolically represent many things such as people, beliefs, nature,
history, and tradition in their artwork.

EMPHASIS
- Is an accentuation of importance.

You can use different elements to highlight a specific part of your design, like:
• Lines
• Shapes
• Color
• Texture
• Space

MOVEMENT
- A direct path of optional motion.

CONTRAST
- Along with accent, rhythm, and flow, the contrast principle of design has been one of the design
elements. Defining contrast as “the attribute of being distinct from something else” may be the best
approach to explain it. We see that a lot in fashion, with dark colors next to light colors.
- It is the ultimate principle we use to assess the difference between two items — be it color, size, or value
— and it is one of the classic principles of design contrast.

How do you employ contrast principles in designing?

Your design will be fascinating if you use the contrast principle of design in a balanced approach. Remember
that the contrast definition in fashion design is to entice the audience to act on a call to action. One can use
color, shape, and size to create contrast.

Color contrasts
- Hue is a term used by artists to describe a specific color, usually one of the 12 on the color wheel. On
the other hand, color theory can be helpful for fashion designers. We may use the color wheel to
construct several traditional palettes that designers have utilized for ages to create a high-contrast
composition

Patterns and contrast

- Finding patterns with the proper contrast levels for you in terms of value and color contrast can be the
simplest method to work with contrast. There are prints with a wide range of contrast levels in terms of
value

What is the best way to use the contrast principle in your design?

 You can get inspiration everywhere

 Experiment responsibly

Things to think about when adding contrast to your designs.

1. How are you creating contrast? Is it through texture, typography, color, or shape?
2. If you want to achieve contrast through typography, which fonts are you using? Are they very different, or
just a little bit different? Be bold with your font choices but remember to make sure the text is legible.
3. Is contrast strengthening your design idea?

What are the important things about contrast?

1. Contrasts attractive to the eye.

2. Contrast aids the organization of information.
3. Contrast creates a focus.