What does painting consist of?

Dear friends,

I think many people cannot answer this question satisfactorily. This is not their fault, because Asians desperately need "art education".

Simply put, painting is a two-dimensional art. Its main elements consist of the following:

* Form -- One can easily recognize form -- like human figures; scenery; and any stationary object. In abstract painting, we have round, square and triangular forms. Please note that according to the Webster's Dictionary, the definition of "form" means the shape, figure or structure of a thing; but in art, we must add aesthetic quality.

* Color -- Besides warm and cold colors, an artist must choose his or her own favorite color to suit their personality. One should never be pushed into copying other's choice of color. One should also use the brush confidently and forcefully -- never hesitate or rub the surface, otherwise the resulting work will be muddy-looking.

* Line -- Every line must be decisive -- like the signature on your check -- clear and precise. If you think you made a bad line, please do not paint over the line which will make the line look lifeless. Just scrap the whole thing and start again. Only a purposeful and strong line will look alive and pleasing to the audience.

* Texture -- In texture, both soft materials like silk and coarse ones like burlap are all right to use in painting. However, there must be variety in order to catch the audience's interest and attention -- it is important to avoid a dull impression.

* Depth -- In architecture, we use 1-point, 2-point and 3- point perspective. But in painting, we use an idealized perspective, i.e. depth. Limited depth can unite all facets in a painting and make it more interesting.

* Movement -- In keeping with the spirit of the age, art should not be stagnant, it must show movement; life and rhythmic vitality, otherwise, they will look dead. In the early 20th century, after the Industrial Revolution in Europe, the "futurism" style was born. This school of art eulogized the dynamism of that age.

* Composition -- Composition makes or breaks a piece of art. A successful painting depends solely on its composition. How do we compose a painting? The basic elements are "unity" and "variety". Unity means order and harmony. Variety means variation and contrast. To organize a composition is like managing a governmental department or a large corporation. We must have rules and regulations in order to unite a department or company. However, in art, we must not depend on unity alone -- too much unity is dull; conversely, if it is too complicated, it may become chaotic. Therefore, a good painting must show variety within a framework of unity. As to how much unity and how much variety one should put in one's composition, this should be decided by each individual artist. For instance, a stiff and serious person will tend to use more unity; whereas a free- spirited person will use more variety. A balance between the two should be our ideal.

In general, every painting should give a harmonious impression -- together with enough contrasts to keep it eye- catching.

Next time we will talk about some aesthetic standards. Goodbye for now.

-- Kwo Da Wei