Solving visual problems in Art

Whether you are level 1, 2 or 3 you will work towards solving visual issues in your work.

Visual issues

What is a visual issue?

It is your issue or focus.

A visual problem could be 'how can I use texture, layering, drips, collage etc in my work'.

You will work towards 'solving the visual problem' by exploring a variety of artists approaches.


These are just a few ideas to get you started, remember you can combine and compare issues.

Try to replace the word ‘drawing’ with ‘investigation’ – you are investigating pictorial issues and problems when you draw.

Every time you draw, you should have a specific purpose – you should set out with the intention of exploring a pictorial issue or problem.


PICTORIAL ISSUES

BALANCE

Symmetry/Asymmetry       Order/Tension        Positive/negative

SURFACE

Texture           Mark-making            Contrast            Rough/Smooth

TONE

Light/Dark             Contrast                Texture             Shadow


FORMAT

Horizontal/Vertical       Rectangular/Square/Shaped   Diptych/Triptych

PATTERN

Repetition         Echoes          Visual links          Decorative/Plain

COMPARISON

Real/Imagined        Blurred/Static        Shape/line         Solid/Shadow

LINE

Vertical         Horizontal         Diagonal         Thick/Thin        Curved

LIGHT

Harsh          Soft            Filtered        Reflected        Natural/Artificial

Techniques/Strategies:

Oxford art terms
dictionary.com