Fundamentals of Art and Design 3(1+2)

Lesson 02 : Elements of art

Light

Light is considered as an element of art and design. Light is used for visual comfort and to achieve desirable emotional responses. Factors related to visual comfort are those, which enable one to see easily, accurately and in comfort. Emotional responses are influenced by the manner in which light has been used to communicate ideas about color, texture, shape form and line.

Good lighting can make a house warm and friendly, lively or restful (Fig.2.10). Bad lighting results in a dreary or glaring interior and can be harmful for health and safety.

Light is an art element as well as a utilitarian element (Fig.2.11). It has a definite emotional effect. Light is stimulating; darkness is depressing. On the other hand, light that is too bright exhausts us physically and offensive esthetically. The shadow element too is an important decorative factor both indoors and outdoors.

Daylight is such an important factor in the appearance of a room that no plan for decoration should be made without considering the number of windows, the amount of sunshine that enters the room, the trees or creepers that shut out light and what season of the year the room is used most. Movable curtains should be provided, so that the quantity of light can easily be controlled to fit the needs of the occupants of a room.

Modern artificial utility of light, particularly electric light is not only a remarkable functional utility, but also a marvelous flexible art medium. It may show contrast and emphasis by bringing bright light to important areas while subordinate areas remain in the shadows. It can bring rhythm and continuity to a room’s furnishings by linking together various points of emphasis.