Defining Movement In Art
Movement in art is the path, flow, or suggestion of movement which causes the eyes to follow in an intended direction. It utilizes shapes, color, line, and arrangement in space to create the illusion, implication (juxtaposition) of, or visual queue alluding to motion.
Movement is a principle of art which utilizes multiple elements but relies upon the concept of convergence. The outcome can be symmetrical or asymmetrical in its use in the creation of a motif.
This motif becomes the sum of the whole within the composition allowing the movement to flow within the art.
Movement is also a critical component for the artist creating emphasis within art. This principle can determine the depth, focus, and success of how the artwork communicates to an audience.
Within some arts the core concept behind its principle is the foundation of the art itself. This can be seen within the many forms of opt art and kinetic art.
Movement In Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Examples of movement can be found within many great artists of history. Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh is a great one to look at. Its composition is largely based upon lines to varied widths and creates movement with how they are used.
The eyes will naturally follow the flow of this movement based upon how the lines are placed within the work. Color also plays a major role within this which adds to the unity of the art.
If one notices almost all lines which are used flow in the same direction within the painting. Even the lines which are used to compose the roofs of the homes move upward and to the right.
While some lines are contrary to this direction, the overwhelming balance is to a single direction.
This work was intended to create movement within the art not as an implied motion, but rather as a visual queue guiding the eyes of the viewer. It is an excellent example of how an artist can use elements within art with simple form to have great impact.
Movement In Claude Monet’s Fishing Boats On The Coast
Within Monet’s work we find an altogether different kind of movement. Here the effect is created with color to give an implication of waves or rough seas in the water.
This movement is created by using a contrast of white color that otherwise would be out of place in the setting. Often it is a contrasting color that aids in creating this kind of effect.
Color theory here is a great asset as you can also see darker hue’s aiding the effect from the primary color in the art. Within art depicting natural settings, these contrasting or complimentary colors become self evident by what nature provides.
If you notice the clouds above the water in Monet’s work, the use of color here also gives suggestion to movement. The suggestion is what one would expect to see when looking at the sky seeing that a storm is coming.
Contrast again is used to create this effect.
Two Kinds Of Movement In Art
The two above examples give different views of how movement can be used in art.
One is using space as the movement flows across the composition. The other is the suggestion of objects within the art which have movement.
One is meant to draw the eyes in a path or direction across the whole of the work. The other is meant to bring an object to life or give life like appearance.
This application uses multiple components to achieve effect and impact. Each will have an academic definition, yet I wish to drive into its practical applicaion.
There are three key components to this foundational understanding. Rhythm, Implied Movement, then also Pattern and Repetition by way of juxtaposition.
These will define the how and why behind a composition of art and the artists intentions for a work.
Use Of Rhythm In Motion
It is more common to associate rhythm as an element within music, but it exists within other arts as well. Within visual art, rhythm ultimately creates what we call motif.
As an example, a building may have windows in rows and the same number of windows for each floor the building has. This is rhythm within a motif.
When rhythm is used in conjunction with motion we have two paths it can follow. This can be symmetric like the building, or asymmetrical like rain drops in a pool or trees in a forest.
In more complex art a composition can have components of both. Each can work together seamlessly as found in natural settings.
If rain drops were to fall into a pool of water there would be a chaotic rhythm that would be seen. Within art it would be immediately recognizable by an audience.
Despite being chaotic and asymmetric, we associate this scene as being soothing, calm, and relaxing. It is a contrarian concept although relatable by experience that we all have enjoyed.
A scene depicting a forest would be much the same. A path within the forest could create movement through the trees.
While each tree may be of different size, species, and its location random, it works together to create the same calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Within Van Gogh’s Starry Night rhythm is easily seen. Yet this kind of rhythm is organized by pattern and repetition and is of a different variety.
Great artists use the principle of rhythm and movement in such ways to stimulate the mind. Each variety offers its own unique influence while still being able to work complimenting one another.
Monet’s above work with the sea can be seen in this way. Similar yet different aspects of movement can be seen.
While it involves a natural element much like my example of rain or a forest, the rhythm is broken but has its own symmetry within the composition.
Rhythm in art will exist within what is implied as well as pattern and repetition. How that rhythm is used will depend upon the creativity of the artist and what they seek to achieve in the art itself.
What Is Implied Movement In Art?
Implied movement can be envisioned just as its name describes. It is the implication of movement where no physical movement exists.
This can be easily accomplished with objects within art. Independent elements of art struggle to achieve implied movement to this degree of ease.
In my previous examples between Van Gogh and Monet one will be Implied Movement while the other is not. Implied Movement is when an object is given the appearance of being captured while in motion.
Thus the painting of Monet and the sea is implied movement. We find objects represented which we expect to see in motion that he captures.
You can think of it much like using a camera to take pictures. If you snapped a picture while someone was dancing, running, or walking, the image would show the individual in the act of motion. This is Implied Motion.
For motion to be implied requires an object within the art. The representation of the object may require additional objects to create the effect.
When an object stands alone it can be difficult for it to appear to be in motion. Other objects or elements may be required to create the effect desired within this motion.
An example of this may be a leaf painted at the center of a canvas. When a tree is added next to the leaf it now has the appearance of falling.
In this way objects can be dependent upon other objects within the art in order to create Implied Movement.
Movement By Pattern And Repetition
From the two works by great artists of history above, only one really applies to the principle of pattern and repetition of movement.
It would be Van Gogh’s Starry Night in which you can see this principle of repetition and pattern applied.
Van Gogh used the line to create a pattern through repetition which was the key behind his entire composition. Keep in mind that within this work the line is created by contrast of color though the stroke of a brush.
Know that Van Gogh was not an impressionist, but rather a post-impressionist painter. Yet this piece is done using similar techniques which many impressionists did use.
The broad lines used side by side with wet on wet natural blending allowed for great contrast. While not a true impressionist work, this element of line became its foundation.
The contrasting color aids in the creation of a consistent pattern across the piece from left to right.
The majority of these lines are either horizontal creating movement from left to right, or diagonal moving from left bottom to the right top.
The exception to this can be found in places such as the stars and the tree which is altogether separated by color, shape, and direction.
While there are these exceptions, the overwhelming majority of the work follows the same pattern and repetition of motion. It is a repeatable and predictable pattern within the elements.
This is an excellent example of Movement by Pattern and Repetition. While many artists use motifs that are more akin to appearing like wallpaper, Van Gogh and others perfected the use of these principles.
It is possible to use these principles in a way which brings art to life without the appearance of a patterned wall design. It can take the viewer on a journey to explore what is within the art.
Light And Shadow Aid In Creating Movement
To better grasp this a study of impressionist art can aid in seeing how this is used. It was a key element which the artists of that time sought to implement.
The use of light and shadow will aid an artist greatly in creating implied movement within art. The use of these principles give a life like component that we easily recognize within daily life.
A dancer on a stage with her shadow in the background aids in creating the feel of motion. Yet it can also bring to life and create motion within a setting that would be otherwise stationary.
An example of this could be a man playing a guitar. The effect of candlelight as it flickers can cast a shadow which blurs and moves in the background.
This image is transformed to life through the use of light and shadow that would otherwise be static with minimal movement.
The study of light and how it bends around objects is critical within art. This is not limited to realism, but also has practical application within abstract arts.
Today this is more easily seen within digital formats by using software. Technology has given us many advantages which artists of history could not enjoy.
Learning How To Create Movement Within Art
The best way to learn how to create movement in art is through the study of real world settings. This is something we all too often take for granted.
Within the above examples each setting, and its surrounding elements with its objects, offer a unique look at how movement is impacted by small things.
It is those small aspects which in the end create the greatest impact within artwork. Bringing these pieces together allows for a good work to become great. It moves what is static to being alive.
This requires more than the use of shading, line, shape, and color to create a life like object. Rather it requires also the same principles to be applied to the whole of the environment within the space of the art.
This does not mean that all art must me true to life or naturalist works. Rather it requires an understanding of object, space, light, line, and contrast.
In understanding these elements, abstract art can also achieve motion and life when applied properly.
It would be a good suggestion for artists to seek out the aid of software which can provide immediate manipulation of environments within images.
Whether it be 3d rendering, or other special effects like found within design, you can play with how light, shadow, and contrast to alter a piece.
Ultimately it is up to you to explore the use of object, space, and the line in creation of art. Nevertheless more difficult properties can be studied with greater ease today than at other points of history.
Application Of Movement Across Many Mediums In Art
Movement can be applied to any and every medium of art. This includes sculpting, pottery, wood art and carving as well as many others.
How it is applied may vary some from one to the next. Nevertheless it is a critical component in all mediums.
Every artist will find their own unique way to present movement to the style which they prefer. Yet each will incorporate the essential elements required in order to create it.
How the artist represents this within their work will show the personality and creativity of the artist in their process.
When you begin to bring the principle of movement into your work it is a transformational experience. It will forever alter your perspective in how you create art as well as how others perceive your work.
Are there mediums which are more challenging than others? Yes there are. Wood by design is a more two dimensional canvas unless carved to a three dimensional form.
When treated like a canvas implied movement becomes more challenging due to the wood grain.
Wood lacks the ability to create shadow, and at times depth within the composition. Creating movement by pattern and repetition is far easier and often more successful. Nevertheless this does not mean that the other is not possible.
It will require experimentation and creativity for the artist to find what works for them in their art. Yet have fun while exploring and pushing the boundaries of your creation.