Robert Draws – Two-dimensional art refers to artistic works that are created on flat surfaces, with only two dimensions: length and width. These artworks are typically seen and experienced from one viewpoint and lack depth. Common examples of two-dimensional art include paintings, sketches, posters, and photography. Not only does two-dimensional art serve as an aesthetic object, but it can also be functional, such as in applied arts.
What is Two-Dimensional Art?
To understand two-dimensional art, it is essential to first define it. According to “Modul Pembelajaran SMA Seni Budaya Kelas X” by Muheri Palwanto, visual art is a branch of art that creates works using mediums visible to the eyes and tangible to the hands. Two-dimensional art (2D) refers to art that has only two dimensions: length and width. It can be viewed from one perspective, in contrast to three-dimensional art, which includes height and volume.
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Key Components of Two-Dimensional Art
There are several visual elements that make up two-dimensional art, which artists use to create their masterpieces. These components include point, line, plane, shape, color, texture, light and dark, and space. Here’s a breakdown of these essential elements:
- Point: The most fundamental element of two-dimensional art. A point can evolve into more complex forms like lines and planes.
- Line: Formed by a stroke or connection between two points, lines create relationships between different visual elements.
- Plane: A flat surface created when a line meets at its endpoints. Planes can be geometric shapes like triangles, squares, or rectangles.
- Shape: Created by combining various planes, shapes give an impression of dimensions and volume.
- Color: Based on Brewster’s color theory, all colors derive from three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue.
- Texture: Refers to the surface characteristics of an object. Which can be felt as smooth or rough, both physically and visually.
- Light and Dark: Effects created by light, where one side of the object receives light, and the other side remains in darkness, giving the illusion of depth.
- Space: In two-dimensional art, space is an illusion. Artists create depth and perspective by representing flat. Two-dimensional objects as though they occupy a three-dimensional space.
Things to Consider in Two-Dimensional Art
Several factors should be considered when creating two-dimensional art:
- Aesthetic Value: The visual appeal and emotional impact that the artwork evokes. It’s essential to perceive, understand, respond, reflect, analyze, and evaluate two-dimensional art.
- Media and Technique: Tools and media used in two-dimensional art vary widely. Including pencils, pens, crayons, and more. Each medium has its unique characteristics that influence the final artwork.
- Artistic Techniques: Creating two-dimensional art involves techniques that contribute to the composition, balance, and proportion of the artwork. A preliminary sketch is often made to lay the foundation for a more complex composition.
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Techniques in Two-Dimensional Art
Here are some common techniques used to create two-dimensional art:
- Linear Technique: This technique emphasizes the use of lines, either straight or curved, to form an image. The lines may create shapes, outlines, and more.
- Block Technique: This technique involves filling a drawing or painting with a single color, creating the overall shape or silhouette of an object.
- Hatching Technique: Artists draw lines in parallel or intersecting patterns to create light and shadow effects, resulting in a sense of three-dimensionality.
- Smeared Technique: This technique involves using a pencil in a tilted position to create gradients of light and dark, often with the help of a cloth or paper to smooth the strokes.
- Pointillism: Using dots made with tools like pencils, pens, pastels, or paint, pointillism builds up the image.
- Watercolor Technique: Using thin layers of watercolor, this technique achieves a translucent effect, allowing light to pass through the colors.
- Poster Technique: Applying thick and opaque paints, such as poster paint, acrylic, or oil, to create a solid color surface.
- Airbrush Technique: This technique uses a spraying tool to create precise works with soft gradients and detailed effects.
- Printing Technique: This involves creating artwork through a printing process, either manual or digital, using printing tools and ink.
Examples of Two-Dimensional Art
Here are several examples of two-dimensional art that are commonly encountered:
- Drawing: Emphasizes lines, shapes, and utility without any focus on expression. Examples include architectural drawings, illustrations, and designs.
- Painting: Depicts a subject with composition and subjective values through creative expression. Paintings may include both representational and abstract styles.
- Sketching: Quick, spontaneous line work that forms the basis for future works or stands as an art form in itself.
- Cartoons: Deformed or exaggerated depictions of subjects, often meant for humor.
- Caricatures: A type of cartoon that focuses on exaggerated features or traits of a subject, often used for satire.
- Relief Printing: A printing method that uses raised areas of a surface to create images, commonly on materials like plywood, metal, or rubber.
- Posters: Printed works used for advertising or conveying information, featuring graphic design elements.
- Photography: Captures real-world images using a camera, processed and printed on paper.
- Calligraphy: The art of beautiful writing, where letters are crafted with specific tools to enhance their aesthetic value.
- Vignettes: Decorative imagery with no clear purpose, used to fill empty spaces.
This kind of art remains a crucial and accessible form of expression in the art world. Contributing both functionally and aesthetically to various aspects of everyday life. Whether in illustrations, advertisements, or fine art, it showcases the artist’s skill in using limited space to communicate vast ideas.
