Movement

Mo

e
m nt

Movement

Movement is the sense of

direction or motion in a piece
of art. It creates energy and
leads the viewer's eye around
the artwork.

Movement

Let's examine how the visual elements

line, shape, colour, and value can be used
to create movement in artwork.

Movement

In this composition, shape is used to move the viewers to or

from a certain point in the artwork.
The shape is expressive and has flowing/curvy contours.

Movement

In this artwork, the shape of the subject

matter creates a horizontal sense of movement.

Movement

These fish are expressive shapes and strategically placed

to create movement in the artwork and direct the viewer's
eye to somewhere near the centre of the composition.

Movement

The shape of this person's hair directs

movement across the composition.

Movement

The curvy contours of this shape (lady) help create movement

and energy. Contours in the sky are curvy too and the different
angles of the buildings adds energy.

Movement

In this artwork, the contours of the strategically placed

shapes lead the viewer's eye across the composition.

Movement

In this composition, lines are used to

move the viewer's eye to or from a certain
point in the artwork.

Movement

In this artwork, line is used to emphasize movement.

Movement

In this artwork, line is used to emphasize movement.

Movement

In this artwork, the

shape of the subject
creates a downwards
sense of music.
The whispy lines also
create energy and
movement.

Movement

In this painting, line and shape are used

to create energy and movement.

Movement

In this artwork, the lines that define the shapes of the negative shape are curvy and create movement.

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Repetition
can be used to establish movement in artwork.

-the repetition of shapes, images, colours and tones.

Movement

In this composition, the colour black

is strategically placed to lead the viewer's
eye through the composition. The same is
true for the other colour in the artwork.

Movement

In this composition, the dark tone

is strategically placed to lead the viewer's
eye through the composition. The same can
be said for the light tone.

Movement

In this artwork, strategically-placed dark tones help to lead the

viewer's eye throughout the composition, creating movement.

Movement

Sometimes it helps to look at a piece of art, in black

and white, to really examine tones.

Movement

Specific tones can lead the viewer's eye

around a composition.

The Moulin Rouge

Toulouse-Lautrec

Movement

Specific tones can lead the viewer's eye

around a composition.

Movement

The placement of certain tones/values can also establish a definite sense of movement
and/or direction in artwork:

Movement

The repetition of pattern can be used to

imply movement.

Sterling Hundley

Movement

Pattern is used, but it's more the placement or distribution of the pattern that
helps move the viewer's eye around the composition.

Sterling Hundley

Movement

The repetition of accent points can be used to lead the

viewer's eye through a composition and create movement.

Gary Kelley

Movement

Here, the repetition of the circles helps suggest movement.

The man's expressive pose helps too!

Movement

The repetition of the hearts helps create movement around the

focal point.

Gary Kelley

Movement

Sometimes an artist will contrast

two movements within a composition.

Downward
movement of singer
contrasts the
horizontal movement
of the keyboard.

Movement

Now, your studio project...

Movement
Project

Studio

Expressive Movement

Using one of the references photos that are provided, create an artwork that contains
a strong sense of movement.
You will be assessed on:

-development of recognizable and interesting shape with expressive contours

(pay attention to shapes, sizes, and proportions but feel free to abstract)
-design of the whole composition (positive/negative shape) / fill the space!
-use of tones (use a wide range!): model form, suggest light and shadow and define edges
with tones
-use of colour (blend and layer colours in soft pastel)
-development of variety and expression (with textures and patterns)
-development of movement (of course)
-development of the concept: make it original and interesting

Example: In this artwork, only the one main dog was used from the reference photo.
The money was added, to make a statement on racing dogs for entertainment.
The repetition of the money, the elongated shape of the dog and the long
skinny line/bar in the background all help to suggest movement.

For a refresher of the lesson on Movement,

visit Mr. Marchinko's blogsite:

jmarchinko.edublogs.org

Movement

To get started on this studio project, choose a reference photo, then think about how you can use it
to create an artwork with a strong sense of movement. Will you....
-use the objects expressive shape to create movement
-strategically place certain tones or colours within the composition, to create movement
-use wavy and flowing line and/or shape to create movement
-repeat certain visual elements (trees, flowers, money bills, etc) throughout the composition, to
create movement
1.
2.
3.
4.

Plan your composition in your sketchbook.

Work inside of a format and be aware of both positive and negative shape.
Plan your tones.....shade them in.
Try several different versions/ideas.
finished artwork

Student Examples:

sketchbook plans

sketchbook plan

finished artwork

Movement

A close-up of the example:

In this artwork, only the one main dog was used from the reference photo.
The money was added, to make a statement on the betting of race dogs
for human pleasure.
The repetition of the money, the elongated shape of the dog and the long
skinny line/bar in the background all help to suggest movement.

Movement

Student Examples

Movement

The curvature of the koi fish (shape) creates movement throughout Natalie's painting.

Movement

The shape of the dog, the lines coming off of it, the torn-up track and the long horizontal
lines in the background all help create a sense of movement in the composition.

Movement

The wavy, flowing

lines in the water,
the curvy contours
of the weeds and
the shape of the
fish all help create
a sense of
movement in the
composition.

Movement

The shape of the fish,

repetition of the markings
on the fish and the
lyrical lines in the water
all help create a sense
of movement in the
artwork.

Movement

The long diagonal mast,

rope and swooping sail,
along with the skinny,
tall format, help to
create a sense of movement
in the artwork.

Movement

The shape of the waves and the diagonal ropes, mast and sail of the boat all
help create a sense of movement in the artwork.

Movement

The slightly swooping

bars in the background
help create a sense of
movement in this artwork.

Movement

Here are the reference photos you will choose from......

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Make great art!