Wassily Kandinsky was well known for his "Non Objective" or "Non Representational" paintings. These are paintings that are not about a specific subject, but focus more on the elements of art and principles of design. What are some of the elements and principles you notice in Kandinsky's "Squares with Concentric Circles* painting. Check all that you see examples of:

• color
• shape
• value
• text
• pattern/repetition
• variety
• emphasis
• balance

1 answer

In Wassily Kandinsky's "Squares with Concentric Circles," several elements and principles of art can be identified. Here are the ones that are typically present in this painting:

  • Color: The painting features a vibrant use of color, with various hues creating a striking visual impact.
  • Shape: The work prominently displays geometric shapes, especially squares and circles, which are fundamental to the composition.
  • Pattern/Repetition: The use of concentric circles and the arrangement of shapes demonstrates a sense of repetition and pattern.
  • Variety: Although there are repeating shapes, there is also a variety of colors and sizes of shapes that add interest to the composition.
  • Emphasis: The concentric circles create a focal point that draws the viewer's attention, demonstrating emphasis in the artwork.
  • Balance: The overall composition achieves a sense of balance, as the arrangement of shapes and sizes creates harmony within the painting.

However, value (the lightness or darkness of colors) is less explicitly pronounced in Kandinsky's use of color, and there is typically no use of text in this particular painting.

So, the elements and principles you might check include:

  • Color
  • Shape
  • Pattern/Repetition
  • Variety
  • Emphasis
  • Balance