Using Visual Language as Appropriate to Creative Intentions

Understand the term ‘Visual Language’: Visual language refers to the use of aesthetic components like colour, shape, line, texture, space, form, and scale to communicate an idea, concept, or feeling.
Application to artistic intentions: Always consider how these elements of visual language can express creative intentions, such as an artist using dark colours and jagged lines to convey a mood of despair or anger.
Control of Visual Elements: Effective use of visual language needs proficiency and control over these visual elements. For instance, various shapes must be rendered accurately, and different colours have to be mixed to get the desired outcome.
Expression through colour: Colour can evoke strong emotional responses and signifies different moods. For example, warm colours may represent passion or anger, while cool colours may suggest peace or sadness.
Expression through line: Lines can be used to guide the eye, denote motion, outline forms and shapes, suggest mood, and create texture. Their use should be appropriate to what you’re trying to convey.
Expression through texture: Texture provisions a tactile quality to a work of art. By manipulating texture, a three-dimensional illusion can provide a sense of physicality and actuality to a two-dimensional surface.
Application of space and form: Space can be used in a piece to give an illusion of depth, and the usage of form can add a three-dimensional aspect. Effective use of space and form can give your artwork a realistic feel.
Contextual understanding: Artists throughout history have used visual language in various ways. Therefore, understanding and responding to how artists, craftspeople and designers from different historical, contemporary, cultural contexts use visual language is key.
Consistent practise: Gaining mastery over visual language requires persistent practise. Try to schedule regular time to experiment with and understand these elements — this will eventually allow you to use them intuitively in your artwork.
Constructive critique: Regularly review and reflect on your work to assess how well you’ve used visual language. Try experimenting with different techniques and methods to see which ones best communicate your intentions.
Communication and Storytelling: Effective use of visual language can communicate narratives, ideas, and emotions better than words. Practice ways to express a story or message through your artwork.
Scale and Proportion: Understanding the relationship between size, distance and ratio is crucial. Implying scale and proportion can ensure your art piece is balanced, realistic, and proportionally sound.

Remember, the key to ‘Using Visual Language as Appropriate to Creative Intentions’ is about understanding each element of visual language and mastering how to manipulate them to effectively communicate specific feelings, ideas or concepts through your artwork.