Art and Visual Perception by 
Visual Literacy in the Digital Age by 
Visual Studies: a skeptical introduction by 
Anonymous, Mesrop of Khizan and Kayrapet, 1615, Iran accessed via Visual Resources Collection, Binghamton University
The Elements of an image include points, lines, shapes, colors, form, size, value (light or dark), pattern, and texture.
Paul Klee, Printed Sheet with Picture, 1937, The Phillips Collection, accessed via ARTstor
Some Principals of image design include contrast, proportion, repetition, rhythm, balance, variety, harmony, and emphasis.
For more information on Information literacy, the Association of College & Research Libraries has a set of guidelines at ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
"Visual literacy is a set of abilities that enables an individual to effectively find, interpret, evaluate, use, and create images and visual media."
ACRL Visual Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
Much like reading comprehension, critical thinking, evaluating information and resources, and other forms of information literacy, visual literacy embodies a set of core concepts that allow you to analyze the content and context of an image and use an image effectively.
It’s important to evaluate images in order to avoid assumptions about what an image means. A photograph doesn’t necessarily communicate the validity of what is captured more than a painting would. Artists intentionally leave information out or manipulate the world around them in the process of creation.
Further Reading:
Visual Literacy Toolbox, developed by University of Maryland College Park
Henri Matisse, French, 1869-1954 , Dance (I), oil on canvas, 8' 6 1/2" x 12' 9 ½," Museum of Modern Art
Recognize and identify the elements of an image, the techniques, the audience, and the context (social, cultural, historical, and geographical) in which an image was made. Understand how a reproduction or manipulation of an original work alters its meaning and intent.
From: http://www.virginiaplaces.org/graphics/1622attack.jpg via Wikimedia Commons. "A 1628 woodcut by Matthaeus Merian published along with Theodore de Bry's earlier engravings in 1628 book on the New World. The engraving shows the March 22, 1622 massacre when Powhatan Indians attacked Jamestown and outlying Virginia settlements. Merian relied on de Bry's earlier depictions of the Indians, but the image is largely considered conjecture."
Interpret the meanings of images. Read accompanying text or metadata if any is provided. Analyze other like images to inform an interpretation.
