Linearity and Contouring: Style Detectives

The science field of visual psychophysics involves the analysis of stimuli perception and the gauging of sensory thresholds as they relate to the detection of motion.

Two typical experiments in this field may involve the following:

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1. determine fluctuations in the human brain neurotransmitter/chemical serotonin during the perception of color after-imagery in patients undergoing dream-sleep or facing symptoms of depression (conditions in which serotonin fluctuates naturally)

2. determine the critical perceptual thresholds (perceived distance between objects/particles in a grid) that gauge the detection of rows versus the detection of columns and at what distance values rows collapse into columns (and vice-versa) during grid change

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Well, a great deal of painting involves similar analysis of visual field sensitivity detection and object correlation contouring (perhaps in images signifying change or turmoil).

This is why linearity and contouring are so important in art, since they gauge the viewer's perspective on muscularity.

How can we analyze linearity and contouring in a discussion about the comparative painting styles of Picasso (a famous muscular abstractionist) and Pollock (a famous expressive contourist)? Such an analysis should inform any casual discussion of the relationship between painting and sculpture.

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