ELEMENTS
AND PRINCIPLES OF
ART
Lesson
Introduction
Test
INTRODUCTION
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Name: Kelsey Poorman
Subject: Arts- Visual Arts
Grade Level: Grade 1
Standard: Creative Expression and
Communication
Benchmark: Use the elements and principles of
art as a means to express ideas, emotions and
experiences.
Indicators:
Identify visual art elements and principles using art
vocabulary.
Use selected art elements and principles to express a
personal response to the world.
LESSON
o
What are the elements and principles of art?
The elements and principles of art are building
blocks for all visual art.
Knowing the elements and principles of design
provides students with the necessary vocabulary to
effectively analyze and discuss artwork.
THE ELEMENTS
Form
The underlying
structure or composition
in a work of art.
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The shape or outline
of something in three
dimensions.
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Line
The path traced by a
moving point.
o
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Can be implied.
Varying widths; heavy,
thin
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Color
Shape
THE E
LEMENTS
The general outline of
something.
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Geometric:
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Secondary: Orange, Purple
& Green
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Organic:
Primary: Red, Yellow & Blue
Tint/shade
Space
THE ETexture
LEMENTS
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The qualities of a surface.
Can be actual or implied
Soft or rough
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Created by the merging,
touching and intersecting
of lines.
Actual space- two or three
dimensional
Pictorial space- flat surface
of the paper, canvas or
other material. Also known
as picture plane.
Positive/negative
Balance
THE PRINCIPLES
 The arrangement of a
composition. When the
eye is attracted equally
to the various imaginary
axes of a composition.
Unity
 The arrangement of
elements into a unified
whole or oneness in a
composition.
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Rhythm, balance and
proportion help establish
unity.
THE PRINCIPLES
Proportion
 The size relationships
within a composition.
Rhythm
 Controlled movements
 Beat and flow
TEST
Question 1
What are the art elements?
Space
Texture
Balance
Color
Rhythm
Shape
Unity
Form
Proportion
Line
TEST
Question 2
What element or principle is
strongest in this artwork?
Line
Texture
Unity
TEST
Question 3
What are the primary colors?
Green
Purple
Yellow
Red
White
Yellow
Red
Blue
Blue
Next Question
Next Question
You Passed The Test Congratulations!
Resources
Resources:
Hurwitz, D. & Day, M. (2007). Children and their art:
Methods for the elementary school. California: Thomson Wadsworth
Ohio Department of Education. Retrieved March 1, 2008 from
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODE
DefaultPage.aspx?page=1.
For more on the elements and principles visit: Arts Connected.Org