Elements of Art
ELEMENTS OF ART
 LINE
 SHAPE (2-D) FORM (3-D)
 VALUE
 COLOR
 TEXTURE
 SPACE
Line

An element of art that refers to a
continuous mark made on some
surface by a moving point.

It can be can be 2-d or 3-d such as
the edge of a object

It can help lead the viewer through
the image area.

A mark made by a moving point.

Has greater length than width.

Directs the eye – horizontal,
vertical, diagonal, curvy, zig-zag,
etc.

Can be actual obvious lines or the
borders or edges of shapes.
Leading Lines - S Curve
 It could be a leading line
that leads the eye back
in space.
Lines - Implied
 It could be an implied line
such as a dotted line….or
objects arranged in a line.
 It can be implied that
continues behind the subject.
 The eyes in a portrait give a
line of sight that also directs
the viewer.
Lines for Emphasis
 Lines can be
straight or curved
and can be
organized to
emphasize areas.
 This is also framing.
Shape/Form

A contained area.

Can be GEOMETRIC (manmade) ex. Square, triangle,
circle, etc.

Can be ORGANIC (natural)
ex. Leaves, humans, puddles,
etc.

Shapes are 2-Dimensional
and flat. (circle)

Forms are 3-Dimensional with
height, width and depth.
(sphere)

Used to create a sense of
space and substance.

They are defined by the other
elements of art: space, line,
texture, value, color, & form
COLOR GROUPINGS
PRIMARY COLORS
RED
YELLOW
BLUE
SECONDARY COLORS
GREEN
VIOLET
ORANGE
TERTIARY COLORS
RED-VIOLET
RED-ORANGE
YELLOW ORANGE
YELLOW GREEN
BLUE GREEN
BLUE VIOLET
HUE - The name of the color
Complementary Colors
 Across from each other
on the color wheel.
 They demand attention &
create excitement.
Analogous Colors
 Colors next to each other
on the color wheel.
 Using this color grouping
gives a feeling of calm and
serenity.
Color Triads
 Using three colors
together.
 They are equal
distances apart on
the color wheel.
Value

The lightness or darkness of a color or
a neutral tone.

It helps to express volume and is a
component of highlights and shadows.

It also can add to a sense of depth
since colors are less distinct as they
go back in space.

Black and White and all the Grays in
between from dark to light

Can add drama and impact to
composition.

Train your eye to read color as Black
and White!
Texture
 Refers to the surface quality.
 Textures are defined by highlights
and shadows. Lighting is usually low
and or to the side.
 How an object feels, or how it looks
like it feels.
 Rough, smooth, bumpy, gooey,
sharp, etc.
 Adds interest! Sense of sight and
sense of touch involved.
Space

The area used or unused in a composition.

Positive space – the area the objects/subject
takes up. (Ex: The black swan)

Negative space – the area around, under, through
and between. (Ex: The sky around the swan)

Gives the photo a 3-dimensional feeling. (Depth)

Foreground (closest), Middle ground, and
Background (farthest).

Can be open, crowded, near,
far, etc.

Overlapping and size changes increase the
feeling of space.

As things are further away they are less detailed,
lighter, and more blue.