Introducing Art
The Elements of Art
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There are basically 7 elements of Art which are:
Line
Form
Shape
Value
Space
Texture
Color
Line:
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Line is the path of a moving
point. Lines define the edges of
shapes and forms.
"Trio" by Steve Magada, 1966, Oil
“Jane Avril” by Laurtrec
Shape:
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height + width = shape
Shape is an area enclosed by
line. It is 2 dimensional and
can be geometric or organic.
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Value is the lightness or darkness of a
surface. It is often referred to when shading
but value is also important in the study of
color
Value
(Lightness and darkness)
Form:
Shape
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Form
Height + width + depth = form
Forms are 3-Dimensional. They
occupy space or give the illusion
that they occupy the space.
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Color is the most
expressive element
of art and is seen by
the way light reflects
off a surface.
Color
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Color is the most expressive of the elements
and can also be very tricky to use properly,
Texture:
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Texture is the actual
surface feel of an area or
the simulated
appearance of
roughness, smoothness
or many others.
Space:
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Space is the illusion of
objects having depth
on the 2-dimensional
surface. Linear and
aerial perspective are
used.
Space refers to the
distances or areas
around, between or
within components of
a piece. There are two
type of space:
positive and negative
space.
The 7 Principles of Art
The principles of
visual art are the
rules, tools and/or
guidelines that artists
use to organize the
elements of art in an
artwork
Movement
Movement shows
actions or the path
the viewer's eye
follows throughout
an artwork.
Harmony
Harmony is when an
artists uses similar
elements throughout
the work, and gives
an uncomplicated
look to a piece of
artwork.
Balance
Balance is arranging
elements so that no
one part of a work
overpowers, or
seems heavier than
any other part.
Three types of Balance
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Symmetrical
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Asymmetrical
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Radial
Pattern
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Pattern is the
repetition of the
elements of art.
Contrast
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Contrast refers to
the arrangement of
opposite elements
(light vs. dark
colors, large vs.
small shapes, etc.)
in a piece so as to
create visual
interest,
excitement and
drama
Emphasis
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Emphasis occurs any
time an element of a
piece is given
dominance by the
artist. In other words,
the artist makes part
of the work stand out,
in order to draw the
viewer's eye there
first.
Variety
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Variety is the
quality or state of
having different
forms or types,
notable use of
contrast, emphasis,
difference in size
and color
Why are the elements of art important?
 Because. The elements of art are important for several
reasons. First, and most importantly, a person can't create art
without utilizing at least a few of them. (No elements, no art,
end of story. And we wouldn't even be talking about any of
this, would we?)
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Secondly, knowing what the elements of art are
enables us to (1) describe what an artist has
done, (2) analyze what is going on in a particular
piece and (3) communicate our thoughts and
findings using a common language.
Your assignment:
-Create a book cover for
your artist notes booklet.
-You must use at least 5
of the elements and
principles of art. (list the
ones that you used.)
Your Assignment: create a name tag for
you locker utilizing the Elements and
Principles of art.
Your Assignment: create a work of art utilizing
five (5) elements of art in a composition.
The subject
matter, medium,
style and
technique is your
choice, but the
reference
material and
scrap need to be
gathered and
organized on
your own time,
not on classroom
time.
“Puffy Face” by James Christensen