Elements of Art used in Sculpture Line One-dimensional, and is used in sculpture to lead the viewers eye in, around, and through a form. Can be actual or implied. Color Chose to enhance a 3D form, not to distract from it. Can be applied (such as painted on) or inherent (such as the natural color of stone). Can be used to enhance the theme or meaning within a work of art. Value A highlight or shadow on the surface of a sculpture, meant to create interest through contrast. Deeply carved areas have dark shadowed values, areas that stick out have highlighted values. Texture and light work together to create it. Form A 3D object has height, width, and depth. Every sculpture is a form, but every form isn't a sculpture. Texture A repetitive mark on the surface of a sculpture, meant to create interest through contrast. Deeply textured areas appear darker and rougher, non-textured areas appear lighter and smoother. Space Positive Space: The space that makes up the object. Negative Space: The space inside and around the object. Balance Can be the equal physical and/or visual weight on all sides of a piece. Can be symmetrical (same on all sides) or asymmetrical (different on each side, but still visually balanced). Symmetrical Balance (Formal) The most stable in a visual sense. Like a mirror image, it can be horizontally, vertically, or diagonally mirrored. Asymmetrical Balance (Informal) Occurs when elements are placed unevenly in a piece, but visually is still balanced with the placement of odd numbers and/or sizes of objects ----------Mass, Volume, plane Plane A two-dimensional surface, has height and width. Can be used to define edges, or to change the "flow" of a sculpture. Has no depth. Subject Is what is being portrayed in the artwork. Theme A message the artist is trying to communicate to the viewer. Proportion Has to do with the size of one element to another in a surface Altered Proportion A technique used by an artist to change the size and relationships of art. Emphasis Occurs any time an element stands out in order to draw the viewers eye there first. Movement Created by using Elements of Art to give the feeling of motion and to guide the viewers eyes throughout the artwork. Rhythm & Repetition Created when one or more Elements of Art are repeated in an artwork. Helps create unity in a sculpture. Unity & Variety A measure of how the Elements of Art seem to fit and belong together. Unify Sculpture seems complete with nothing that look out of place. Variety Comes from the combining of different kinds of elements to create contrast. Sculpture-in-the-Round Sculpture that is meant to be seen from 360 degrees. Relief Sculpture Sculpture that is 3D in the front, but flat on the back. Environmental Sculpture that is created outside, usually made with natural materials, interacting with nature. Installation Sculpture made with a variety of objects to fill a room or space. Additive process Adding like media to create a sculpture (same materials). Subtractive process Taking away like media to release inner sculpture. Assemblage Sculpture Joining different media to make a sculpture by whatever means are appropriate. Casting Pouring a liquid media into a mold to fill and cast the negative space. Representational Sculpture Realistic, easily recognizable subject. Abstract Sculpture Less realistic, stylized, but still slightly recognizable. Non-Objective Sculpture Unrecognizable, pure 3D designs.
