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.