II. The Elements of Visual Arts
1. Line – The most basic of all the elements. A line is a visible path traced by a moving point. Lines
vary in types. They can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.
Different lines are used to signify different feelings, for example:
Horizontal line – rest, serenity, or perfect stability
Vertical line – dominance, height, power
Diagonal line – uncertainty, unrest, movement, or action
Curved line – flow, softness, flexibility, grace
2. Shape – Shapes and forms are figures which define objects in a space. A shape is a twodimensional figure. Circles, triangles, and squares are common examples of shapes. Forms exist
in three dimensions. Examples of forms include cubes, cylinders, and pyramids, among others.
3. Value – it is the relative degree of lightness or darkness in anything that is visible. It gives an
impression of solidity, distance, and depth. Early Europe an artists used a technique which is
defined by a strong contrast between light and dark. This is called chiaroscuro.
4. Color – it is the product of light reflected off objects. We see different colors because of light’s
various intrinsic qualities, specifically, because of its different wavelengths. In visual arts, the
relationship of colors is best seen in a color wheel.
Primary colors – Red, Yellow, and Blue (Red, Green, Blue in light)
Secondary colors – Orange, Green, and Violet
Tertiary colors – Yellow Green, Blue Green, Blue Violet, Red Violet, Red, Orange, and
Yellow Orange
Artists usually use color harmonies. These are combinations of colors which the artist uses to
convey his or her message through the element of color.
Monochromatic – the use of a single-color tint in different values or shades
Analogous – 3 to 4 neighboring colors with one color in all mixtures
Complementary – any two opposite colors on the color wheel
Split complementary – any three colors wherein two of which are beside the complement of the
third color.
Double split complementary or tetradic – this color scheme uses four colors arranged into two
complementary pairs
Triad – three colors that form an equilateral triangle in a color wheel
Properties of color:
– identity or the quality by which we distinguish colors
Cool colors – colors which possess the dominance of blue
Warm colors – colors which possess the dominance of red or yellow
– lightness or darkness of a hue
Intensity or Saturation – refers to the strength of a hue
5. Texture –refers to surface characteristics. A surface may be rough, smooth, glossy, coarse,
irregular, etc.
6. Space – refers to the area in which an artist arranges elements in a composition. Space can be
two-dimensional (2D) such as in painting and photography, or three-dimensional (3D), such as in
sculpture and installations. Depth can also be suggested in two-dimensional works, by the
application of linear perspective – a graphing of distances between objects.
Types of perspective:
-point –a representation of distance by means of converging lines.
-point – There are two points in line with each other in a horizontal position. All lines
converge on these two points.
III. The Principles of Design
1. Balance - the idea of visual equilibrium which gives an impression of stability or instability.
– it has equal visual weight on either side of the canvas. It is visually
stable.
– an uneven balance.
–a symmetrical balance wherein elements are distributed evenly around a
central point.
2. Proportion (or scale) – refers to the size relationships of one part to another, and of the parts
to the whole.
3. Rhythm –a visual rhythm is characterized by the repetition or alternation of elements.
Rhythm can be:
– repetition of a single motif
– use of two different motifs alternately
– a smooth and graceful type of rhythm
– motifs may be presented in a gradual shift in characteristics, like size (from
small to large)
4. Emphasis and Subordination – An emphasis is the focal point that rests on the subordinate
space and easily attracts the attention of the viewer. To emphasize means to draw attention to
essential parts of a composition.
5. Unity – (also called Harmony) refers to the coherence of the elements of a
work to the whole.
6. Variety - The use of differences and change to increase the visual interest of the work.