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Elements of Art
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Line
• A continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point
• 2D = pencil mark
• 3D = wire
• Implied = series of unconnected points that cause your eye to create a line
• Outline or Contour

More lines!

• Enclosed space defined by other elements of art.
• Usually 2D
• Can be 3D (but used as a general term)
Shape

Shapes- 2 Types

Form
• 3D
• Encloses Volume, as a kind of “visual weight”
• Examples:
• Cubes, Spheres,
Cylinders

• Has 3
Properties:
1. Hue- the name of the color
2. Intensitybrightness or dullness
3. Value- lightness or darkness
Color

Color - Intensity

Color &
Value

Texture
• Refers to the surface quality or “feel” of an object
• Roughness or smoothness
• Hardness or softness
• Texture can be felt in 3D works or “implied” in visual/2D drawings, paintings or photographs

Texture

• The distance or area between, around, above or within things
• It can be a description of both 2D & 3D works
Space

Space
Both Positive & Negative Space are important!

• Describes the darkness or lightness of a color.
• Value is needed to express
Volume
Value

Value makes Volume
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Principles of Design
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Emphasis
• Developing points of interest to pull a viewer's attention
(“focal point”)
• Or thematic emphasis= focusing on one idea or theme

Balance
• Sense of stability
• Can be created by repeating shapes or repeating the feeling of weight within a work
• 3 Types of Balance:
• Symmetrical, Asymmetrical & Radial

Balance – 3 Types
Symmetrical & Asymmetrical & Radial

Harmony
• Using similar elements throughout the work.
• Gives artwork an
“uncomplicated” feel

• Using different shapes, textures, colors & values
Variety

Movement
• Adds excitement to work by showing action and direction.
• Moves viewer’s eye throughout work

Rhythm
• A type of movement
• Seen in repeating shapes and colors
• Alternating light and dark shapes also creates rhythm
• Also called Pattern or Repetition

• Also called Scale
Proportion
• Refers to the relationships of size of objects in a work
• Smallness & largeness

• The parts equal a whole
• Elements of Art tie everything together.
• No confusion
Unity

What Elements of Art do you see?

What Principles of Design do you see?