Elements of Art
and
Principles of Design
You NEED to know this stuff!
Elements of Art






Line
Value
Shape
Texture
Space
Color
LINE






Continuation of a point (a mark
connecting 2 points)
The primary element used in sketching and
drawing
Has VARIATION
Can create SHAPE
– Contour lines
Can create VALUE
– Hatching, etc
Can create TEXTURE
– Mark-making
VALUE




Refers to lightness or darkness
Gives an object depth
Chiaroscuro = value (interchangeable)
Tenebrism = extreme contrast of
lights and darks
SHAPE

A clearly defined 2D area; can be
defined by line, value, color, texture,
space
– Geometric and organic


Can be ACTUAL or IMPLIED
Used to:
– Suggest a physical form
– To create illusion of mass
TEXTURE


The surface quality of an
object/drawing
Can be ACTUAL or IMPLIED
– Is there texture if you touch it? TACTILE
– Did you create the ILLUSION of surface
texture?
SPACE


A way of creating dimension and depth on a
flat, 2D surface (your paper)
Area in between objects
–
–
–
–
–
–
Value
Size
Position
Texture
Transparency
Overlapping
COLOR

The visible appearance of light of
various wavelengths (reflected back at
your eye)
– MUST be a choice, cannot be random
– Psychological choices (warm, cool)
– contrast
Principles of Design
- to achieve UNITY







Balance
Dominance
Variety
Proportion
Movement
Economy
Harmony
Asmt – PART 2




Use the “Art Fundamentals” text
Using the Index and Glossary, look up
each Principle of Design
READ and LOOK at examples
Write your OWN definition and create
your OWN visual example
– Use color, make them nice!!!
BALANCE

A generally pleasing arrangement and
composition of elements of art such
that one area of the page is not
stressed more that another
– Symmetrical
– Radial
– asymmetrical
DOMINANCE
(emphasis and subordination)

Emphasis of one or more elements of
art over others in order to draw our
attention to a certain area of the
artwork
VARIETY




A pleasing combination of many
different or opposite elements of art.
Adds interest and contrast to a work
of art, even an element of surprise or
the unexpected.
Don’t want TOO much though!
Your ‘individual/personal’ touch
PROPORTION & SCALE


Scale – the relation of
one thing to another
Proportion – the
relation of the PARTS
to the WHOLE
MOVEMENT

Repetition or arrangement of elements
of art such that:
– the eye moves around the whole page
– the impression of movement is created
ECONOMY


Simple, minimalist, uncomplicated, yet
thoughtful and complete use of the
elements of art.
Knowing WHEN to say WHEN
HARMONY



Pleasing and careful combination of
different elements of art
The “Big Picture” – does it ALL WORK
TOGETHER as a WHOLE?
Did I consider everything?