Elements of Art The elements are components or parts which can be isolated and defined in any visual design or
work of art. They are the structure of the work, and can
carry a wide variety of messages.
Line, Shape, Space, Colour, Form, Texture,
Value
The Elements are similar to ingredients
in a recipe
Line • Line is the path of a
moving point. Lines can
be vertical, horizontal,
diagonal, curved,
angular, zigzag, bent,
straight, interrupted,
thick, thin, parallel,
cross-hatched, or spiral.
Lines can be implied, an
outline showing the edge
of something.
Shape • The two-dimensional
are enclosed by an
outline; height and
width. Shape can be
realistic, geometric,
abstract, idealized,
naturalistic,
nonrepresentational,
amorphous and
biomorphic.
Space • The distance or area
between, around above, below, and within things. Negative spaces surround positive shapes. Artist create the illusion of a background, foreground, and middle ground.
Space and Perspective in the
Renaissance • The vanishing point is above the head of Jesus and flat spaces look
like they are going into the distance
Colour • Hue
• Primary colours
• Secondary colour
• Tertiary colours
• Complementary colours
• Analogous colours
• Intensity
• Warm colours
• Color colours
• Neutrals
• Tone
• Tint
• Shade
• Monochromatic
• Achromatic
Complementary colours
Analogous colours
Form • The three-
dimensional height,
width and depth.
Forms can be cubes,
spheres, pyramids,
and cylinders.
Flowing
asymmetrical forms
are free form or
organic.
Texture • Real or actual
texture
• Implied or simulated
texture: those that
can be felt painted or
drawn texture
• Texture can be slick,
smooth, rough,
velvety, satiny,
bumpy,…
Value • The lightness or
darkness of a colour
or the lightness or
darkness of grey.
• For example, black
has greater value
than grey and white
has lesser value than
grey.
Principles of Art Principles of Art are the different
ways the elements of art have been used in artwork. The
elements of art are organized by artist to create a composition.
Balance, Repetition, Emphasis, Proportion, Rhythm,
Movement, Variety, Unity
Similar to a recipe for creating art!
Balance • The equilibrium or
stability of various elements may be arranged formal (symmetrical) or elements may be arranged informal (asymmetrical). Radial symmetry arranges elements from a central point.
Asymmetrical Balance
Emphasis • The center of
interest or focal
point, which may be
the largest,
brightest, or lightest
subject.
Proportion • Refers to
relationships
- The part in relation
to the whole;
- How objects relate to
each other;
- The relation of the
object to the frame.
Regular rhythm
Flowing rhythm
Progressive rhythm
Rhythm • Rhythm is the repetition or
alternation of elements, often with defined intervals between them. Rhythm can create a sense of movement, and can establish pattern and texture. Regular:
• A regular rhythm occurs when the intervals between the elements, and often the elements themselves, are similar in size or length.
• Flowing: A flowing rhythm gives a sense of movement, and is often more organic in nature.
• Progressive: A progressive rhythm shows a sequence of forms through a progression of steps.
Movement
• When the elements
are put together to
have the illusion of
movement and
action. It invites the
eye to go from one
area to the next.
Variety • The use of
different elements to draw attention to their differences. Too much causes chaos.
Unity • The harmony of all
the visual elements in a composition. The feeling of completeness or wholeness of a balance and organized composition of the elements and principles.
Elements &
Principles
of Art
Balance, Repetition, Emphasis, Proportion, Rhythm,
Movement, Variety, Unity
Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture,
Value
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