The Elements of ArtThe Elements of ArtThe Elements of ArtThe Elements of Art

By Patricia CummingsBy Patricia Cummings

Space• Noun• Fine Arts. a.the designed and

structured surface of a picture: In Mondrian's later work he organized space in highly complex rhythms. b.the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface.

• Space is shown in perspective where things closer are large, and things farther away are smaller.

Texture• Noun• Fine Arts. a.the characteristic visual and

tactile quality of the surface of a work of art resulting from the way in which the materials are used. b.the imitation of the tactile quality of represented objects.

• Texture is the way a surface looks and feels, such as smooth, rough, or bumpy.

Color• Noun• The quality of an object or substance

with respect to light reflected by the object, usually determined visually by measurement of hue, saturation, and brightness of the reflected light; saturation or chroma; hue.

• Color is used to create interest and variety in a work of art.

Shape• Noun• The quality of a distinct object or

body in having an external surface or outline of specific form or figure.

• The shape of an object has clear boundaries.

Line• Noun• A mark or stroke long in proportion

to its breadth, made with a pen, pencil, tool, etc. on a surface.

• A line is a thin mark on a surface.

Form• Noun• External appearance of a clearly

defined area, as distinguished from color or material; configuration a triangular form

• A form is a three-dimensional object, such as a cube or ball.

Value• Noun• Fine Arts. a.degree of lightness or

darkness in a color. b.the relation of light and shade in a painting, drawing, or the like.

• Tints have a light value, and shades have a dark value.