The Elements of Art

Little Shannon Forgot To Vacuum Some Crumbs

Line: is defined as a mark with length and direction, created by a point that moves across a surface.

It can be: A straight line A wavy line Dashed line Dotted line Jagged line A swirl

Shape: is a flat figure created when actual or implied lines meet to surround a space. Shapes may be geometric or organic.

Basic shapes:

Triangle

Square

Rectangle

Circle

Oval

Form: is any three-dimensional object.

Basic Forms

Sphere

Cube

Cylinder

Cone

Texture: the way a surface feels (actual texture) or how it may look (implied texture).

Value: The range of light and dark on a shape or form or in an entire space. Value is the amount of lightness or darkness in a color.

Negative Space: the empty or open area between, around, above, below, or within objects.

Space

Space Space

Space

Space

Positive Space: is occupied by an element or a form

Color: The perceived character of a surface according to the wavelength of light reflected from it.

The Principles of Design

B R U C E

Balance: is a feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value, color, etc.  Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or asymmetrical and un-evenly balanced

Edgar DegasThe Dancing Class, 1873-75

Rhythm: is the repeated use of similar elements such as color, line, or shape - the smooth transition from one part to another

Henri MatisseHarmony in Red Spring, 1908Oil on Canvas

Unity: is the harmony of all visual elements in a composition

Roy LichtensteinIn the Car, 1963

Contrast: shows difference between the elements of art, which are: line, color, shape, value, space, and texture

Georgia O’KeeffeJack-in-the-Pulpit No. IV, 1930

Emphasis: is given to a center of interest, which might be the largest, brightest, or lightest subject. It is also known as dominance and focal point.

Salvador DaliMeditative Rose, 1958