Elements of Art

Line• An actual or implied mark, path, mass, or edge,

where length is dominant. It could be straight, curved, zig-zag, or angular.

Shape• An area that is defined by a space being enclosed

with a line, and can be positive or negative.

Form• The three dimensional projection of a shape, it has

volume, dimension, appears to have mass. This element is frequently used in sculpture.

Color• A visual attribute of things that results from the

light they emit or transmit or reflect; the visual response to the wavelengths of light. They can be categorized as primary, secondary, warm, cool, complementary, etc.

Value• The appearance of lights and darks found in a

work of art. These range from black to white with numerous shades of gray in between.

Texture• The tactile surface characteristics of a work of art

that are either felt or perceived visually.

Space• The illusion of depth on a two-dimensional

surface. Or the actual area that a 3D onject occupies.

Principles of Design

Balance• Balance is the concept of visual

equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance.

• Symmetrical balance vs. Asymmetrical balance• Symmetrical balance is mirror

image balance.• Asymmetrical balance is dealing with

visual balance, and occurs when several smaller items on one side are balanced by a large item, for example.

Contrast• Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing

elements.• For example, opposite colors on the color wheel, contrast

in direction, contrast in tone etc.

Emphasis• A focal point draws your

attention to the most important element on the page. There are several techniques used to emphasize the most important object on a page:• Emphasis by Contrast • Emphasis by Isolation • Emphasis by Placement 

Proportion• Proportion is the spatial relationship (either 2D or

3D) between one element and another.• Proportion can be used to create a sense of surprise when

dimensions are not what is expected. • Proportion is often used in architecture to create a sense

of power (a larger-than-usual building, such as church or corporate offices, makes us feel smaller and less significant than the place we are in).

Scale• Scale deals with size and Proportion deals with

relative size.• Scale is the size of an element as it relates to its

usual physical size.A large painting on the wall of your living room, will not be very large when put on the wall of the school’s gym.

Repetition and Rhythm• Relates to repetition, pattern and

movement• Created by repeating visual elements

(lines, shapes, forms, etc…) in a regular beat or order.