An actual or implied mark, path, mass, or edge, where length is dominant. It could be straight, curved, zig-zag, or angular.

An area that is defined by a space being enclosed with a line, and can be positive or negative.

The three dimensional projection of a shape, it has volume, dimension, appears to have mass. This element is frequently used in sculpture.

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.

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.

The tactile surface characteristics of a work of art that are either felt or perceived visually.

The illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface. Or the actual area that a 3D onject occupies.

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 is the juxtaposition of opposing elements. For example, opposite colors on the color wheel, contrast in direction, contrast in tone etc.

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 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 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.

Relates to repetition, pattern and movement Created by repeating visual elements (lines, shapes, forms, etc…) in a regular beat or order.