The Elements of Art Arts Survey

7 Basic Elements Line –The path of a moving point at the edge of a flat shape, or outline of a solid object. It is longer than it is wider. Lines do have some width as well as length, this is called measure. Types of lines refers to straight, curvy, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag, implied, and angular. Direction pertains to the movement that a line may have or seem to indicate. Location refers to the placement of a line.

7 Basic Elements Shape –Shape is a two-dimensional area made by connecting lines that establish the contour of an object. Shapes may stand out by a difference of value, color, or texture. Form –The three dimensional projection of a shape, it has volume, dimension, appears to have mass. This element is frequently used in sculpture. It may also refer to the overall organization of the work of art, as a second meaning.

7 Basic Elements 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. Color –The character of a surface created by the response of vision to the wavelength of light reflections. It identifies objects, creates moods, and affects emotions. (warm, cool, primary, secondary, intermediate, analogous, and complementary).

7 Basic Elements Texture –The roughness or smoothness of a surface. Texture can be real, tactile (sandpaper), or illusion (looks soft, but not). Space –Interval of measurable distance between pre- established points. Space can be limited or shallow, or extended or deep in design. Two-dimensional space has height and width. Three dimensionanl space has height, width, volume, and time. Deep- foreground, middle ground, background. Shallow- foreground and background.

Jackson Pollack -Angular lines -Horizontal vs. Vertical

Georgia O’Keefe –“Hibiscus with Plumeria” Large open shapes

Michelangelo –Moses –3-D –Sculpture

M C Escher –“Sphere” –Use of darks and lights to show shape & form

Andy Warhol –“Marilyn Monroe” –Bright colors used interchangeably

Alma Thomas –Springtime in Washington –Tiled mosaic

Leonardo da Vinci –Depth- Background, foreground