Elements and Principles of Art and Design
Elements of Art What is an “Element”…in nature? …in science? Elements of art are the “building blocks” of artwork
Line The path of a dot through space
Shape A two-dimensional area Can be geometric or organic (free-form)
Form A three-dimensional shape Actual vs. Suggested form
Color What the eye sees when light hits an object
Value The lightness or darkness of a hue
Texture The way something feels or appears to feel: the “surface quality”
Space The area in and around objects in an artwork Negative vs. Positive space Positive Negative
Principles of Art and Design Principles help us put elements together to make good artwork
Balance Arranging parts so that “visual weight” seems evenly distributed Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical balance
Emphasis Also called Focal Point Pulls the viewer’s eye to a specific part of the artwork
Movement The path the viewer’s eye takes around the artwork
Proportion Size relationships
Contrast/Variety Using elements that are different or opposite from one another
Unity/Harmony Using similar elements; creates a sense of completeness for the viewer