Elements & Principles of Art

Line, Shape, Space, Colour, Form, Texture, Value Elements of Art The elements are components or parts which can be isolated and defined in any visual design or work of art. They are the structure of the work, and can carry a wide variety of messages. Line, Shape, Space, Colour, Form, Texture, Value

Line Line is the path of a moving point. Lines can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, curved, angular, zigzag, bent, straight, interrupted, thick, thin, parallel, cross-hatched, or spiral. Lines can be implied, an outline showing the edge of something.

Shape The two-dimensional are enclosed by an outline; height and width. Shape can be realistic, geometric, abstract, idealized, naturalistic, nonrepresentational, amorphous and biomorphic.

Space The distance or area between, around above, below, and within things. Negative spaces surround positive shapes. Artist create the illusion of a background, foreground, and middle ground.

Colour Hue Primary colours Secondary colour Tertiary colours Complementary colours Analogous colours Intensity Warm colours Cool colours Neutrals Tone Tint Shade Monochromatic Achromatic Analogous colours Complementary colours

Form The three-dimensional height, width and depth. Forms can be cubes, spheres, pyramids, and cylinders. Flowing asymmetrical forms are free form or organic.

Texture Real or actual texture Implied or simulated texture: those that can be felt painted or drawn texture Texture can be slick, smooth, rough, velvety, satiny, bumpy,…

Value The lightness or darkness of a colour or the lightness or darkness of grey. For example, black has greater value than grey and white has lesser value than grey.

Principles of Art Principles of Art are the different ways the elements of art have been used in artwork. The elements of art are organized by artist to create a composition. Balance, Repetition, Emphasis, Proportion, Rhythm, Movement, Variety, Unity

Balance The equilibrium or stability of various elements may be arranged formal (symmetrical) or elements may be arranged informal (asymmetrical). Radial symmetry arranges elements from a central point.

Repetition An overall interplay of repeated or corresponding parts.

Emphasis The center of interest or focal point, which may be the largest, brightest, or lightest subject.

Proportion Refers to relationships The part in relation to the whole; How objects relate to each other; The relation of the object to the frame.

Rhythm Rhythm is the repetition or alternation of elements, often with defined intervals between them. Rhythm can create a sense of movement, and can establish pattern and texture. Regular: A regular rhythm occurs when the intervals between the elements, and often the elements themselves, are similar in size or length. Flowing: A flowing rhythm gives a sense of movement, and is often more organic in nature. Progressive: A progressive rhythm shows a sequence of forms through a progression of steps. Regular rhythm Flowing rhythm Progressive rhythm

Movement When the elements are put together to have the illusion of movement and action. It invites the eye to go from one area to the next.

Variety The use of different elements to draw attention to their differences. Too much causes chaos.

Unity The harmony of all the visual elements in a composition. The feeling of completeness or wholeness of a balance and organized composition of the elements and principles.

Elements & Principles of Art Line, Shape, Space, Color, Form, Texture, Value Elements & Principles of Art Balance, Repetition, Emphasis, Proportion, Rhythm, Movement, Variety, Unity

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