The elements of Visual Language Dots, lines, shapes, texture and colours

Dots A dot is a mark that shows the beginning of a work or the end of it. It is the very basic element whereby an art work or a design starts. Nothing will be done without the dots. It’s the basic. One dot marks a point where people will look and concentrate on as it directs attentions. Dots are used to amplify perception and it does not mean one dot, a dot in architecture can mean a centre or a mole or a concentration of forms or objects near or close together. Dots that are aligned together create a line. Dots are used to create feel or texture to create form, space and texture. Dots are used to create tones and more. One dot is a point, a number of dots create different elements that are important to showcase a design

Dots make shapes and forms

Lines A line is a combination of a series of dots that are continuous, with an exact distance in between each dot. Lines creates shapes, Lines could also show texture, lines creates patterns, Lines create colour tones, lines create texture and space, line creates form and texture, line creates form and patterns and most importantly lines creates form and space. By using the right lines in a work, you are able to create something that has all of the elements which include the above: form, texture, tone, pattern, space and movement. They are many materials that create lines, from pencils, ball point pens, brushes, technical pens, or even charred coal. A line shows emotions or has a theme with the intended stroke that has been done. Lines that are horizontal normally reflect peacefulness, and serenity: these lines regardless of the thickness or appearance are flat. Vertical lines are lines that are straight up, these lines shows strength, and stability. Lines with points, angles or edges show direction. It shows the focus point of the movement that should be followed. These lines are used to direct to an important space of order. It serves as a sign and movement. Lines that are radiating from a center, these lines give an impression that of an energy source, light and attention. It radiates from an important center to allow the impression for us to concentrate on the center. It could show direction, movement and connection. It is a node and shows importance.

Lines

Shapes Shape is the creation when the end of a line meets the start of that line itself. Shape can be just a flat plane that is surrounded by outer line and does not hold any mass. Shape is perceived as an idea of the form or how it looks. Shape is composed in positive and negative shapes. Positive shapes mean the shape of the object on the area it is located. Negative shapes are the shapes of the area the object is on. Normally to emphasize on the object or area, they are usually darken to show concentration. There are 2 types of shapes, Geometrical and Organic Shapes. Geometrical Shapes are shapes that have exact angles at every edges and they are designed to be that way, they were done with intention. These shapes include circles, squares, triangles, rectangles etc Organic Shapes are shapes that do not have a proper angle to its edge and are made to be natural. They were not intended to be that way and are usually drawn with the guidance of intuition and free-handed.

Shapes

Texture Normally we define texture as the feel of the surface of an object. Texture is everywhere from every material and object whether it was man-made or natural. Texture gives a sense of individuality on the material or anything that the space is design for. There are 2 types of texture. Texture that you can feel and texture on paper whereby you can see but you can’t touch. Some paintings are made to be touchable and felt. Textures that could be felt are for example, sculptures, assemblage, collage, embroidery, etc

More textures… Textures that are made to be seen are paintings and drawings. Using texture in design creates the feel that all of us need. Using the right material to design is important thus learning and understanding the materials make a difference in design concepts and presentation.