Elements and Principles of Art & Design

The Elements of Art Line Shape Form Value Texture Colour Red Nose Studios

line A graphic symbol an artist uses to express an idea, represent an object, suggest a mood, etc. Saul Steinberg

The structure of an object that has two dimensions. shape The structure of an object that has two dimensions. Piet Mondrian

The structure of an object that has three dimensions Form The structure of an object that has three dimensions Rene Magritte

Value Light and Dark. Picasso

The surface quality of an object, both visual and tactile. texture The surface quality of an object, both visual and tactile. Ron Awchuk

Made of hue (colour) and intensity (vivid/dull). Willem DeKooning

Principles of Organization Harmony Pattern Variety Balance Proportion Emphasis Movement Economy Contrast Unity Sam Weber

The agreement or complement of visual elements Harmony The agreement or complement of visual elements in a composition. Edgar Degas

The repetition of elements. Pattern The repetition of elements. Doug Panton and

Variety gives a composition interest and vitality by varying elements. Kate Lemay

balance Balance is a feeling of visual equality. Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial. Anita Kunz

The size of an object in relation to another. Proportion The size of an object in relation to another. Anita Kunz

Emphasis Emphasis creates (a) focal point(s) for the viewer through: size, color, texture, and shape. A design lacking emphasis will be monotonous. Marcos Chin

Movement Movement in a composition guides the viewer’s eye through the work utilizing design elements. Marcel Duchamp

Economy Economy emphasizes significant element(s) in a composition. The viewer is not bombarded by unnecessary information. Clemente Botelho

contrast Contrast is an abrupt, unexpected change in a visual element. By juxtaposing elements an artist can create a sense of depth. Jillian Tamaki

Unity In a unified work of art, all the parts come together to form a whole. An artist achieves unity by balancing all the aspects (elements and principles) of the composition. Georges Seurat

Focal Point focuses specifically on a point of interest catches or draws the eye

Foreground the part of image/object nearest (and often clearest) to the viewer

Background The area or vantage point furthest away from the viewer in an image. Often serves as a setting for the focal point.

Framing A technique used to add interest or focus around an object

Lighting Deliberate use of illumination or shadows to achieve an aesthetic effect and invoke emotion