Elements of Art & Principles of Design

Elements of Art Form Line Shape Color Texture Space Value

Line A continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point 2D = pencil mark 3D = wire Implied = series of unconnected points that cause your eye to create a line Outline or Contour

More lines!

Shape Enclosed space defined by other elements of art. Usually 2D Can be 3D (but used as a general term)

Shapes- 2 Types Organic or Geometric

Form 3D Encloses Volume, as a kind of “visual weight” Examples: Cubes, Spheres, Cylinders

Color Has 3 Properties: 1.Hue- the name of the color 2.Intensity- brightness or dullness 3.Value- lightness or darkness

Color - Intensity

Color & Value

Texture Refers to the surface quality or “feel” of an object Roughness or smoothness Hardness or softness Texture can be felt in 3D works or “implied” in visual/2D drawings, paintings or photographs

Texture Actual & Implied

Space The distance or area between, around, above or within things It can be a description of both 2D & 3D works

Space Both Positive & Negative Space are important!

Value Describes the darkness or lightness of a color. Value is needed to express Volume

Value makes Volume =

Principles of Design Emphasis Balance Harmony Variety Movement Rhythm Proportion Unity

Emphasis Developing points of interest to pull a viewer's attention (“focal point”) Or thematic emphasis= focusing on one idea or theme

Balance Sense of stability Can be created by repeating shapes or repeating the feeling of weight within a work 3 Types of Balance: Symmetrical, Asymmetrical & Radial

Balance – 3 Types Symmetrical & Asymmetrical & Radial

Harmony Using similar elements throughout the work. Gives artwork an “uncomplicated” feel

Variety Using different shapes, textures, colors & values

Movement Adds excitement to work by showing action and direction. Moves viewer’s eye throughout work

Rhythm A type of movement Seen in repeating shapes and colors Alternating light and dark shapes also creates rhythm Also called Pattern or Repetition

Proportion Also called Scale Refers to the relationships of size of objects in a work Smallness & largeness

Unity The parts equal a whole Elements of Art tie everything together. No confusion

What Elements of Art do you see?

What Principles of Design do you see?