Elements of Art and Principles of Design Cont'd

The Elements of Art

Line - A line is a mark on a surface by a moving point, usually created by a pen, pencil, or brush. Lines vary in width, length, direction, color, and degree of curve, and can be two-dimensional or implied.
Shape - Shape is a two-dimensional figure created by lines that connect and enclose an area of space. A shape can be geometric (such as a circle or square) or organic (having an irregular outline and found in nature).
Form - A form is a three-dimensional object or one that has height, width, and depth. Geometric forms include cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres. Forms contain volume.
Color - Color, also referred to as a hue, is the appearance of an object created by the quality of light it reflects. The term color also can refer to paint, dye, pigment, or other substance that conveys color. Color has three properties: hue, value, and intensity.
Value - Value is the lightness or darkness of an object based on the presence of light.
Texture - Texture is the way a surface feels (actual texture) or looks (simulated texture). Words such as rough, smooth, shiny, and dull are used to describe texture.
Space - Space is the open or empty area around, above, between, within, or below objects. Shapes and forms are defined by the empty space surrounding them (negative space) and by the space they occupy (positive space). Space can help create an illusion of depth such as in linear perspective.

The Principles of Design

The Principles of Design are a set of guidelines to be considered when creating artwork.

Movement - Movement is the action or path that a viewer's eye will follow through a piece of artwork. Movement can also be how an eye "moves" through a work of art.
Variety - Variety is the presence of showing characteristics, forms, or types to create visual interest. This is commonly achieved through the use of contrast, emphasis, and variations in size and color.
Balance - Balance is arranging elements to create a visual sense of equilibrium. If a work is balanced, no one part of the work overpowers or seems heavier than any other part. The three types of balance are symmetrical (formal) and asymmetrical (informal), and radial balance. Symmetrical balance is when both sides of a piece are the same (like the face) and asymmetrical is when each side is different. Radial balance is a form of symmetrical balance where elements within an image radiate outward from a central point.
Unity - Unity is the use of the elements and principles to create a sense of wholeness to a composition. This is also known as harmony.
Emphasis - Emphasis is where the focus of the piece is directed through the use of the design. Focal points are the areas where the artist draws the viewer's eye to that specific place in the piece. Making the most important part show up first and get attention can be achieved through contrast, emphasis, and variety.
Rhythm - Rhythm is movement created through the repetition of consistent lines, colors and shapes. This can make a piece seem active. Rhythm can be regular, alternating, flowing, progressive, and random.
Contrast - Contrast provides something to break the repetition of a piece through strongly differing elements to create interest. Contrast includes light versus dark, bright versus dull, and large versus small.
Proportion - Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context.

How well can you distinguish the elements and principles? Try the activity below to find out!

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