VAR - Review of the Elements and Principles of Art Module (Lesson)

Artists create artworks that communicate meaning and unified compositions by using the seven elements of art. The elements serve as the building blocks of art and the principles of design are used to organize the elements into a successful artwork.

ELEMENTS OF ART

1. LINE: A line is the path of a moving point through space.
2. SHAPE: A shape is a two-dimensional area that is defined in some way.
3. Shape only has height and width.   There are 2 types of shapes, geometric and organic/ freeform.
4. FORM: A form is a three-dimensional object.   A form has height, width, and depth. There are two types of forms, geometric and organic/freeform.
5. SPACE: Space refers to the emptiness or area between, around, above, below, or within objects. Shapes and forms are defined by space around and within them. There are two kinds of space, positive and negative.
6. COLOR: A color is an element of art that is derived from reflected light. The sensation of color is aroused in the brain by response of the eyes to different wavelengths of light. Color has three properties: hue, value, and intensity.
7. VALUE: Value is the element of art that describes the darkness or lightness of an object. Value depends on how much light a surface reflects. Value is one of the three properties of color.
8. TEXTURE: Texture is the element of art that refers to how things feel, or look as if they might feel if touched.   Texture is perceived by touch and sight.   Objects can have rough or smooth textures and dull or shiny surfaces.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN- The Principles of Design are the rules that govern how artists organize the elements of art.

1. RHYTHM - Rhythm is the principle that indicates movement by the repetition of elements or objects. Visual rhythm is perceived through the eyes and is created by repeating positive spaces separated by negative spaces. There are five types of rhythm: random, regular, alternating, flowing, and progressive.

2. MOVEMENT- Movement is the principle used to create the look and feel of action and to guide the viewer's eye throughout the work of art.

3. PATTERN- Pattern is the principle that refers to a two-dimensional decorative visual repetition. A pattern has no movement and may or may not have rhythm.

4. BALANCE - Balance is the principle concerned with equalizing visual forces, or elements in a work of art. If a work of art has visual balance, the viewer feels that elements have been arranged in a satisfying way. There are two types of balance, asymmetrical and symmetrical.

5. PROPORTION- Proportion is the principle concerned with the size relationships of one part to another.

6. VARIETY - Variety is the principle concerned with difference or contrast.

7. EMPHASIS- Emphasis is the principle that makes one part of a work dominant over the other parts.  

8. UNITY: Unity is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art. (It is also often called harmony).

Review what you have learned by completing the activity below.

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