The Elements of Art
The building blocks of making art
A line is a path made by a moving point
LINE through space. It is one-dimensional and can
vary in width, direction, and length.
Shapes are flat, enclosed areas that are two-
SHAPE dimensional (length and height). Artists use
both geometric and organic shapes.
Color is perceived by the way light reflects off
a surface. There are three properties of color:
COLOR hue (color name), intensity (strength/purity),
and value (lightness and darkness).
Value describes the lightness or darkness of a
VALUE surface.
Texture describes the surface quality of an
object. Artists use both actual texture (how
TEXTURE things feel) and implied texture (how things
look like they feel).
Space is used to create the illusion of depth
within an artwork. It can also refer to the
SPACE positive and negative space between, around,
or within objects.
Forms are three-dimensional (length, width,
FORM height) and can be viewed from many angles.
Forms have volume and take up space.
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The Principles of Design
The tools to plan and organize artwork
Balance is the distribution of visual weight
in an artwork. The three types of balance
are symmetrical (two sides are the same),
BALANCE asymmetrical (two sides are different but
visually weighted equally) and radial (design
emerges from center point).
Contrast is the difference between elements
in a composition. This can happen through a
CONTRAST variety of elements such as value change, size
difference, etc.
Emphasis is the creation of a focal point in an
EMPHASIS artwork. Emphasis draws the viewer’s eye to
particular areas of the artwork first.
Pattern decorates the artwork with regularly
PATTERN repeated elements such as shapes or color.
Unity means that all elements within the
UNITY artwork are in harmony. Variety within
elements adds interest to the composition.
Movement is how the eye travels through
an artwork. Movement can lead the viewer
MOVEMENT from one aspect to another within the
composition.
Rhythm is the regular repetition of elements
RHYTHM such as line, shape and forms to create
interest and consistency.
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