Elements & Principles of Art

Elements of Art

(building blocks of visual art)

Line

Line is the path of a point moving through space.

Shape / Form

Shape implies spatial form and is usually perceived as two-dimensional. Form has depth, length, and width and resides in space. It is perceived as three-dimensional.

Color

Colors all come from the three primaries and black and white. They have three properties – hue, value, and intensity.

Value

Value refers to relative lightness and darkness and is perceived in terms of varying levels of contrast.

Texture

Texture refers to the tactile qualities of a surface (actual) or to the visual representation of such surface qualities (implied).

Space / Perspective

Space refers to the area in which art is organized. Perspective is representing a volume of space or a 3-dimensional object on a flat surface.

Principles of art

(use or arrangement of the building blocks of visual art)

Pattern

Pattern refers to the repetition or reoccurrence of a design element, exact or varied, which establishes a visual beat.

Rhythm / Movement

Rhythm or movement refers to the suggestion of motion through the use of various elements.

Proportion / Scale

Proportion is the size relationship of parts to a whole and to one another. Scale refers to relating size to a constant, such as a human body.

Balance

Balance is the impression of equilibrium in a pictorial or sculptural composition. Balance is often referred to as symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.

Unity

Unity is achieved when the components of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion.

Emphasis

Emphasis refers to the created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands.