Elements of Art

Line

A line is formed by a moving point that creates a path which often causes the eye to follow it.

Shape

Shape is the contour that defines a two-dimensional object.

Color

Color is the effect produced when light strikes an object and is reflected back to the viewer’s eye.

Value

Value is how light or dark an object appears.

Form

Form is a property of three-dimensional objects that have depth.

Texture

 

Texture is how the surface of an object appears to the touch, which can be suggested in two-dimensional images.

Space

Space is defined as the area either taken up by an object or the area surrounding it.

 

Principles of Design

Balance

Balance is the sense of symmetry an object or image has, determined by a distribution of equal visual weight throughout all or part of the image.

Contrast

Contrast is the effect achieved when opposing elements in an image exist in a way that accentuates their difference.

Emphasis

Emphasis is achieved when there is a clear focus on one or more elements that draws the eye or attention of the viewer to that element.

Movement

Movement is a contrived or natural path of motion in an image that leads the eye of the viewer in a certain direction.

Pattern

Pattern is an arrangement of repeated elements in an image laid out in an ordered manner.

Proportion

Proportion is the noticeable difference in scale between objects that defines the relationship between them.

Alignment (Repetition)

Alignment is a repetition or arrangement of elements which forms a straight line.

Unity

Unity is the arrangement of all visual elements in an image in a way that creates a sense of harmony and balance of the elements.