Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Elements of Art:

Line: A line can be tow or three dimensional. It is a point that is moving through space.

Shape: An element that is flat, two-dimensional. It only has a height and width; there is no depth to the object.

Color: An object’s chromatic quality including the hue, intensity and value.

Value: The lightness or darkness of the tones and colors. White has the lightest value, while black has the darkest.

Form: Form is three-dimensional; It has height, width AND depth.

Texture: A reference to the way things look or feel.

Space: Refers to the positive and negative areas of the piece. The use of space helps achieve depth.

Principles of Design:

Balance: Balance refers to the visual symmetry (or asymmetry) of a work of art.

Contrast: The combination of elements to emphasize the differences.

Emphasis: Emphasis is using elements to highlight the importance of an object in a work of art.

Movement: Deign technique used to create the look of action; helps guide the eye through the work of art.

Pattern: The repetition of visual elements, creates a visual tempo.

Proportion: The relationship of scale between two elements of the work of art.

Alignment: An orderly arrangement that creates a straight line.

Unity: Accenting similarities by combining similar elements in a work of art.