Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Vocabulary flashcards detailing the core Elements of Art and Principles of Design from the lecture notes.

Elements of Art

Basic visual symbols in the language of art.

Line

The path of a moving point through space.

Value

The darkness or lightness of an object.

Color

Derived from reflected light.

Shape

A two-dimensional area that is defined in some way.

Form

Objects having three dimensions (height, width, depth).

Texture

Refers to how things feel, or look as if they might feel if touched.

Space

Refers to the emptiness or area between, around, above, below, or within objects.

Principles of Design

Rules that govern how artists organize the elements of art.

Pattern

A motif or single element that appears again and again.

Emphasis

One part of a work that is dominant over the other parts.

Variety

Difference or contrast between the elements/principles.

Contrast

Technique for creating a focal point by using differences in elements.

Unity

The quality of wholeness or oneness within an artwork.

Balance

Equalizing visual forces, or elements, in a work of art.

Rhythm

Indicates movement by the repetition of elements.

Proportion

Size relationships of one part to another.