Art Elements and Principles (copy)

Line

The path left by a moving point.

Tone

The degree of lightness of darkness of aspects of an artwork.

Colour

The colour wheel consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary colours.

Texture

The surface quality of an artwork.

Form

An element of art that is three-dimensional. It has height, width and depth and encloses space or volume.

Shape

A two-dimensional area that can be drawn or cut. Shapes can be organic or geometric.

Sound

A particular auditory impression or tone. It is the sensation perceived by the sense of hearing.

Time

The measured or measurable period during which an action, process or condition exists or continues.

Light

The form of energy that makes it possible to see things; the brightness produced by the sun, by fire and by a lamp.

Repetition

Refer to one object or shape repeated; pattern is a combination of elements or shapes repeated in a recurring arrangement.

Movement

May be real or visual, depending on the artform.

Rhythm

May be created through patterns (achieved by repeating shapes or images).

Variety

Refers to a way of combining visual elements to achieve intricate and complex relationships.

Contrast

In an artwork, contrast refers to use of opposing elements to create interest.

Scale

Refers to the size of an object in relationship to another object.

Balance

Affects the composition of an artwork and the combinations of the different elements in the work.

Proportion

Refers to the relative size of parts of a whole (elements within an object).

Unity

Achieved in an artwork when all the elements work together to create a strong sense of connection in the artwork.

Emphasis

The main area of interest in an artwork.

Space

When an artist arranges the art elements in an artwork, they create the artwork in a space.