Elements of Art

Flashcards covering the elements of art, including line, shape, and value, based on lecture notes.

What is a line in art?

One of the seven elements of art and the most basic element; often described as "a moving dot."

Getting the size, balance, and propotion of the subject

Defines the boundaries of a subject

The foundational of a painting

What is the most obvious use of a line?

Used to define the boundaries of a subject and describe its details; it's just the beginning of getting the size, balance, and proportion of the subject.

horizontal lines

Infinity, calmness, parallel to the horizon and flow from left to right, representing ground or body of water.

vertical lines

Shows structure, stability, and movement up and down without any slant.

diagonal lines

Shows imbalance and are slanted.

zigzag and curved lines

_____ lines show chaos, while curved lines show soft edges, a sense of infinity, and freedom of shapes.

Lines that change abruptly

What are implied lines?

Lines that are not drawn or visible, created using broken lines or contrast in value, often for optical illusions.

May not be visible but are _____ due to contrast in value or in the inclusion of broken lines

What are contour lines?

Using shades and details to create shadow and emphasize shape and form by following the outlines of the subject.

Adds depth to the image

What does line quality or line weight refer to?

Refers to the thickness of a line, which can give information or an impression of shadows.

What are cross-contour lines?

Shows the three-dimensionality of an object by flowing over its form and can be implied or visible, often used to shade a drawing with hatching and cross-hatching.

What is hatching?

Using directional linear strokes that do not cross over each other to create shading in a drawing.

What is cross-hatching?

Hatching in two directions of lines to create lighter shades and show the structure of an object.

What is a shape?

A flat and closed area created through lines, enclosed by other shapes, textures, and colors.

What is a form?

A 3D subject in a 3D composition.

What are geometric shapes?

Shapes with precise edges and mathematically consistent curves that can be measured.

What are organic shapes?

Flowy and infinite shapes like trees, plants, corals, flowers, and animals, with no precise edges or measurements and unpredictable, free-flowing forms.

What are positive shapes?

Shapes that have details inside them, such as an outline of a human with body features.

What are representational shapes?

3D shapes or representations of a person, animal, or object made into 2D to create an impression, also known as abstract shapes.

What is value (aka tint) in art?

Created by adding white and manipulating light and dark to create an illusion of mass and volume, as well as dramatic effects and focal points.

What is tone?

Hue with gray added.

What is shade?

Hue with black added.