Art 1 final exam review guide

Line

An element of art defined by a point moving in space.

Shape

An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or limited to height and width. May be organic or geometric.

Form

An element of art that is three-dimensional (or appears to be) and encloses volume; includes height, width, and depth.

Value

An element of art that is the lightness or darkness of tones or colors. Can be shown on a 9-step scale.

Color

An element of art made up of hue, value, and intensity. Can be shown on a wheel.

Space

An element of art by which positive and negative areas are defined.

Texture

An element of art that refers to the things feel, or look as if they might feel if touched.

Balance

A principle of design that is a way of combining elements to add a feeling of equilibrium or stability to a work of art.

Unity

A principle of design that gives a sense of oneness or harmony.

Contrast

A principle of design that refers to differences (light/dark, soft/hard, light/heavy) in elements. Usually adds excitement, drama, and interest to an artwork.

Emphasis

A principle of design that refers to the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas.

Pattern

A principle of design that is a regular arrangement of repeated elements—line, shape, colors repeated over and over again.

Movement

A principle of design used to create the look and feeling of action and to guide the viewer’s eye throughout the work of art.

Rhythm

A principle of design that indicates movement, created by the careful placement of repeated elements in a work of art to cause a visual tempo or beat.

Linear Perspective

Creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface. Lines converge at a vanishing point on a horizon line.

Cross-hatching

Closely spaced, parallel lines that overlap at angles. Use in drawing to create shading.

Color Harmony

Combinations of color defined by their positions on the color wheel.

Radial Balance

A well-composed design that radiates from a central point.

Scale

The relative size of an object compared to others of its kind, its environment, or to people.

Contour Line

A line that describes a shape along with some interior detail.