Elements of Art

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key elements of art including line, shape, form, value, texture, and color based on the lecture material.

Line

A prolongation of a point that can be extended in any direction and suggests meaning according to direction and movement.

Vertical lines

Lines that show stability and firmness.

Horizontal lines

Lines that give a feeling of tranquillity and rest.

Diagonal lines

Lines that suggest dignity and authority.

Jagged lines

Lines that express disorder.

Curve lines

Lines that suggest continuous movement.

Shape

A two-dimensional element that encloses a space and represents the defined area of a form.

Form

A three-dimensional element that encloses space as well as takes up space.

Positive space

The space where shapes and forms exist.

Negative space

The empty space around shapes and forms.

Value

The relative degree of lightness or darkness, providing the transition between lightness and darkness in an object.

Tints

Any color mixed with white.

Shades

Any color mixed with black.

Tones

Any color mixed with gray.

Achromatic

Having no hue, which applies to black, white, and gray.

Texture

The surface quality of an object, which can be actual or implied.

Hue

The quality by which we distinguish one color from another; the name of a color.

Intensity

The brightness and dullness of a color.

Primary colors

Yellow, red, and blue; colors from which all other colors come and which cannot be created by combining other colors.

Secondary colors

Orange, violet, and green; colors produced by mixing equivalent amounts of two primary colors.

Tertiary colors

Six colors produced by mixing equivalent amounts of primary and secondary colors: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, and red-violet.

Red

A color that expresses love and war.

Blue

A color that suggests peace and coolness.

Yellow

A color that is for light and joy.

Orange

A color that is the symbol of wisdom and knowledge.

Black

A color that stands for grief and death.

Green

A color that suggests life and growth.

Violet

A color that symbolizes nobility and royalty.