Elements and Principles of Art - Ellis

Line

refers to the continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point.

Shape

the outline or contour of an object; 2-dimensional and flat

Value

The lightness or darkness of a color

Color

what the eyes see when light is reflected off an object

Texture

refers to the surface quality or "feel" of an object, such as roughness, smoothness, or softness

Space

refers to the area between, around, above, or within things

Form

area that is 3-dimensional (has height, width, and depth) and encloses volume

Balance

the distribution of weight on either side of an imaginary center line. Brings a sense of equilibrium among the visual elements in the composition of a work of art

Emphasis

making a center of interest; developing points of interest to pull the viewer's eye to important parts of the body of work

Rhythm & Movement

combining the elements in order to lead the viewer to sense action in a work or it can be the path the viewer's eyes follows through the work

Proportion

the relationship of one object to another with respect to size, position, amount, number, or color

Repetition

the re-use of the elements of art to establish a relationship. When the subject matter or elements are repeated within the image creating a sense of stability, planned patterning, or rhythmical movement

Variety

refers to differences in the work. You can achieve variety by using different shapes, textures, colors, values, etc. in your work

Unity/Harmony

the arrangement of one or more of the elements of art used to create feeling of completeness. In other words, everything in the work seems to belong and contribute to the overall picture.

Organic shape or form

used when we talk about the shapes that are silhouettes of living things such as animals, people, or trees

Geometric shape or form

precise shapes that can be described using mathematical formulas; triangle, square, usually hard edges

Actual texture

how something actually feels

Simulated texture

The illusion of texture

Positive shape

the area within an object

Negative space

the areas outside an object

Symmetrical balance

objects of equal size and weight placed as an equal distance from the center line

Asymmetrical balance

objects of different sizes and weight placed at unequal distances from the center line

Radial Balance

objects placed radiating out form a center point

Scribble value technique

Uncontrolled, loosely drawn lines used to create value

Blending value technique

smooth and gradual change in values created with a blending stick

Stippling value technique

Using dots spaced close together to create darker values and further apart to create lighter values

Hatching Lines

A series of short, parallel strokes used to build up value.

Cross-hatching lines

Series of intersecting lines that create a sense of value