Elements and Principles of Art

Line

The foundation of all drawing

Shape

Can be two-dimensional figure

Form

Can be 3-dimensional figure

Value

The lightness or darkness of a color

Color

Has the strongest effect on our emotions

Texture

The roughness or smoothness of a surface

Space

The distance between and around shapes and forms

Balance

Gives a feeling of stability and rest; can be formal (symmetrical), informal (asymmetrical), or radial balance

Formal balance

A type of balance where both sides are exactly alike

Informal balance (asymmetrical)

Achieved by arranging related or unrelated objects of differing visual weight that counterbalance one another

Movement

The direction by which the eye moves towards or visual movement

Proportion

The relationship between the elements in the picture

Emphasis

Central figure in a picture

Variety

Putting together different visual elements to form a whole

Harmony

Creates cohesiveness due to similarity or repeated patterns

Rhythm

A sense of beat or regularity in a picture