Art History Formal Elements

Line

A visual element used to define shapes and figures, and to indicate motion, emotion, and other elements.

Shape

The property of a two-dimensional form, usually defined by a line around it or by a change in color.

Color

Related to hues, and Hues appear on the visible spectrum.

Space

refers to both depth, real or represented, and the general surface area within a work of art.

Texture

The feeling of a surface, real or represented.

Surface

The two-dimensional layer a piece of art resides on, known as the picture plane.

Depth

The three-dimensional space in the picture plane, which can be divided into different sections.

Light/Shadow

Contrasting visual elements in art that provide depth and atmosphere. One can highlight objects and elements, while the other can obscure them.

Balance

An even use of elements throughout a work of art.

Symmetry

A very formal type of balance consisting of a mirroring of portions of an image.

Emphasis

consists of drawing attention to one or more points in a work.

Movement

refers to a sense of motion as the eye is guided through a work of art.

Proportion

refers to the relationship of parts of a body or form to one another and of the parts to the whole.

Pattern

when an image or object repeats throughout a work of art, or within a part of it.

Scale

is the relationship of parts of an image to the image as a whole, or to something in the world outside the image.

Variety

is the use of different visual elements throughout a work.

Unity

A feeling that all the parts of a work fit together well.

Repetition

can be less structured than pattern, which is more regular, and establishes a rhythm

Rhythm

is the visual tempo set by repeating elements in a work of art or architecture.