Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions: Elements and Principles of Art

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining the essential elements and principles of art as they apply to contemporary Philippine art forms.

Elements of Art

The basic building blocks or "ingredients" used by artists to create any artwork and produce a masterpiece.

Line

The path created by a moving point; it can be straight, curved, thick, thin, zigzag, broken, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

Shape

A two-dimensional enclosed space, which can be geometric (square, circle, triangle, rectangle) or organic (leaves, clouds, mountains).

Form

Three-dimensional objects that possess height, width, and depth, such as sculpture, pottery, and installation art.

Color

A visual element that creates mood and emotion; it is categorized into warm colors (red, orange, yellow) and cool colors (blue, green, violet).

Warm Colors

Colors such as red, orange, and yellow that represent energy, passion, and happiness.

Cool Colors

Colors such as blue, green, and violet that represent calmness, peace, and sadness.

Value

The lightness or darkness of a color, used by artists to create shadows, show highlights, produce realistic images, and add depth.

Texture

Describes how a surface feels (actual texture, which can be physically touched) or appears to feel (visual texture, which looks rough or smooth but cannot be touched).

Principles of Art

The rules or techniques used to organize the elements of art effectively to create harmony, meaning, and visual impact.

Balance

The distribution of visual weight in an artwork, classified as symmetrical (both sides equal), asymmetrical (different objects but visually balanced), or radial (objects spread from the center).

Emphasis

A principle used to create a focal point that answers the question: "What do I want people to notice first?"

Contrast

A principle that highlights differences, such as light vs. dark, large vs. small, or rough vs. smooth, to make artworks more interesting.

Movement

A principle that guides the viewer's eyes throughout the artwork using curved lines, repetition, or direction.

Rhythm

A principle created through repeated visual elements like shapes, colors, patterns, and lines, functioning like beats in music.

Pattern

The repeated arrangement of designs, often found in indigenous textiles, weaving, tribal motifs, and architectural decorations.

Unity

A principle where all parts of the artwork work together to appear connected, creating one complete idea even if many colors or objects are present.