Elements and Principles of Art

The Elements of Art

  • Definition: The building blocks or ingredients of art used to create works of art.
LINE
  • Description: A mark with length and direction; a continuous mark made on a surface by a moving point.
  • Artists: Ansel Adams, Gustave Caillebotte, Pablo Picasso.
COLOR
  • Components:
    • Hue: Another term for color.
    • Intensity: The brightness of a color.
    • Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
  • Artists: Henri Matisse, Chan, Alexander Calder.
VALUE
  • Description: Refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.
  • Artists: Pablo Picasso, MC Escher.
SHAPE
  • Description: An enclosed area defined and determined by other art elements; it is 2-dimensional.
  • Artist: Joan Miro.
FORM
  • Description: A 3-dimensional object, or something in a 2-dimensional artwork that appears to be 3-dimensional.
    • Example: A triangle (2D shape) vs. a pyramid (3D form).
  • Artist: Lucien Freud.
SPACE
  • Description: Refers to the distance or area between, around, above, below, or within objects.
  • Types:
    • Positive Space: Filled with something.
    • Negative Space: Empty areas.
  • Depth Creation: Uses foreground, middleground, and background elements.
TEXTURE
  • Description: The surface quality or "feel" of an object, indicating smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. Textures can be actual (tactile) or implied.

The Principles of Art

  • Definition: Tools used to organize the Elements of Art in creating art.
BALANCE
  • Description: The arrangement of elements to create stability in a work.
  • Types:
    • Symmetrical Balance: Parts are mirrored on either side of a centerline.
    • Asymmetrical Balance: One side differs from the other, but still balances visually.
  • Artists: Alexander Calder, Leonardo Da Vinci, James Whistler.
EMPHASIS
  • Description: The focal point of an image; an area that stands out the most visually.
  • Artists: Jim Dine, Gustav Klimt.
CONTRAST
  • Description: A significant difference between two elements that creates interest and tension in art.
  • Artist: Salvador Dali.
RHYTHM
  • Description: A regular repetition of elements that creates a sense of movement in a piece.
  • Artist: Marcel Duchamp.
PATTERN and Repetition
  • Description: The deliberate repetition of a design element.
  • Artist: Gustav Klimt.
UNITY
  • Description: The harmonious arrangement of the elements and principles of art to create a coherent image.
  • Artist: Johannes Vermeer.
VARIETY
  • Description: The use of differences and change to enhance visual interest in a work.
  • Artist: Marc Chagall.
PROPORTION
  • Description: The comparative relationship of one part to another regarding size, quantity, or degree (often referred to as scale).
  • Artist: Gustave Caillebotte.