Art Elements and Principles

Elements of Art

  • Line

    • Continuous mark made on a surface by a moving point.

    • Types of lines:

    • 2D: E.g., pencil mark on paper.

    • 3D: E.g., wire.

    • Implied: Edges of shapes or forms.

    • Outline: Joins itself to create shapes.

    • Contour lines: Define edges and also edges of shapes within forms.

    • Lines have emotional qualities and psychological effects:

    • Horizontal lines: Create peace and calm.

    • Diagonal lines: Indicate movement or restlessness.

    • Vertical lines: Imply strength and power.

  • Shape and Form

    • Shape: 2D area (flat).

    • Form: 3D shape with depth, height, and width; also refers to the illusion of volume in 2D shapes.

  • Tonal Value

    • Degree of light and dark in artwork.

    • Defines volume and 3D forms through light rather than outlines.

  • Texture

    • Surface quality or feel of an object.

    • Different types of textures: smooth, furry, scratchy, etc.

    • Frottage: Technique of taking a rubbing from an uneven surface to begin a work of art.

  • Colour

    • Tints: Colours mixed with white.

    • Shades: Colours mixed with black.

    • Intensity: Brightness or dullness of a colour.

    • Complementary colours: Opposing colours that, when combined, produce grayscale (black/white). Creates strong contrasts.

    • Monochromatic: Variations of one hue.

    • Polychromatic: Random use of various hues and their variations.

  • Space and Perspective

    • Sculpture is 3D and occupies space, allowing for multiple viewing angles.

    • In 2D artworks, perspective creates a sense of 3D space and depth.

Principles of Design

  • Pattern

    • Repetition strengthens designs through associations and consistency; creates rhythm.

  • Contrast

    • Juxtaposition of opposing elements (e.g., opposite colours, light/dark).

    • Emphasizes key elements through contrast.

  • Emphasis

  • Focal point or center of interest/activity.

  • Balance

    • Distributing weight for stability (symmetrical/asymmetrical).

    • A large shape near the center can be balanced by smaller shapes at the edge.

  • Proportion

    • Relation of parts to each other and to the whole in a work.

  • Rhythm/Movement

    • Repetition of elements to suggest action or guide the viewer's eye through the work.

  • Unity

    • How well elements of a design work together to communicate a single idea.

  • Variety

    • Combining art elements with slight changes to increase visual interest.

  • Proximity

    • Nearness in space or relationship, creating visual connectivity; related design elements should be placed together.

  • Alignment

    • Creates order and visual connections between elements.

  • Space

    • Area around, above, or below objects; crucial for both 2D and 3D works.

    • Negative space: The empty space between design elements, such as a background.