Elements of Art and Design Module
Elements(7)
Line: A line is defined by two points connecting to a space. Line comes in many forms, straight, curved, vertical, or horizontal.
Shape: Shape uses elements like line, color, and texture. It is typically geometric.
Form: Form is what makes objects or people look real. It is three-dimensional.
Value: Amount of light and darkness in an image. Value is a large contributor to form and helping it exist in drawings and paintings.
Texture: Represents the feeling of a drawing or how it might feel to touch it.
Space positive/negative: The area between and around an object. Positive space is the object. Negative space is the space around the object.
Color: Different wavelengths of light to the human eye. It represents emotions, hierarchy, and interest. Properties that describe color are hue, value, and intensity.
Hue- Name of the color.
Value- the hue’s light and darkness.
Intensity/Saturation-Intensity/Saturation: quality of brightness and purity (high
intensity= color is strong and bright; low intensity=
color is faint and dull)
Principals(12)
Balance- Using weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. to achieve balance you need symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial balance.
Symmetrical Balance: Both sides of the artwork are mirror images of each other.
Asymmetrical Balance: Balance is achieved with different shapes or objects that counterbalance each other, not by exact repetition.
Radial Balance: Elements are evenly arranged around a central point, like a wheel's spokes.
Movement: The use of art elements to guide the viewer's eye through the image. It can be created with diagonal or curved lines, edges, space, repetition, color, or dynamic marks, aiming to unify the composition.
Focal Point/Emphasis: The focal point is the main area that grabs attention, like the main character in a movie. Artists use contrast in line, shape, value, texture, and color to highlight it. Artworks can have one main focal point and smaller secondary ones to guide the viewer's focus.
Contrast: Contrast highlights differences, like black vs. white or big vs. small. It uses value, color, texture, and scale to emphasize parts of the artwork and guide focus to the focal point.
Pattern: A predictable repetition of objects, creating rhythm. Patterns can be natural or mechanical, like designs on walls or clothing. Unlike repetition, patterns are predictable, while repetition can be unexpected. Both add rhythm to art.
Repetition: Repeating elements in a composition creates stability, like in wallpaper. Unlike patterns, repetition is unexpected and non-predictable. Adding variety to repetition brings energy and excitement, but too much variety can lead to visual chaos.
Gradient/Gradation: A gradual transition between colors, shades, or textures. It creates effects like depth, volume, and rounded forms, making objects or people appear realistic and three-dimensional.
Proportion: The relationship between an object and its parts, used to create order and proper sizing. It can be proportionate (balanced) or unproportionate (intentionally distorted).
Dominant and Subordinate/Hierarchic Scale: This principle creates visual hierarchy by making some elements more important than others. Key elements stand out, usually through size, while less important parts support them. This adds focus and clarity to the image.
Harmony/Unity: This principle uses elements to create a harmonious and complete artwork. It brings a sense of wholeness by combining similar colors, styles, or color schemes, making the piece feel unified and cohesive.
Variety: This principle uses different elements like values, lines, textures, shapes, and colors to add complexity and visual interest. It complements unity and draws attention to specific areas. Adding variety to repetition creates energy, but too much can cause visual chaos.