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The Elements of Art

The Elements of Art are similar to the Elements in Science: they are the physical building blocks of visual art.

Line Shape Mass Volume Space Time/Motion Value (Light) Texture Color

• Line: Forms in which length dominates over width. Appears in artworks as marks, edges, and pathways. Terms used include: actual, implied, and psychic lines.

• Shape: The expanse within a two-dimensional area, or within a three-dimensional object (form) Shape is an enclosed space, the boundaries of which are defined by other elements of art (i.e.: lines, colors, values, textures, etc.). Common shape terms include: geometric, organic, and irregular.

• Mass: The three-dimensional extension of a shape. A sculpture has actual mass. In two dimensional artwork, mass is implied.

• Volume: The space enclosed by a mass. A sculpture has actual volume. In two-dimensional artwork, volume is, like mass, implied.

• Space: The area surrounding and containing us, the space within us and within all creatures and objects. In two-dimensional art, actual space is the picture plane: the surface contained within the height and width of a picture. Implied space can be made to appear within the picture plane by a variety of methods. We refer to this as illusions of depth.

• Time and Motion: A non-spatial element, where events occur in succession. Two and three-dimensional forms occupy space, but music occupies time. Film function in a middle ground of perception: in which time and space are both present as elements. In two and three-dimensional art, time and motion can be implied through a variety of methods, for instance through active line quality and serial action.

• Value (Light): Light is the radiant energy that makes objects visible to the human eye. Degrees or variations of light and dark are called values. Degrees and types of lightness and darkness can be implied in 2D artwork through a variety of means, and used to create a host of emotional, psychological, and compositional effects.

• Texture: The feeling of the surface of the object. In visual art texture can be actual or implied.

• Color: Light exists at different wavelengths: our eyes perceive these as colors. The different colors of the visual spectrum can be emulated through (among other methods) pigment mixing. Terms used when discussing color in visual art include: hue, tint, shade, tone, primary colors, complementary colors, and tertiary colors.

The Principles of Design

The Principles of Design are similar to the Laws of Science: they are the general guidelines for the way artworks are effectively organized, and the concepts that strive to explain what makes a composition successful, appealing to the eye, and persuasive to the mind and emotions.

Unity (Harmony) Variety Repetition Rhythm Emphasis/Subordination Contrast Balance Proportion

• Unity: The relationship among all the elements in a visual composition that helps all the visual elements to function together. Unity gives a sense of oneness or wholeness to an image or artwork. Without unity an artwork is chaotic and “unreadable.” Unity is used interchangeably with harmony.

• Variety: the complementary condition to unity which is needed to create visual interest. Variety means to “change the character” of an element, to make it different, to create the diversity that creates dynamic tension in a unified image. Without variety artwork or design is dull and uninteresting. Good design is achieved through the balance of unity and variety; the elements need to be alike enough so we perceive them as belonging together and different enough to be interesting.

• Repetition: multiple instances of a visual element within a single composition. Pattern is an all-over form of repetition.

• Rhythm: the regular occurrence of visual elements with related variations. Rhythm is created when one or more elements of art are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement, creating a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential. Key types of rhythm include: alternating rhythm and progressive rhythm.

• Emphasis: when attention is drawn to a particular area or aspect of a composition. When a specific physical point is emphasized in a composition, it is referred to as the focal point.

• Subordination: creating neutral areas of a composition, thus drawing attention to the focal point: the dynamic opposite of emphasis.

• Contrast: the juxtaposition of vastly dissimilar elements within a single composition, creating a dynamic balance of visual elements. The arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama. Contrast can be used to direct attention to a part of the artwork- one way of creating a focal point.

• Balance: Equal distribution of visual weight in a composition. Balance in a three dimensional object is easy to understand; if balance isn't achieved, the object tips over. To understand balance in a two dimensional composition, we must use our imaginations to carry this three dimensional analogy forward to the flat surface. Terms commonly used with visual balance include: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial balance.

• Proportion: refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a composition. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions. The most universal standard of measurement is the human body.