Elements and

Principles of Art

Elements of Art

the ‘building blocks’ of a work of art

LINE

a mark with greater length than width; Can

vary in direction and quality.

Elements of Art

LINE

SHAPE

is a closed line. Can be geometric or organic; 2-

Dimensional

Elements of Art

SHAPE

Elements of Art

SPACE

the feeling of depth; the area between and around

objects (Negative and Positive space)

Elements of Art

SPACE

Elements of Art

Elements of Art

SPACE

COLOR

is light reflected off objects; 3 main

characteristics: hue, value, and intensity. 

Elements of Art

COLOR Elements of Art

Josef AlbersStudy for Homage to the Square: 'High Autumn'

22 x 22 in / 56 x 56 cmOur reference Close this window

VALUE

is the range between the lightness or darkness

within an artwork. 

Elements of Art

VALUE

Elements of Art

FORM

are 3-D shapes (length, width, and depth); Ex.

Spheres, cylinders, cubes, etc.

Elements of Art

FORM

Elements of Art

TEXTURE

is the surface quality that can be seen and/or felt.

(also visual texture)

Elements of Art

TEXTURE

Elements of Art

Principles

of Artan artists

‘checklist’ to creating a

strong composition

BALANCE

the distribution of the visual weight; Can be

symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.  

Principles of Art

BALANCE

 

Principles of Art

Rhythm/Movement

one or more elements of art are used repeatedly

to create a feeling of visual movement.

Principles of Art

Rhythm/Movement

 

Principles of Art

UNITYthe feeling of harmony between all parts of the

artwork creating a sense of completeness .

Principles of Art

UNITY Principles of Art

VARIETY

means "to change the character" of an

element of art, to make it different.

Principles of Art

Principles of Art

VARIETY

VARIETY

Principles of Art

EMPHASIS

is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s

attention (focal point).

Principles of Art

EMPHASIS

Principles of Art