Digital Tutors Foundational Elements of Art for the Rest of Your Life

The elements of art are components or parts of a piece of work of art that can exist isolated and defined. They are the building blocks used to create a work of art.

The list below describes each element of fine art. Learn nearly the principles of design hither.

Download a pupil handout containing a list of the elements of art and their definitions. (PDF, 168KB)

Line

A line is an identifiable path created by a bespeak moving in infinite. It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines oft define the edges of a form. Lines can exist horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. They lead your eye around the limerick and can communicate data through their character and direction.

Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the globe are at residual. In this mural, horizontal lines also assist requite a sense of infinite. The lines delineate sections of the mural, which recede into space. They also imply continuation of the mural beyond the picture aeroplane to the left and right.

Vertical lines oftentimes communicate a sense of meridian because they are perpendicular to the world, extending upwards toward the sky. In this church building interior, vertical lines suggest spirituality, rising beyond human reach toward the heavens.

Horizontal and vertical lines used in combination communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms with ninety-degree angles are structurally stable. This stability suggests permanence and reliability.

Diagonal lines convey a feeling of movement. Objects in a diagonal position are unstable. Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either about to fall or are already in move. The angles of the ship and the rocks on the shore convey a feeling of movement or speed in this stormy harbor scene.

The curve of a line tin convey energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of the human body and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the limerick. The edge of the pool in this photograph gently leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon.

Shape and form

Shape and form define objects in infinite. Shapes take two dimensions–top and width–and are commonly defined by lines. Forms exist in iii dimensions, with height, width, and depth.

Shape has only height and width. Shape is usually, though not ever, defined by line, which tin can provide its contour. In this image, rectangles and ovals dominate the composition. They depict the architectural details for an illusionist ceiling fresco.

Form has depth as well equally width and height. Iii-dimensional form is the basis of sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts. Iii-dimensional forms tin be seen from more than one side, such as this sculpture of a rearing horse.

Geometric shapes and forms include mathematical, named shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and cones. Geometric shapes and forms are often man-made. However, many natural forms as well take geometric shapes. This cabinet is busy with designs of geometric shapes.

Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical. Organic shapes are oftentimes institute in nature, simply man-made shapes can too imitate organic forms. This wreath uses organic forms to simulate leaves and berries.

Space

Real space is three-dimensional. Space in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth or 3 dimensions. It tin can also refer to the creative person's utilise of the area inside the moving picture plane. The surface area around the primary objects in a work of art is known as negative space, while the space occupied by the principal objects is known every bit positive space.

Positive and negative space
The relationship of positive to negative infinite tin greatly affect the touch on of a work of art. In this drawing, the homo and his shadow occupy the positive space, while the white space surrounding him is the negative space. The asymmetric amount of negative infinite accentuates the figure's vulnerability and isolation.

Three-dimensional space
The perfect illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional work of art is something that many artists, such equally Pieter Saenredam, labored to achieve. The illusion of space is achieved through perspective drawing techniques and shading.

Color

Light reflected off objects. Color has 3 main characteristics: hue (cherry-red, green, blue, etc.), value (how calorie-free or dark information technology is), and intensity (how bright or tiresome it is). Colors tin can be described equally warm (red, xanthous) or cool (blueish, gray), depending on which finish of the color spectrum they fall.

Value describes the brightness of color. Artists use color value to create different moods. Nighttime colors in a composition suggest a lack of light, every bit in a night or interior scene. Nighttime colors can often convey a sense of mystery or foreboding.

Lite colors oft draw a light source or low-cal reflected within the composition. In this painting, the dark colors advise a night or interior scene. The creative person used light colors to draw the lite created by the candle flame.

Intensity describes the purity or strength of a colour. Brilliant colors are undiluted and are oftentimes associated with positive energy and heightened emotions. Dull colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood. In this prototype the artist captured both the seriousness and the joy of the scene with the dull grey stone interior and the vivid red drapery.

Texture

The surface quality of an object that we sense through impact. All objects have a physical texture. Artists can besides convey texture visually in 2 dimensions.

In a 2-dimensional work of art, texture gives a visual sense of how an object depicted would feel in existent life if touched: difficult, soft, rough, smooth, hairy, leathery, abrupt, etc. In three-dimensional works, artists apply bodily texture to add together a tactile quality to the work.

Texture depicted in ii-dimensions
Artists apply colour, line, and shading to imply textures. In this painting, the man'due south robe is painted to simulate silk. The ability to convincingly portray fabric of different types was i of the marks of a great painter during the 17th century.

Surface texture
The surface of this writing desk is metallic and hard. The hard surface is functional for an object that would have been used for writing. The smoothen surface of the writing desk reflects calorie-free, adding sparkle to this piece of furniture.

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Source: https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/formal_analysis.html

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