Contemporary Arts

The Elements and Principles
of Art

 

Line An element of art defined by a point moving in space. Line

may be two-or three-dimensional, descriptive, implied, or

abstract.

Shape An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or limited to

height and width.

Form An element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses

volume; includes height, width AND depth (as in a cube, a

sphere, a pyramid, or a cylinder). Form may also be free

flowing.

Value The lightness or darkness of tones or colors. White is the

lightest value; black is the darkest. The value halfway

between these extremes is called middle gray.

Space An element of art by which positive and negative areas are

defined or a sense of depth achieved in a work of art .

Color An element of art made up of three properties: hue, value,

and intensity.

 Hue: name of color

 Value: hue’s lightness and darkness (a color’s value

changes when white or black is added)

 Intensity: quality of brightness and purity (high

intensity= color is strong and bright; low intensity=

color is faint and dull)

Texture An element of art that refers to the way things feel, or look

as if they might feel if touched.

PRINCIPLES OF ART: Balance, emphasis, movement, proportion,

rhythm, unity, and variety; the means an artist uses to organize

elements within a work of art.

Rhythm A principle of design that indicates movement, created

by the careful placement of repeated elements in a work

of art to cause a visual tempo or beat.

Balance A way of combining elements to add a feeling of

equilibrium or stability to a work of art. Major types are

symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Emphasis

(contrast)

A way of combining elements to stress the differences

between those elements.

Proportion A principle of design that refers to the relationship of

certain elements to the whole and to each other.

Gradation A way of combining elements by using a series of

gradual changes in those elements. (large shapes to

small shapes, dark hue to light hue, etc)

Harmony A way of combining similar elements in an artwork to

accent their similarities (achieved through use of

repetitions and subtle gradual changes)

Variety A principle of design concerned with diversity or

contrast. Variety is achieved by using different shapes,

sizes, and/or colors in a work of art.

Movement A principle of design used to create the look and feeling

of action and to guide the viewer’s eye