elements & principles of art & design

LINEthe most basic element of art

a continuous mark made on a surface can vary in ap-pearance (length, width, texture, direction, curve)

five varieties of lines: vertical, horizontal. diagonal, curved, zigzag

SHAPEa two-dimensional self contained defined area of geo-metric (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) or organic

FORMa three-dimensional area of geometric (sphere, cube, pyramid, rectangular prism, cylinder, etc.) or organic

SPACEdefined and determined by shapes and forms

positive space is the shapes and forms. negative space is the empty space around.

VALUEthe lightness or darkness of a color

COLORproduced when light strikes an object and reflects back into the viewer’s eyes

three properties: hue, intensity, and value

TEXTURErefers to the surface quality or “feel” of an object (smooth, rough, soft, etc.)

may be actual or implied

CONTRASTthe differences that can be seen in a work of art.

can be created through the use of color, value, texture, shape, line, or form

UNITYachieved when the components of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion

BALANCEthe even distribution of visual or physical weight within a work of art.

three types: symmetrical, asymmetrical, radical

MOVEMENTthe manner in which the viewer’s eye flows through a work of art

PA TTERN

PA TTERNthe regular or random repetition of an element, object or motif in a work of art

the regular or random repetition of an element, object or motif in a work of art

the regular or random repetition of an element, object or motif in a work of art

the regular or random repetition of an element, object or motif in a work of art

the regular or random repetition of an element, object or motif in a work of art

RHYTHMthe repetition caused by pattern or organized visual movement

can be regular, irregular or undulating

EMPHASISrefers to the created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands