Elements of Art1. Line

The Elements of Art- "Line"

Line is one of the seven elements of art.  It is considered by most to be the most basic element of art. 

In terms of art, line is considered to be a moving dot.  It has an endless number of uses in the creation of art.

The most common use of line is showing where an object ends.  This type of line is called a contour line.  Contour lines are most commonly called outlines.

Line can also create the illusion of form in a drawing. Line quality is the thickness or thinness of a line.  By varying the line quality an artist can show form in a drawing with just the use of line.

Line can also indicate shadow and form through the use of cross contour lines.  Cross contour lines follow the contours of the object.  Much like running your finger around the form of an object.

Line- element of art.  In terms of art, line can be described as a moving dot.  Line is perhaps the most basic element of drawing.

Kinds of lines

Vertical lines- lines that move up and down without any slant

Horizontal lines- lines that are parallel to the horizon

Diagonal lines- lines that slant

Zigzag lines- lines made from a combination of diagonal lines

Curved lines- Lines that change direction gradually

           

Line Variation- adding interest to your lines is important in creating successful artwork

Length- lines can be long or short

Width- lines can be wide or skinny

Texture- lines can be rough or smooth

Direction- lines can move in any direction

Degree of curve- lines can curve gradually or not at all

Line quality or line weight- refers to the thickness or thinness of a line.  By varying the line quality artists can make objects appear more 3-Deminsional and more interesting

Hatching and crosshatching- using lines to create value

Hatching- lines going in the same directionCrosshatching- lines that cross

2. Shape

The Elements- "Shape"

A shape is created when a line is enclosed.  Shape is one of the seven elements of art and it has a variety of uses in the creation of art.

 Shape is a two-dimensional area that is defined by a change in value or some other form of contrast.

All shapes are two-dimensional, meaning that they have only length and width.

All shapes will fall into one of two categories. Geometric shapes or regular shapes are easy to recognize. Math can be used to find information about these shapes and these shapes generally have a specific name associated with them. Examples include: circle, triangle, square, and trapezoid.

Organic or freeform shapes are shapes that seem to follow no rules. Organic shapes generally do not have a name associated with them and are typically not man-made.

We can learn to see the world around us as shapes. Recognizing the shapes that we see will lead to improved drawing and painting.

Shapes defined by objects are positive shapes (space). Shapes defined around objects are negative shapes (space).

The relationships between the positive and negative shapes help the brain of our viewers understand what they are seeing.  Our brains are even capable of making sense of complex relationships between positive and negative shapes.

By organizing geometric and organic shapes, we can draw anything.  Even complicated objects become easy to draw when we isolate basic geometric and organic shapes.

TermsShape- an element of art that is a two-dimensional area that is defined in some way.  A shape may have an outline around it or you may recognize it by its area.

Geometric shapes- precise shapes that can be described using mathematical formulas.  Ex. Circle, square, triangle, oval, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, pentagon, pentagram, hexagon, and octagon.

Freeform Shapes- also called organic shapes, are irregular and uneven shapes.  Their outlines may be curved, angular, or a combination of both

Form- an element of art, means objects that have three dimensions.  I like to think of form as a 3-D shape

Form and Shape are related.  You can turn a shape into the illusion of form by adding value and you can simplify a form from life into a shape.

3. Form

The Elements- "Form"

In terms of art, form refers to objects that are 3-Dimensional, or have length, width, and height.

Form- an element of art, means objects that have three dimensions.  I like to think of form as a 3-D shape

Geometric forms have specific names associated with them and are typically man-made.

Organic forms do not have specific names associated with them and are often associated with naturally occurring forms.

When drawing representationally, the goal is to create the illusion of form.  We can create the illusion of form by understanding how light reacts on the object.

Light reacts on objects and is communicated to viewers through several factors.  Adjusting these areas with values of the local color will result in the illusion of form in a drawing or painting.

Highlight is the area where light is hitting the object directly. Midtone is the middle value of the local color of the object. Core shadow is the area(s) that is shaded on the object. Cast shadow is the area(s) that is shaded on surrounding objects and

surfaces because of blocked light. Reflected highlight is the area on an object that is lighter because of

reflected light off of surrounding objects.

4. Value

The Elements of Art-"Value"

Value-The Element of Shadow

The word "value" is used a lot around this website. And with good reason.  Value is one of the seven elements of art. Value deals with the lightness or darkness of a color.  Since we see objects and understand objects because of how dark or light they are, value is incredible important to art.  (I'll remind you that drawing and painting is about seeing.)

Value deals directly to light.  We see things because light reflects off of objects and goes into our eyes.  Our mind processes the light and rationalizes what we are seeing.  Without light, we cannot see anything. In order to draw or paint in a way that creates an illusion of what we normally see, we must fully understand light and how it reacts on surfaces.  Value is the key to the illusion of light.  This is why value is so incredibly important to drawing and painting. 

Successful Artwork has a Full Range of Value

Artworks that exhibit a full range of value are generally successful.  It doesn't matter the type of art you are creating.  As long as there are dark values in harmony with light values, your artwork will most likely be aesthetically pleasing. A full range of value means that they are ample amounts of light values- called tints, and dark values- called shades.  To be sure that you have a full range of value in your artwork you may create a value scale... 

Using a value scale, you can be sure that you create a full range of value.  Many artists use a value scale as they work, identifying specific values and adding them in appropriate spots.

Take this apple for example...

If we were to take out all color, we would still see the apple and recognize it as an apple.  In other words, we are just showing the values of the apple...

If we take this one step further and isolate eight of the values, we can see where we would need to draw or paint the values...

This illustrates how an artist would see the values and begin to draw with them. Another useful tool is called a value finder.  A value finder allows an artist to find specific values on a photograph or drawing easily.  You can make one yourself easily. 

Value-The Whole Point

The whole point to value is to create the illusion of light.  So value is used to basically create the illusion of highlights and shadows.  Highlights and shadows combine to create the illusion of a light source.  Remember, without light we cannot see.  So technically, without a light source, you have no illusion. 

This is why value is mentioned so frequently on all of the art instruction videos and pages on this website.  It's important.  If you understand and implement value correctly in your drawings and paintings, you will see immediate improvement.  Value is essential to success.  

Value-Terms

Value- Element of art associated with the darkness or lightness of a color

Light source- area in which light is originating from

Value scale- a guide to creating a range of value, good pieces of art have a full range of value

Tints- light values

 

Shades- dark values

 

Highlights- areas on an object where light is hitting  

 

 Shadows- areas on an object where light does not hit

 

5. Texture

The Elements of Art-"Texture"

Texture- element of art that refers to the way an object feels to the touch or looks as it may feel.3-D Texture- refers to the way an object feels to the touch2-D Texture- refers to the way an object looks as it may feel

Visual texture- the illusion of a 3-D surface

Simulated- imitate real texturesInvented- 2-D patterns created by the repetition of lines of shapes

Rough textures- reflect light unevenlySmooth textures- reflect light evenly

Matte- surface that reflects a soft, dull light.  Shiny surfaces are the opposite of matte.

Impasto- a painting technique in which the paint is built up on the surface to create a texture

When drawing or painting texture, it is important to pay close attention to the values- they reveal the illusion of texture

6. Space

The Elements of Art - "Space"

In terms of art, space is the area around, above, and within an object.  With consideration to drawings and paintings, our goal is to create the illusion of space.

There are six ways an artist can create the illusion of space on a 2-Dimensional surface.

1. Overlapping  - occurs when objects that are closer to the viewer prevent the view of objects that are behind them.

2. Placement on the paper - Objects placed higher within the picture plane will appear further away.

3. Size - Objects that are smaller will appear further away from the viewer.

4. Detail - Objects that are further away should have less detail than objects that are closer to the viewer.

5. Color and Value - Objects that are further away are cooler in color temperature, while objects that are closer are warmer.  Objects that are further away are lighter in value, while objects that are closer are typically darker in value.

6. Perspective - Linear perspective is a drawing method that uses lines to create the illusion of space on a flat surface.  There are three types of linear perspective.  Two are displayed on this page.

One point perspective uses one vanishing point to accomplish this illusion.

Two point perspective uses two vanishing points to create the illusion of space.

TermsSpace- element of art, refers to the emptiness or area between, around, above, below, or within objects

Positive Space- the shapes or forms of interest

Negative Space- the empty space between the shapes or forms

3-D Space can be defined as the space over, under, through, behind, and around a form.  Architecture, sculpture, weaving, ceramics, and jewelry are three-dimensional art forms

2-D space can best be described as an illusion.  We perceive depth by creating an illusion of 3-D space on a 2-D surface.

Point of view- refers to the angle at which you view an object.

Illusion of form-is manifested by creating an image with a range of value.  By accurately placing highlights and shadows an artist can create the illusion of form.

Chiaroscuro- An Italian word that means the arrangement of light and shadow.  Today chiaroscuro is also called modeling or shading.

Illusion of depth- is manifested through the use of several factors:

Perspective- a graphic system that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a two-dimensional surfaceOverlapping- when one object covers part of a second object, the first seems to be closer to the viewer. Size- Larger objects appear to be closer to the viewer than smaller objectsPlacement- Objects placed low on the picture plane seem to be closer to the viewer than objects placed near eye levelDetail- objects with clear, sharp edges and visible details seem to be close to the viewer.  Objects that are less detailed seem further awayColor- Brightly colored objects seem closer to you, and objects with dull, light colors seem to be further away

7. ColorColor Theory-The Elements of Art-Color

Color Theory

Color is the element of art that refers to reflected light.  Color theory is defined as a theory because it cannot be proved. Theories are generally accepted. Laws are accepted because they can be proven.  There are volumes and volumes of information available about color theory.  This page, while thorough, will present color theory in an "easy to understand" fashion. It is an exciting, ever-changing science.  Color has an affect over how we feel about objects, how we behave, and how our bodies react to circumstances.  To learn more about this click here> Some Interesting Facts About Color.

This page on Color Theory includes an interactive color wheel.  I have created an improved version here>New Interactive Color Wheel

What is color theory?

If color theory is simplified, it can be broken down into 3 parts- The color wheel, color value, and color schemes. Each part of color theory builds on the previous. Understanding each section of color theory fully, will help you better understand the importance of color theory on the whole.  Take the time to study each section.

Color Theory Part 1- The Color Wheel

The color wheel was developed by Sir Isaac Newton by taking the color spectrum and bending it into a circle. If you follow around the color wheel, you will find the same order of the color spectrum- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo (blue-violet), and violet.  Some remember it by the acronym ROY G. BIV.

The color wheel is made up of three different types of colors- Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary.

The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.  They are called primary for a couple of reasons.  First, no two colors can be mixed to create a primary color. In other words, primary colors can only be created through the use of natural pigments.  Secondly, all other colors found on the color wheel can be created by mixing primary colors together.

The secondary colors are orange, green, and purple.  Secondary colors are created by mixing equal parts of any two primary colors.  Yellow and blue will give you green.  Red and blue will create purple(violet). Red and yellow will give you orange.

Tertiary colors are created by mixing equal parts of a secondary color and a primary color together.  There are six tertiary colors- red-purple, red-orange, blue-green, yellow-green, blue-purple, and yellow-orange.  Notice that the proper way to refer to tertiary colors is by listing the primary color first and the secondary color, second.

Color Theory Part 3-Color Schemes

Color schemes are ways colors are put together in an intelligent way

Monochromatic- literally means one (mono) color (chroma).  So a monochromatic color scheme is made up of one color and its shades and tints.

Analogous colors- are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.  When used as a color scheme, analogous colors can be dramatic. Ex. Blue, blue-green, green, and yellow-green; red, red-purple, purple, blue-purple

 Complementary colors- are colors found directly across from each other on the color wheel.  Complementary color scheme provide strong contrast.  Ex. Blue and orange, red and green, yellow-green and red-purple.

Color triads- consist of three colors found on the color wheel that are equally spaced apart from each other. Ex. Red, blue and yellow or orange, green and purple.

Split complementary- color schemes are made up of a color and its complements closest analogous colors. Ex Blue, yellow-orange and red-orange. Red-orange, red-purple, green.

Warm colors- colors that are usually associated with warm things.  Ex. Red, yellow, orange

Cool colors- colors that are usually associated with cool things.  Ex. Blue, purple, green

Color Theory Terms and Definitions

Color- Element of art derived from reflected light.  We see color because light waves are reflected from objects to your eyes.

Color wheel- color spectrum bent into a circle. 

Primary colors- The most basic colors on the color wheel, red, yellow and blue.  These colors cannot be made by mixing

Secondary colors- colors that are made by mixing two primary colors together. Orange, green and violet (purple)

Tertiary colors- colors that are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color

Hue- the name of the color

Intensity- the brightness or dullness of a color.  DO NOT CONFUSE INTENSITY WITH VALUE.

Color value- the darkness or lightness of a color. Ex.: pink is a tint of red

Tints- are created by adding white to a color

Shades- are created by adding black to a color

Optical color- color that people actually perceive- also called local color.

Arbitrary color- colors chosen by the artist to express feelings or mood.