The Elements and Principles of Art

Elements

• color
• line
• shape
• form
• texture and space

Principles

• balance
• emphasis 
• movement
• proportion/scale
• rhythm, unity, variety

Color

• Produced when light strikes an object
• 3 properties (hue, intensity, value)
• Hue-name of a color
• Intensity-brightness of a color
• Value-Lightness or darkness of a color

Texture

• Surface quality or feel of an object
• Many works of art posses actual texture

Contrast

• refers to difference between elements
• can be created through variety of elements
• used to create a focal point or area of interest

Value

• the lightness or darkness of a color
• important when color is absent
• in which tints and shades have been added

line

• refers to the continuous mark made in some surface by a moving point
• can be actual or implied
• types: vertical, horizontal, zigzag, spiraling, ect.

Shape

• Can be seometric or freeform
• rectilinear or curvilinear
• Positive or negative
• Positive shape is the main figure

Form

• Its for the shape
• forms are usually 3 demensionel
• As with a shape, a form maybe geometric or freeform

Space

• The distance between, around, above, below or within 
• Forms physically occupy space

Differences between elements and principles

• Elements- "ingredients'' of art
• Principle- ''recipe'' of art
• Principles of art depend on the element

Principles of art

• Elements are composed in art
• Composition-way visual elements are positioned
• Dominance- area of work demanding attention
• Contrast- message within the artwork
• Art Criticism- organized approach to equality

Elements and Principles in Artwork

Elements in Artwork

• Color: Red background and foreground
• Value: Dark color tone
• Texture: Texture around the edges

Principles in Artwork

• Balance: Asymmetrical
• Emphasis: Background makes the main point stand out
• Rythm: Flowing and progressive rythm

Citations

• http://thevirtualinstructor.com/artfundamentals.html
• http://www.themorris.org/PDFS/The%20Language%20of%20Art.pdf