The Elements of Art
Line - a mark that spans a distance between two points (or the path of a moving point), taking any form along the way. As an art element, line pertains to the use of various marks, outlines and implied lines in artwork and design, most often used to define shape in two-dimensional art work. Lines can communicate information through their character and their direction.
Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest. (example: landscape)
Vertical lines often communicate a sense of height because they are perpendicular to the earth, extending upwards toward the sky. (example: cathedral architecture)
Horizontal and vertical lines used in combination communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms with 90-degree angles are structurally stable. (example: grid)
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 motion.
The curve of a line can convey energy.Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of organic shapes, such as the human figure and often have a pleasing, quality and a softening effect on the composition.
Shape - is a closed line in two-dimensional space. Shapes are flat and has only height and width. Shape is usually, though not always, defined by line, which can provide its contour. Shapes can be geometric (like squares and circles), or organic (like free-form or natural shapes). They can be defined by other elements of art.
Form - three-dimensional shapes expressing length, width, and depth. Three-dimensional form is the basis of sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts. Three-dimensional forms can be seen from more than one side.
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 also have geometric shapes.
Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical. Organic shapes are often found in nature, but man-made shapes can also imitate organic forms.
Value - or tone, refers to the scale from light to dark, shade or shadow to highlight.
Chiaroscuro - a term meaning the treatment of light and shade in a drawing or painting.
Texture - the quality of a surface, often corresponding to its tactile character, or what may be sensed by touch. Texture may be used, for example, in portraying fabrics. It can be explicitly rendered, or implied with other artistic elements such as lines, value, and variation of color. In a two-dimensional work of art, texture gives a visual sense of how an object depicted would feel in real life if touched: hard, soft, rough, smooth, hairy, leathery, sharp, etc. In three-dimensional works, artists use actual texture to add a tactile quality to the work.
Space - Real space is three-dimensional. Space in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth or three dimensions. It can also refer to the artist's use of the area within the picture plane. The area around the primary objects in a work of art is known as negative space, while the space occupied by the primary objects is known as positive space. Space includes the background, foreground and middle-ground.
Positive and negative space
The relationship of positive to negative space can greatly affect the impact of a work of art. In this drawing, the man and his shadow occupy the positive space, while the white space surrounding him is the negative space. The disproportionate amount of negative space 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 labored to achieve. The illusion of space is achieved through perspective drawing techniques and shading.
Linear Perspective - a method of drawing that creates the illusion of depth. Linear perspective uses vanishing points and horizon lines to describe depth. One point perspective has one vanishing point, two-point perspective has two vanishing points, three point perspective has three vanishing points, and so on.
Atmospheric Perspective - the effect the atmosphere has on the appearance of an object as it is viewed from a distance. Objects change in value, color, and sharpness as they get farther away.
Color - light reflected off of objects. Color has three main characteristics: hue (the name of the color, such as red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and saturation/ intensity (how bright or dull it is).
Value describes the brightness of color. Artists use color value to create different moods. Dark colors in a composition suggest a lack of light, as in a night or interior scene. Dark colors can often convey a sense of mystery or foreboding. Light colors often describe a light source or light reflected within the composition.
Saturation/intensity describes the purity or strength of a color. Bright colors are undiluted and are often associated with positive energy and heightened emotions. Dull colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood.
Some Formulas for Color Harmony
There are many theories for color harmony. The following illustrations and descriptions present some basic formulas.
1. A color scheme based on analogous colors
Analogous colors are any three colors which are side by side on a 12 part color wheel, such as yellow-green, yellow, and yellow-orange. Usually one of the three colors predominates.
2. A color scheme based on complementary colors
Complementary colors are any two colors which are directly opposite each other, such as red and green and red-purple and yellow-green. In the illustration above, there are several variations of yellow-green in the leaves and several variations of red-purple in the orchid. These opposing colors create maximum contrast and maximum stability.
3. A color scheme based on nature
Nature provides a perfect departure point for color harmony. In the illustration above, red yellow and green create a harmonious design, regardless of whether this combination fits into a technical formula for color harmony.
Color Context
How color behaves in relation to other colors and shapes is a complex area of color theory. Compare the contrast effects of different color backgrounds for the same red square.
Red appears more brilliant against a black background and somewhat duller against the white background. In contrast with orange, the red appears lifeless; in contrast with blue-green, it exhibits brilliance. Notice that the red square appears larger on black than on other background colors.
Different readings of the same color
Materials - What medium was used to make the art.
Composition - the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art, as distinct from the subject of a work. This broken down into the...
Principles of Organization
Balance - the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, textures, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable.
-Symmetrical balance conveys a sense of stability. A vertical line bisecting the image would create two equal halves that are mirror images of one another.
-Asymmetrical balance often conveys a sense of movement since the elements of the composition are unbalanced.
Geometry can be used to balance the picture plane. For example:
The Golden Mean The Rule of Thirds
Emphasis - the part of the design that catches the viewer's attention, the point of interest. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
Movement - the path the viewer's eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art. Composition is created by the implied connections and movement between visual elements. It can be the suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object to object by way of placement and position.
Harmony - what visual elements bring together a composition. The similarity and flow of visual elements lead to the unified appearance of the whole. Variation of visual elements creates tension. Example: if your composition is using wavy lines and organic shapes, the addition of a geometric shape would create tension.
Picture plane / Cropping - The area within the field of view used for the picture. The significance of edges.
Contrast - offers some change in value creating a visual discord in a composition. Contrast can be made between values, colors, character of lines, variation of shape, etc. Contrast can be used to bring objects forward or backward in a design. It can also be used to create an area of emphasis.
Rhythm - is a movement in which some elements recurs regularly. By repeating visual elements, visual forms can create patterns. Like a dance it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music.
Viewpoint - where the viewer is in relationship to the picture plane. Are they seeing the image from above, like a bird’s eye view of a map? Are they standing in a realistic space? Are they beneath looking up?
