ELEMENTS OF ART

Line

Shape

Form

Space

Value

Texture

Color

PRINCIPLES OF ART

BALANCE:

Distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. Either SYMMETRICAL (FORMAL BALANCE) or ASYMMETRICAL (INFORMAL BALANCE).

EMPHASIS:

Created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands: THE FOCAL POINT. Part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. 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:

Using art elements to direct a viewer's eye along a path through the artwork, and/or to show direction. 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.

PATTERN:

Repetition or reoccurrence of a design element, exact or varied, which establishes a visual beat. Repeating an object or symbol all over the photograph.

PROPORTION:

The relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts) relate well with each other OR when they don’t relate well with each other. Relationship between objects or parts of a whole – context is important!

RHYTHM:

Repetition of elements of art (like line, shape, color, form). Creates a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.

VARIETY:

The use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art. Adds interest by using contrasting elements within the composition.

UNITY:

Feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness. Use similar elements within the composition and placing them in a way that brings them all together.

CONTRAST:

Any art element contrasted to its opposite. For example: dark and light values, straight lines and curvy lines, geometric shapes and organic shape, complimentary colors. Contrasting IDEAS.