The elements of art – line, color, space, texture, shape, and form.
Lines-
Lines can be zig-zag, curved, straight, diagonal, horizontal, or vertical.
Colors-
Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow.
Secondary colors are orange, purple, and green.
Complementary colors color schemes are:
• red and green
• blue and orange
• yellow and purple
Warm colors are red, orange, and yellow.
Cool colors are green, blue, and purple.
Example of monochromatic color scheme: light blue, medium blue, and dark blue.
Remember that Sir Isaac Newton invented the color wheel (know the wheel).
Black, white, gray, and brown are neutral colors.
Space-positive space is an area that seems to leap from an artwork.
negative space is an area that seems to recess in an artwork.
Space is created by:
• intensity and value
• focus
• linear perspective
• overlapping
• placement and
• size
Texture-there are two types of texture: actual texture
and visual texture.
Actual texture is evident in sculpture. It is concerned with how things feel.
Visual texture is evident in pictures. It is concerned with how things look like they would
feel.
Shapes are flat(2-D)-organic shapes are free-form and flat
Example: cut out cloud
-geometric shapes are precisely designed as if created with a tool like a ruler, compass, or protractor.
Example: square, circle, or triangle
Forms are bulky(3-D)-organic forms are free-form and bulky
Example: a cloud
-geometric forms are precisely designed as if created with a tool like a ruler, compass, or protractor.
Example: cube, sphere, or cone
The principles are repetition, variety, rhythm, balance, emphasis, economy, unity, proportion, movement, & harmony. The principles are ways that an artist may use the elements of design.
Repetition-The use of similar lines, shapes, forms, textures, values, or colors to unify a design. Repetition of identical or similar lines, shapes, forms, textures, values, or colors creates a predictable pattern.
Variety-Variations on a theme or strong contrasts in a design.
Rhythm-A particular visual “beat” marking the movement of the viewer’s eye thorough a work, often established by repetition of similar or varying design elements.
Balance-Distribution of the visual weight of design elements.
Symmetrical Balance-Formal placement of identical figures on either side of an imaginary central line; also called formal balance.
Asymmetrical Balance-The use of figures of different visual weights to create an overall impression of balance; sometimes called “informal” balance.
Emphasis (Dominance)-Drawing attention to a portion of a composition.
Economy-using only what is needed to create an intended effect, eliminating any elements that might distract attention from the essence of an idea.
Unity-the arrangement of elements and principles with media to create a feeling of completeness
Proportion-refers to the comparative, proper, or harmonious relationship of one part to another or to the whole with respect to size, quantity, or degree; a ratio.
Movement-combining elements of art to produce the look of action. In a painting or photograph, for instance, movement refers to a representation or suggestion of motion. In sculpture too, movement can refer to implied motion.
Harmony-a pleasing arrangement of elements of design in a work of art.
An artist can determine if art is good by seeing that the art has the elements and principles of design.
Art Types
A manufactured replica of an original art piece is considered "junk art" or kitsch by the art world.
Fine art is an original artwork that is created exclusively for the purpose of viewing (for example-sculpture).
Applied art is an original artwork that is designed to be functional (for example-clothing).
Art Styles
Realism is Objective - objects are recognizable.
Abstract is Non-objective - objects are not recognizable.
Naturalistic - recognizable objects in various areas, yet still abstracted a bit.
Links: