Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Line- are marks made by a pointed tool: brush, pencil, pen, etc. Lines can vary in width, direction, curvature, length, or color.

This Photo is of a cafe at late night with people dressed fancy the sidewalks and the contours of the shop show the element of art known as Line.

Shape- are formed wherever the ends of a continuous line meet. Geometric shapes such as circles, triangles or squares have perfect, uniform measurements and don't often appear in nature. Organic shapes are associated with things from the natural world, like plants and animals.

This is graffiti that shows many shapes that were put together to make this graffiti pop more than any other  picture this is an example of the element of shape.

Color- wheels show the primary colors, secondary colors, and the tertiary (intermediate) colors. They also show the relationships between complementary colors across from each other, such as blue and orange; and analogous (similar or related) colors next to each other such as yellow, green, and blue. Black and white may be thought of as colors but, in fact, they are not. White light is the presence of all color; black is the absence of reflected light and therefore the absence of color.

This photo shows colorful lights and shows the few colors which are pretty common in society which represents the color element of art.

Value (Tone)- refers to dark and light; the value scale refers to black and white with all gradations of gray in between. Value contrasts help us to see and understand a two-dimensional work of art.

This photo shows 6 cups lined up in black and white this shows great value because there are white parts and black parts with a mix of grey and the shades get darker and darker as you skim the picture.

Form- describes objects that are three-dimensional, having length, width, and height.

This photo shows eggs but one is cracked this shows great form showing everything in a  3d perspective thus making this a good example of the element of  Form.

Texture- can be rough, bumpy, slick, scratchy, smooth, silky, soft, prickly--the list is endless. Texture refers to the surface quality, both simulated and actual, of artwork

I like this photo for texture because if you look at it you can actually feel it with your  eyes this is a good example of the element of Texture.

Space- refers to distances or areas around, between, or within components of a piece. Space can be positive (white or light) or negative (black or dark), open or closed,shallow or deep, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

In this photo it shows straws with black space around them  showing the element of art known as Space.

Balance- is the comfortable or pleasing arrangement of things in art. There are three different types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. The human figure is symmetrically balanced; the same on the left and right side. The tree is asymmetrically balanced; its branches are not distributed equally on each side, but their total weight is balanced left and right. The sun is an example of radial balance; all its rays are equal in length from the center.

This photo of a girl with extremely long pigtails shows symmetry in the whole photo she is in the dead center looking out this shows the element of art known as Balance.

Contrast- is created by using elements that conflict with one another. Often, contrast is created using complementary colors or extremely light and dark values. Contrast creates interest in a piece and often draws the eye to certain areas. It is used to make a painting look interesting.

This photo is of the elements of earth wind fire and water but in this it shows the opposites on the other side of each other this shows the element of art known as contrast.

Emphasis- in the focal area of an artwork gives it importance. An artist may stress some elements of the design over others. The eye of the viewer will focus on the area of emphasis or center of interest first, then take in the rest of the composition.

This picture shows a black key but the attention is put on that one black key it shows the element of art known as emphasis.

Movement- in an artwork means the artist is taking viewers on a trip through the work by means of lines, edges, shapes, and colors often leading to the focal area. Movement is a visual flow through the composition. It can be the suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object to object by way of placement and position. Directional movement can be created with a value pattern. It is with the placement of dark and light areas that you can move your attention through the format.

This photo shows a street with cars going by in this quick motion camera the headlights show the glow of the streets this shows Movement another element of art.

Pattern- are made in art when the same shapes or elements are repeated again and again. Pattern uses the elements of art in planned or random repetitions to enhance surfaces of paintings or sculptures.

This is a photo of a street curve with the signs showing its curving in a pattern.

Rhythm- is the repetition of shapes, lines, and forms. Rhythm is a movement in which some elements recurs regularly. Like a dance, it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music

This Photo shows the element of art known as rhythm shown by the repetition of the shape of the lanterns on the ceiling.

Unity- means that all elements in an artwork are in harmony. Unity brings together a composition with similar units. For example, if your composition was using wavy lines and organic shapes you would stay with those types of lines and not put in even one geometric shape.

This shows a sunset on a mountainous horizon which is very beautiful to see and it shows unity by showing that all the elements in this piece is in harmony with one another this is an excellent example of unity.