Elements of Art

Line is a mark that travels along a path. Line takes on various forms and is often used to define a shape. Implied line is the path that the viewer’s eye takes as it follows shapes, colors, and form along a path, but may not be continuous or physically connected. Line the simplest, most ancient, and most universal means for creating visual arts.

Shape are defined by edges to create areas of two- dimensional space. Shapes can be geometric (e.g.: square, circle, hexagon, etc.) or organic (such as the shape of a puddle, blob, leaf, boomerang, etc.) Shapes are defined by other elements of art: Space, Line, Texture, Value, Color, Form.

Color pertains to the use of hue in artwork and design. Defined as primary colors (red, yellow, blue) which cannot be mixed in pigment from other hues, secondary colors (green, orange, violet) which are directly mixed from combinations of primary colors. Further combinations of primary and secondary colors create tertiary (and more) hues. Tint and Shade are references to adding variations in Value; other tertiary colors are derived by mixing either a primary or secondary color with a neutral color. e.g. Red + White = Pink. Color is determined by the measurement of hue, saturation and brightness

Value or tone, refers to the use of light and dark, shade and highlight. Tints are lighter values whereas shades are darker values. Black- and-white photography depends entirely on value to define its subjects. Value is directly related to contrast.

Space is the area surrounding an object. Space includes the background, foreground and middle ground. There are two types of space: positive and negative space. Positive space refers to the taken up by an object. Negative space refers to the space around and between the object.

Form refers to three- dimensional shapes (cube, pyramid, sphere, cylinder, etc.). Form is created by the use of value, texture and color. Form is considered three- dimensional showing height, width and depth.

Texture is the quality of a surface of an object (e.g. rough, smooth, prickly, furry) Lines and shading can be used to create different textures. For example, if one is portraying certain fabrics, one needs to give the feeling of the right texture so that it closely resembles what the artist is trying to convey. It can be implied or real. What you can feel with your sense of touch.