3D Design Elements & Principles: The building blocks of all 3-Dimensional Art.

1. form FORM A form is a three- dimensional object: it has height, width and depth. Every sculpture is a form, but not every form is a sculpture.

GEOMETRIC FORMS

ORGANIC FORM

2. plane PLANE A plane is a two- dimensional surface: it has height and width. Planes can be used to define edges, or to change the “flow” of a sculpture.

SERRA

DEGAS

3. line LINE A line is one- dimensional, and is used in sculpture to lead the viewer’s eye in, around and through a form. Line can be actual or implied.

ACTUAL LINE

IMPLIED LINES KANEKO

ACTUAL LINE GOLDSWORTHY

CHRISTO

4. space SPACE A space is the absence of form, such as a hole going into or through an object, or a concave surface. Space helps make a form more inviting by making the viewer look in, around or through it to the other side. Space between multiple objects can create a tension or attraction that makes the group more interesting. DUCKWORTH

HEPWORTH

OLDENBURG

HEPWORTH

5. color COLOR A color is chosen to enhance a 3D form, not to distract from it. Color can be applied (such as painted on) or inherent (such as the natural color of stone). Color can be used to enhance the theme or meaning within a work of art.

INHERENT COLOR

APPLIED COLOR OLDENBURG/VAN BRUGGEN

SKOGLAND

DE SAINT PHALLE

6. texture TEXTURE A texture is a repetitive mark on the surface of a sculpture, meant to create interest through contrast. Deeply textured areas appear darker, and smoother, non-textured areas appear lighter.

SMOOTH VS. TEXTURE

TEXTURE VS. TEXTURE

7. value VALUE A value is a highlight or shadow on the surface of a sculpture, meant to create interest through contrast. Deeply carved areas have dark, shadowed values. Areas that stick out have highlighted values. TEXTURE CREATES VALUE!

8. subject The subject is what is being portrayed in the artwork. The theme is a message the artist is trying to communicate to the viewer. SUBJECT & THEME

HOLZER

BUEYS

1. balance BALANCE Balance can be the equal physical and/or visual weight on all sides of a piece. Balance can be symmetrical (same on all sides) or asymmetrical (different objects, but still visually balanced.

2. unity & variety UNITY & VARIETY Unity is an overall “sameness” throughout a work of art, using the Elements to create that unity. Variety is the use of different kinds of Elements to create contrast.

3. emphasis EMPHASIS

4. movement MOVEMENT.

5. repetition rhythm REPETITION & RHYTHM