Art Teacher Model How to Use Visual Elements Effectively Express Ideas Feelings Artwork
The elements of art are components or parts of a work of art that can be isolated and defined. They are the building blocks used to create a work of art.
The listing below describes each chemical element of fine art. Learn about the principles of design here.
Download a student handout containing a listing of the elements of fine art and their definitions. (PDF, 168KB)
Line
A line is an identifiable path created past a signal moving in infinite. It is i-dimensional and tin vary in width, management, and length. Lines ofttimes ascertain the edges of a form. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. They lead your middle around the composition and tin communicate data through their graphic symbol and direction.
Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of balance or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest. In this mural, horizontal lines also help give a sense of infinite. The lines delineate sections of the landscape, which recede into infinite. They also imply continuation of the landscape beyond the picture aeroplane to the left and right.
Vertical lines oft communicate a sense of summit because they are perpendicular to the globe, extending upwardly toward the heaven. In this church interior, vertical lines suggest spirituality, ascent across human reach toward the heavens.
Horizontal and vertical lines used in combination communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms with 90-caste angles are structurally stable. This stability suggests permanence and reliability.
Diagonal lines convey a feeling of motility. Objects in a diagonal position are unstable. Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either about to fall or are already in motion. The angles of the ship and the rocks on the shore convey a feeling of motion or speed in this stormy harbor scene.
The curve of a line can convey energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of the man body and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening issue on the composition. The edge of the puddle in this photo gently leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon.
Shape and form
Shape and form define objects in infinite. Shapes have two dimensions–acme and width–and are usually defined by lines. Forms exist in 3 dimensions, with height, width, and depth.
Shape has merely meridian and width. Shape is usually, though not ever, defined by line, which can provide its contour. In this image, rectangles and ovals dominate the composition. They describe the architectural details for an illusionist ceiling fresco.
Course has depth as well as width and peak. Three-dimensional class is the basis of sculpture, article of furniture, and decorative arts. Three-dimensional forms can be seen from more ane side, such every bit this sculpture of a rearing equus caballus.
Geometric shapes and forms include mathematical, named shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and cones. Geometric shapes and forms are frequently human being-fabricated. However, many natural forms likewise take geometric shapes. This cabinet is decorated with designs of geometric shapes.
Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical. Organic shapes are ofttimes found in nature, only homo-fabricated shapes can likewise imitate organic forms. This wreath uses organic forms to simulate leaves and berries.
Space
Real space is three-dimensional. Space in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth or iii dimensions. It can besides refer to the creative person's use of the surface area within the picture airplane. The expanse around the master objects in a work of art is known as negative space, while the space occupied past the master objects is known as positive space.
Positive and negative space
The relationship of positive to negative space can greatly affect the bear upon of a work of fine art. In this drawing, the homo and his shadow occupy the positive space, while the white space surrounding him is the negative space. The asymmetric corporeality of negative space accentuates the figure's vulnerability and isolation.
Iii-dimensional space
The perfect illusion of iii-dimensional space in a two-dimensional work of art is something that many artists, such as Pieter Saenredam, labored to achieve. The illusion of infinite is achieved through perspective cartoon techniques and shading.
Colour
Light reflected off objects. Color has 3 main characteristics: hue (red, green, blue, etc.), value (how low-cal or nighttime it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is). Colors can be described as warm (crimson, yellowish) or cool (blueish, gray), depending on which end of the color spectrum they autumn.
Value describes the brightness of colour. Artists use color value to create different moods. Nighttime colors in a composition propose a lack of light, as in a dark or interior scene. Dark colors tin can often convey a sense of mystery or foreboding.
Calorie-free colors oft describe a lite source or calorie-free reflected within the composition. In this painting, the night colors propose a nighttime or interior scene. The artist used lite colors to describe the calorie-free created by the candle flame.
Intensity describes the purity or forcefulness of a color. Vivid colors are undiluted and are often associated with positive free energy and heightened emotions. Dull colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood. In this image the artist captured both the seriousness and the joy of the scene with the dull gray stone interior and the bright carmine drapery.
Texture
The surface quality of an object that nosotros sense through touch. All objects have a concrete texture. Artists can likewise convey texture visually in two dimensions.
In a two-dimensional work of fine art, texture gives a visual sense of how an object depicted would feel in real life if touched: hard, soft, rough, shine, hairy, leathery, precipitous, etc. In three-dimensional works, artists employ actual texture to add together a tactile quality to the work.
Texture depicted in two-dimensions
Artists use colour, line, and shading to imply textures. In this painting, the man's robe is painted to simulate silk. The ability to assuredly portray cloth of different types was ane of the marks of a cracking painter during the 17th century.
Surface texture
The surface of this writing desk is metallic and hard. The hard surface is functional for an object that would accept been used for writing. The smooth surface of the writing desk reflects light, adding sparkle to this piece of piece of furniture.
Source: https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/formal_analysis.html