Art Fundamentals: Elements of Design

Line

• A continuous mark made on a surface by a moving point
• Can vary in:
  • Length
  • Width
  • Direction
  • Curvature
  • Texture
  • Color
• Can be used to:
  • Define shape and form
  • Create movement and direction
  • Suggest emotion and mood
  • Create pattern and rhythm

Shape

• A self-contained area with height, width, and depth
• Can be:
  • Geometric (e.g. circle, square, triangle)
  • Organic (e.g. free-flowing, irregular)
  • Positive (e.g. figure)
  • Negative (e.g. background)
• Can be used to:
  • Create form and structure
  • Suggest meaning and symbolism
  • Create balance and harmony
  • Guide the viewer's eye

Form

• A three-dimensional volume created by lines, shapes, and values
• Can be:
  • Realistic (e.g. lifelike representation)
  • Abstract (e.g. non-representational)
  • Expressive (e.g. exaggerated, distorted)
• Can be used to:
  • Create a sense of depth and space
  • Suggest volume and mass
  • Create a sense of realism or illusion

Value

• The lightness or darkness of a color or object
• Can be used to:
  • Create contrast and emphasis
  • Suggest mood and atmosphere
  • Create a sense of depth and volume
  • Guide the viewer's eye
• Can range from:
  • Black (absolute darkness)
  • White (absolute lightness)
  • Various shades of gray (in between)

Texture

• The surface quality or "feel" of an object or artwork
• Can be:
  • Visual (e.g. implied through line, shape, and value)
  • Tactile (e.g. physical sensation)
  • Real (e.g. actual texture)
  • Simulated (e.g. suggested through visual cues)
• Can be used to:
  • Create a sense of realism or illusion
  • Suggest emotion and mood
  • Add depth and interest to an artwork

Understand the basics of art design, including line, shape, form, value, and texture. Learn how to create movement, suggest emotion, and add depth to your artwork.