Elements and Principles of Art

• Module 001 covers the Elements and Principles of Art

Lines

• A line leads the viewer's eyes throughout artwork.
• A line leads eyes into, around, and out of visual images within the artistic frame.
• While lines have both width and length, the length occupies more space.

Shapes and Form

• Shapes are two-dimensional areas which demonstrate the form of an object and its layout in space.
• Dimension refers to the measure of shape an object occupies in one direction.
• Shapes may be geometric or free-form.

Spaces

• Space includes outer and inner space; the emptiness and area between, around, above, below, or within objects.
• Space may be flat or two-dimensional, like in painting, or three-dimensional, like in monumental sculpture.

Texture

• Texture is how things feel when touched.
• Tactile texture is experienced when touching something.
• Visual texture occurs when looking at a photograph or image with texture, reminding you how those objects feel.

Colors

• Color results from the light waves reflected from objects.
• Hue is a specific color's name in the color spectrum or the bands of color in a color wheel.
• Value is indicated through the lightness or darkness of a color.
• The amount of light in a color determines the color value.
• Tint is the light value of a hue.
• Shade is the dark value of a hue.
• Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a hue.

Balance

• Balance is the visual weight of the elements of the composition.
• It gives the painting a stable and "right" feeling.
• Imbalance causes discomfort in the viewer.

Emphasis

• Emphasis is when the artist creates a visually dominant area, commanding the viewer's attention.
• Emphasis is often achieved by contrast.

Contrast

• Contrast is the difference between elements of art in a composition.
• Each element is made stronger in relation to the other through contrast.
• Contrasting elements command the viewer's attention when placed next to each other.

Movement

• Movement occurs when the use of elements of art moves the viewer's eye around and within the image.

Rhythm

• Rhythm is created by movement implied through the organized repetition of elements of art in a non-uniform way.
• Rhythm relates to rhythm in music and relies on variety, unlike pattern which demands consistency.

Pattern

• Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or any combination thereof.
• Classic patterns include spirals, grids, and weaves.

Unity and Variety

• A painting should feel unified and have elements that fit together comfortably.
• Too much unity creates monotony, while too much variety creates chaos.