Elements of Art for Grade 7

Elements of Art

• A line is defined by a point moving in space and can be 2D or 3D, descriptive, implied, or abstract.
• A shape is a 2D element of art that is flat and limited to height and width.
• A form is a 3D element of art that encloses volume, including height, width, and depth, and can be free-flowing (organic).
• Value refers to the lightness or darkness of tones or colors, with white being the lightest and black being the darkest.
• Space is an element of art that defines positive and negative areas, creating a sense of depth in a work of art.
• Color is an element of art made up of three properties: hue, value, and intensity.
• Hue is the name of a color, value refers to its lightness and darkness, and intensity is its brightness or purity.
• Texture refers to the way things feel or look as if they might feel if touched.

Principles of Art

• Rhythm is a principle of design that creates movement through the careful placement of repeated elements in a work of art.
• Balance is a way of combining elements to create a feeling of equilibrium or stability in a work of art, with two major types: symmetrical and asymmetrical.
• Emphasis (contrast) is a way of combining elements to stress their differences.
• Proportion is a principle of design that refers to the relationship of certain elements to the whole and to each other.
• Gradation is a way of combining elements by using a series of gradual changes in those elements.
• Harmony is a principle of design that achieves unity through the use of repetitions and subtle gradual changes.
• Variety is a principle of design that creates diversity or contrast through the use of different shapes, sizes, and/or colors.
• Movement is a principle of design used to create the look and feeling of action and guide the viewer's eye throughout the work of art.

Color Theory

• Color is created when light strikes an object and the image and light is reflected back to the eye.
• Primary colors are the three basic colors that cannot be made: red, blue, and yellow.
• Secondary colors are mixed from primary colors: green (yellow + blue), orange (yellow + red), and purple (red + blue).
• Tertiary colors are a mix of a primary color with a secondary color, or a mix of two secondary colors.
• Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and make each other look brighter when used together.
• Analogous colors are two primary colors and the secondary colors in between, such as blue, yellow, and all the greens in between.
• Warm colors remind you of the sun: red, orange, and yellow.
• Cool colors remind you of water: blue, green, and purple.
• Monochromatic color is a single color and its tints and shades.
• Tint is created by adding white to a color.
• Tone is created by adding black to a color.
• Hue is the name of a color.
• Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a color.
• Value (and tone) is the lightness and darkness of a color.