Exploring the Elements of Art

Study Notes

Lines lead the viewer's eyes throughout an artwork.
It can guide eyes into, around, and out of visual images within the artistic frame.
A line has width and length, but its length typically occupies more space than its width.
Shapes are two-dimensional areas that show the form of an object and its layout in space.
Dimension is the amount of shape an object occupies in one direction.
Shapes can be geometric or free-form.
Space refers to outer and inner space, the emptiness and area between, around, above, below, or within objects.
Space can be flat or two-dimensional, like in painting, or three-dimensional, like in monumental sculpture.
Texture refers to how things feel when touched.
Tactile texture is experienced when touching something to feel its texture.
Visual texture is felt when looking at a photograph or image with texture, reminding you of how those objects feel.
Color is an element resulting from light waves reflected from objects.
Hue is a specific color in the color spectrum or 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; pressing a pencil hard creates a dark 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 is the visual weight of elements in a composition, providing a sense of stability.
Imbalance in a painting can cause discomfort.
Emphasis is when an artist creates a visually dominant area that attracts the viewer's attention, often achieved by contrast.
Contrast is the difference between elements of art in a composition, making each element stronger and commanding attention.
Movement is the result of using elements of art to guide the viewer's eye around and within the image.
Rhythm is created by movement implied through the repetition of art elements in a non-uniform but organized way.
Rhythm relates to rhythm in music and relies on variety, unlike pattern, which demands consistency.
Pattern is the uniform repetition of elements of art or their combinations.
Anything can be turned into a pattern through repetition, such as classic patterns like spirals, grids, and weaves.
Unity/Variety involves creating a painting with elements that fit together comfortably, with unity preventing monotony and limiting variety preventing chaos.