Elements and Principles of Art

Emphasis

Area in a work of art that catches and holds the viewer's attention. It is also known as the focal point

value

an element of art that refers to the lightness or darkness of a color areas that change from dark to light create the illusion of three dimensions on a two dimensional surface

form

any three dimensional object that can be measured by height, width, and depth

space

can be positive or negative positive space is filled by a shape or form negative space is the open areas around a shape or form an artist can create an illusion of depth with this element

movement

referring to a way of combining visual elements to move the viewers eye through the piece or create a sense of action

balnce

refers to the way the elements are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work- parts of equal visual weight common types are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial

color

element of art produced when a wavelength of light strikes an object and reflects back to the eyes has a hue, intensity, and value

Pattern

Repeating elements or a combination of elements in a planned way

texture

the element of art that refers to the surface quality or feel of an object- its smoothness, roughness, softness,etc. actual or implied

Unity

How the elements and principles work together to create a sense of oneness or wholeness in a work of art

shape

a flat figure created when actual or implied lines surround a space it can be geometric or organic 2-D: length and width

line

a mark with length and direction, created by a point that moves across a surface

Rhythm

Combining elements through repetition, helps to organize the artwork and has a visual tempo or beat. It helps to create movement in an artwork