Elements of Art

Space

An element of art by which positive and negative areas are defined or a sense of depth achieved in a work of art.

Line

An element of art defined by a point moving in space. Line may be two-or three-dimensional, descriptive, implied, or abstract.

Color

An element of art made up of three properties: hue, value, and intensity. • Hue: name of color • Value: hue's lightness and darkness (a color's value changes when white or black is added) • Intensity: quality of brightness and purity (high intensity= color is strong and bright; low intensity= color is faint and dull)

Form

An element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses volume; includes height, width AND depth (as in a cube, a sphere, a pyramid, or a cylinder). Form may also be free flowing.

Shape

An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or limited to height and width.

Texture

An element of art that refers to the way things feel, or look as if they might feel if touched.

Value

The lightness or darkness of tones or colors. White is the lightest value; black is the darkest. The value halfway between these extremes is called middle gray.

Elements of Art

The visual components of color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value.