Elements of Art
These diagonal lines pull the viewer visually into
Knowing the basics of the elements of art can help
any artist to create a well-balanced and beautiful work of art.
Here are the basics about elements of art that can be
followed to create your own expression, no matter the
medium you choose.
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at
the same time." – Thomas Merton.
Art has given wings for creativity to many and has
been expressed in various ways, whether through realism or
abstract, impressionism or cubism. Although some of the
most famous artists have not always been trained formally in
any specific way, there are certain basic elements of art that
need to be followed for any basic design. So, what exactly are
elements of art? These are components that are required to
create any work of art. Read on to know more about these
elements.
Elements of Art: Elements of Art
Line: Line Line is an element of art which refers to the
continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point. It
may be two dimensional, like a pencil mark on a paper or it
may be three dimensional (wire) or implied ( the edge of a
shape or form) often it is an outline, contour or silhouette.
Horizontal Line: Horizontal Line Horizontal lines suggest a
feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth
are at rest. In this landscape, horizontal lines also help give a
sense of space. The lines delineate sections of the landscape,
which recede into space. They also imply continuation of the
landscape beyond the picture plane to the left and right....
Vertical Line: Vertical Line Vertical lines often communicate a
sense of height because they are perpendicular to the earth,
extending upwards towards the sky. In this church interior,
vertical lines suggest spirituality, rising beyond human reach
toward the heavens.
Horizontal and vertical lines: Horizontal and vertical lines
Horizontal and vertical lines used in combination
communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms with 90-
degree angles are structurally stable. This stability suggests
permanence and reliability. Cabinet, French, about 1785
Diagonal lines: Diagonal lines Diagonal lines convey a feeling
of movement. Objects in a diagonal position are unstable.
Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are
either about to fall or are already in motion. The angles of the
ship and the rocks on the shore convey a feeling of
movement or speed in this stormy harbor scene. A Storm on
the Mediterranean Coast, Claude-Joseph Vernet French,
Paris, 1767 Oil on canvas 44 1/2 x 57 3/8 in.
Diagonal Lines: Diagonal Lines In a two-dimensional
composition, diagonal lines can also indicate depth through
perspective.
the image. For example, in this photograph the diagonal lines
lead the eye into the space to the point where the lines
converge. Attributed to Silas A. Holmes American, New York
City, about 1855 Salt print
Curve: Curve The curve of a line can convey energy. Soft,
shallow curves recall the curves of the human body and often
have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the
composition. The edge of the pool in this photograph gently
leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon Sharply curved
or twisted lines can convey turmoil, chaos, and even violence.
In this sculpture, the lines of the contorting bodies and the
serpent help convey the intensity of the struggle against the
snake's stranglehold. Eugène Atget French, Saint-Cloud,
about 1915 - 1919 Albumen print
Shape: Shape Shape has only height and width. Shape is
usually, though not always, defined by line, which can provide
its contour. In this image, rectangles and ovals dominate the
composition. They describe the architectural details for an
illusionist ceiling fresco. Charles de la Fosse French, about
1680 Pen, red chalk, watercolor, and gouache
Form: Form Form has depth as well as width and height.
Three-dimensional form is the basis of sculpture, furniture,
and decorative arts. Three-dimensional forms can be seen
from more than one side, such as this sculpture of a rearing
horse.
Geometric shapes and forms: Geometric shapes and forms
Geometric shapes and forms include mathematical, named
shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres,
and cones. Geometric shapes and forms are often man-made.
However, many natural forms also have geometric shapes.
This cabinet is decorated with designs of geometric shapes.
Commode, Jean-François Oeben, about 1760
Organic shapes and forms: Organic shapes and forms Organic
shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical.
Organic shapes are often found in nature, but man-made
shapes can also imitate organic forms. This wreath uses
organic forms to simulate leaves and berries. Gold Wreath,
Greek, 300–100 B.C.
Space: Space Real space is three-dimensional. Space in a work
of art refers to a feeling of depth or three dimensions. It can
also refer to the artist's use of the area within the picture
plane. The area around the primary objects in a work of art is
known as negative space, while the space occupied by the
primary objects is known as positive space.
Positive and Negative Space: Positive and Negative Space
The relationship of positive to negative space can greatly
affect the impact of a work of art. In this drawing, the man
and his shadow occupy the positive space, while the white
space surrounding him is the negative space. The
disproportionate amount of negative space accentuates the
figure's vulnerability and isolation.
Three Dimensional Space: Three Dimensional Space The
perfect illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-
dimensional work of art is something that many artists, such
as Pieter Saenredam, labored to achieve. The illusion of space
is achieved through perspective drawing techniques and
shading. Saint Bavo, Haarlem, Pieter Jansz. Saenredam, 1634
Color: Color Light reflected off objects. Color has three main
characteristics: hue (red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light
or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is). Colors can
be described as warm (red, yellow) or cool (blue, gray),
depending on which end of the color spectrum they fall.
Value: Value Value describes the brightness of color. Artists
use color value to create different moods. Dark colors in a
composition suggest a lack of light, as in a night or interior
scene. Dark colors can often convey a sense of mystery or
foreboding. Light colors often describe a light source or light
reflected within the composition. In this painting, the dark
colors suggest a night or interior scene. The artist used light
colors to describe the light created by the candle flame.
Intensity: Intensity Intensity describes the purity or strength
of a color. Bright colors are undiluted and are often
associated with positive energy and heightened emotions.
Dull colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and
create a sedate or serious mood. In this image the artist
captured both the seriousness and the joy of the scene with
the dull gray stone interior and the bright red drapery. The
Annunciation, Dieric Bouts, 1450–1455
Texture: Texture The surface quality of an object that we
sense through touch. All objects have a physical texture.
Artists can also convey texture visually in two dimensions. In
a two-dimensional work of art, texture gives a visual sense of
how an object depicted would feel in real life if touched:
hard, soft, rough, smooth, hairy, leathery, sharp, etc. In three-
dimensional works, artists use actual texture to add a tactile
quality to the work.
Surface Texture: Surface Texture The surface of this writing
desk is metallic and hard. The hard surface is functional for an
object that would have been used for writing. The smooth
surface of the writing desk reflects light, adding sparkle to
this piece of furniture. Desk, French, 1692–1700
Principles Of Compositional Design
The principles of design are the recipe for a good work of art.
The principles combine the elements to create an aesthetic
placement of things that will produce a good design.
Center of interest - is an area that first attracts attention in a
composition. This area is more important when compared to
the other objects or elements in a composition. This can be
by contrast of values, more colors, and placement in the
format.
Balance - is a feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value,
color, etc. Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or
asymmetrical and un-evenly balanced. Objects, values,
colors, textures, shapes, forms, etc., can be used in creating a
balance in a composition.
Harmony - brings together a composition with similar units.
If your composition was using wavy lines and organic shapes
you would stay with those types of lines and not put in just
one geometric shape. (Notice how similar Harmony is to
Unity - some sources list both terms)
Contrast - offers some change in value creating a visual
discord in a composition. Contrast shows the difference
between shapes and can be used as a background to bring
objects out and forward in a design. It can also be used to
create an area of emphasis.
Directional Movement - is a visual flow through the
composition. It can be the suggestion of motion in a design as
you move from object to object by way of placement and
position. Directional movement can be created with a value
pattern. It is with the placement of dark and light areas that
you can move your attention through the format.
Rhythm - is a movement in which some elements recur
regularly. Like a dance it will have a flow of objects that will
seem to be like the beat of music.
Unity - is seen in a painting or drawing when all the parts
equal a whole. Your work should not appear disjointed or
confusing.
The Principles of design are the results of your working with
the elements of art. Use them in every piece of art you do
and you will be happy with the results.