Updated August 17, 2007

Curriculum Corner by Robyne D. Batson

The Elements of Visual Art

LINE

A mark, path or edge, actual or implied that is characterized by its length

(long, short, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag, curving, dotted, jagged)

 

SHAPE

In two-dimensional work, an area enclosed by lines or delineated by a change in color, value, etc.

(geometric oval, square, etc. or natural organic like leaf, cloud, human shapes, etc.)

 

FORM

In three-dimensional work, the area delineated by the contours of the piece

(geometric and organic)

 

COLOR

Hues

(color names: bright, dull, warm, cool)

Warm: reds, oranges, yellows

Cool: blues, greens, purples

 

VALUE

The lightness or darkness of a color

High light, low dark, medium

 

TEXTURE

The way an object feels (actual texture) or appears to feel (visual texture)

Slick, fuzzy, rough, cottony

 

SPACE

Physical or visual relationship between objects and their surroundings

(Open, enclosed, tight, shallow, deep)

Seven ELEMENTS of Art

 

LINE

SHAPE

FORM

COLOR

VALUE

TESTURE

SPACE

 

 

Six PRINCIPLES of Art

 

UNITY

REPETITION

CONTRAST

BALANCE

MOVEMENT

EMPHASIS

 

 

 

UNITY

The sense that a piece works together as a whole

 

REPETITION

Similar elements used more than once.

 

CONTRAST

Differences OR opposition of elements.

 

BALANCE

Distribution of visual weight or elements

 

MOVEMENT

Sense of motion: the path followed through a composition

 

EMPHASIS

The center of interest