Elements of Art

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artfundamentals.html
The Elements of Art
The elements of art are the basic
components of art-marking. It is impossible
to create a work of art without using at
least one of the seven elements of art. In
order to be successful in art creation, an
artist must be able to intelligently use the
elements of art. Artwork can also be
analyzed according to the use of the
elements in a work of art.
The 7 elements of art-making and design
1.Line
2.Shape
3.Form
4.Value
5.Space
6.Texture
7.Color
Line
In terms of art, line is considered a
moving dot or the path of a dot. Line can
be used to define edges, add shading or
value, and create the illusion of form.
Shape
Shape is considered as a closed contour or
the area confined within a contour line.
Shapes fall into two categories: geometric
or organic. They can be defined as positive
or negative and are essential in
compositional design.
Form
It refers to three-dimensional objects. The
illusion of form in a drawing or painting
is heavily dependent on the use and
placement of values.
Value
It is also referred to as "tone". It is the
darkness or lightness of a color and can be
measured through the use of a value scale.
Lighter values are referred to as "tints",
while darker values are referred to as
"shades". When it comes to drawing and
painting, value is arguably the most
important element of art.
Space
In terms of art, space is the area around,
above, and within an object. With
consideration to drawings and paintings,
our goal is to create the illusion of space.
There are six ways that an artist can create
the illusion of space in a drawing or
painting.
Texture
It refers to the way an object feels to the
touch or looks as it may feel if it were
touched. Texture created in drawings or
paintings can be "simulated" or
"invented". The illusion of texture is
heavily dependent on the use of value.
Color
Color is the element of art that refers to
reflected light. Although complex, color
theory can be broken down into three main
components: the color wheel, color values,
and color schemes.
Answer the following question
1. What
are the dominant elements of each artwork?
Explain how are these elements used in the
artwork.
2. What is the subject matter of each artwork?
3. Howdo the other figures in artwork no. 3 relate to
its main figure?
Principles of Art
The Principles of Art
The principles of art generally deal with the way the
elements of art are composed within the work of art. So,
the principles of art typically deal with composition. The
principles tend to be more fluid than the elements
meaning that opinions vary on what the principles really
are. I suggest that there are eight concrete principles of
art, and few others that would be considered art
fundamentals.
The eight principles of art are balance, proportion, unity,
harmony, variety, emphasis, rhythm, and movement.
All of these principles clearly deal with the placement of
elements within artwork.
Other Fundamentals
of Arts
There are other art fundamentals other
than the elements and principles that every
artist should understand and implement.
These include, but are not limited to
composition, contrast, dominance, content
implementation, aesthetics, art criticism,
and symbolism.
Composition
The way visual elements are positioned in
a work of art. Composition is highly
dependent on the use of the principles of
art.
Contrast
It refers to the difference between
elements or subjects within a work of
art. Contrast can be created through
variety within the elements of art. (i.e.
value, color, texture) Contrast can used
to create a focal point or area of interest
in an artwork.
Dominance
It refers to one area of a work of art that
is visually heavier demanding more
attention. Dominance is closely related to
emphasis.
Content
It refers to the message or meaning
within an artwork.
Aesthetics
It refers to the artwork's visual
attraction or beauty.
Art Criticism
An organized approach to evaluating
artwork.
Symbolism
Using visual objects or arrangements to
represent an alternate meaning.