M2 - Lesson 2: Elements and Principles

• elements of art


  these are fundamental concepts that serve as the building blocks for creating artwork
• line


  A continuous mark made on a surface. It can vary in width, direction, and length.

  In art, lines are versatile elements that can convey various emotions and ideas based on their characteristics.
• horizontal lines


  Suggest a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest. These lines can convey stability, horizontality, and tranquility.
• vertical lines


  Stand upright against gravity, conveying feelings of grandeur, height, and spirituality.
• diagonal lines


  These lines convey a sense of movement, tension, or direction. They often suggest instability or dynamicaction.
• zigzag lines


  These are a series of diagonal lines. They convey excitement, unrest, or confusion due to their active nature.
• curved lines


  Lines that convey a sense of softness, grace, and fluid movement. They can be perceived as more natural and relaxed compared to straight lines.
• shape


  A two-dimensional area defined by boundaries. Shapes can be geometric (like squares and circles) or organic (irregular or freeform).
• Geometric Shapes


  Regular, predictable, and often found in human-made environments. They are often employed in art and design to convey order, simplicity, and efficiency.
• organic shapes


  Unpredictable, free-form, and often found in nature. They are commonly used in art to represent natural elements, convey fluidity, spontaneity, or to create a more relaxed and approachable feeling.
• form


  Describes three-dimensional objects and implies volume and space. It's essentially the 3D version of a shape.
• color


  Refers to the spectrum of light
• Color has three main characteristics:

  • Hue (name of the color);
  • Value (lightness or darkness);
  • and Intensity (brightness or dullness).
• value


  Refers to the range of lightness to darkness in a piece. Value helps create depth and dimension.
• texture


  Refers to the perceived surface quality or feel of an artwork, either actual (tactile) or implied (visual).
• space


  Pertains to the area around, between, or within components of an artwork. It can be positive (the main focus) or negative (the background or empty areas).
• principles of design


  Rules or guidelines to be followed in order to create an effective composition that clearly delivers.
• balance


  Refers to the distribution of visual weight in a design.
• Balance can be symmetrical (even distribution) or asymmetrical (uneven distribution but still achieving a sense of equilibrium).
• contrast


  The comparison of different elements of design (e.g., dark vs. light, rough vs. smooth). Contrast captures attention and can emphasize or highlight key areas. A good way to put emphasis on contrast is to use complementary colors.
• complementary colors


  Are colors sitting directly opposite of each other in the color wheel/triad
• emphasis


  Focuses attention on a particular area or object within a design, making it the dominant feature.
• pattern


  is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of Art
• rhythm


  A regular repetition of elements to produce the look and feel movement. Rhythm can be regular and orderly or more random and spontaneous.
• unity


  The sense of harmony and wholeness, achieved by using similar elements throughout the design and making everything feel connected and in harmony.
• variety


  The use of different elements to create interest and contrast. While unity brings things together, variety spreads them out for diversity.
• proportion/scale


  Refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. Proportion ensures that the elements look right together in relation to one another.