visual elements

THE VISUAL ELEMENTS

OFAN IMAGE

LOOK CAREFULLY AT NEXT PICTURE AND DESCRIBE THE ELEMENTS THAT

YOU CAN SEE IN IT

I can see a spider

I can see a face

A bird

¿

He´s crying

There are a lot of stars

There are many things in a picture

But…

We are looking for the essential elements

The smallest visual elements on plastic work

Look for the essential elements

Try it again.

Just the essential elements¡

WHAT ARE

THESE ?

A DOT

A LINE

A PLANE

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS OF

AN IMAGE

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS OF

AN IMAGE

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS OF

AN IMAGE LINE

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS OF

AN IMAGE LINE

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS

LINE

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS

LINE

But there are two other missing

visual elements

DOT

But there are two other missing

visual elements

But there are two other missing

visual elements

Can you imagine ¿

Look at the screen

The fourth element is the…

COLOUR COLOUR

And the last element in an image is…

And the last element in an image is…

Look at the screen

TEXTURE

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS LINE

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS LINE

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS LINE

DOT

THE VISUAL

ELEMENTS LINE

DOT

BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC EXPRESSIONS

BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC EXPRESSIONS

All the images that we see represented are made of the basic elements of plastic

expression: the dot, the line, the plane, the colour and texture.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC EXPRESSIONS

All the images that we see represented are made of the basic elements of plastic

expression: the dot, the line, the plane, the colour and texture.

These elements, isolated or combined, are a language in itself with specific rules. They allow

the author to transmit to other people ideas, sensations or feelings.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC EXPRESSIONS

All the images that we see represented are made of the basic elements of plastic

expression: the dot, the line, the plane, the colour and texture.

These elements, isolated or combined, are a language in itself with specific rules. They allow

the author to transmit to other people ideas, sensations or feelings.

It is important to study the characteristic and fundamental rules of the plastic elements in order to express effectively our own plastic

language.

THE DOT

The dot is the smallest, simplest element in visual expression.

THE DOT

Dots are normally round, but they can have different shapes according to their function. Dots used in visual expression

can have irregular surface and outline.

A shape is a dot when it takes a very small part of the surface where we draw.

If it is bigger than other shapes around, we consider it a plane.

If it is bigger than other shapes around, we consider it a plane.

A dot

If it is bigger than other shapes around, we consider it a plane.

If it is bigger than other shapes around, we consider it a plane.

A dot

A plane

Expressive capacity of the dot

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

Expressive capacity of the dotDots have an unlimited capacity to represent

images, ideas and emotions.For this reason, we use different visual effects like :

concentration = dots are grouped

dispersion = dots are at a distance

Expressive capacity of the dot

Expressive capacity of the dot

Line made with dots

Expressive capacity of the dot

concentration

Line made with dots

Expressive capacity of the dot

concentration

dispersion

Line made with dots

Dots also have a great attraction power.

It makes them very efficient as a composing element and as an indication sign.

Three-dimensional capacity of the dotIf we vary appropriately sizes, shapes and colours of the dots, we can create visual sensations of spatial depth and volume.

Three-dimensional capacity of the dotIf we vary appropriately sizes, shapes and colours of the dots, we can create visual sensations of spatial depth and volume.

Three-dimensional capacity of the dotIf we vary appropriately sizes, shapes and colours of the dots, we can create visual sensations of spatial depth and volume.

THE LINE

THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line. That is why we define line as a dot in motion.

THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line. That is why we define line as a dot in motion.

THE LINE

A DOT IN MOTION

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line. That is why we define line as a dot in motion.

THE LINE

A DOT IN MOTION

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line. That is why we define line as a dot in motion.

THE LINE

A DOT IN MOTION

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line. That is why we define line as a dot in motion.

THE LINE

A DOT IN MOTION

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line. That is why we define line as a dot in motion.

THE LINE

A DOT IN MOTION

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line. That is why we define line as a dot in motion.

THE LINE

A DOT IN MOTION

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

THE LINELines have a position and a direction in space…

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

For this reason and for its expressive possibilities, it is very suitable to describe accurately any shape and to transmit ideas

and emotions.

THE LINE

THE LINEThe shape, thickness,

colour and texture of the lines depend on the

materials we use and the way we use them. These structural features have different functions and allow the artist to create

different visual sensations such as depth,

balance, strength, smoothness, etc.

THE LINEThe shape, thickness,

colour and texture of the lines depend on the

materials we use and the way we use them. These structural features have different functions and allow the artist to create

different visual sensations such as depth,

balance, strength, smoothness, etc.

THE LINEThe shape, thickness,

colour and texture of the lines depend on the

materials we use and the way we use them. These structural features have different functions and allow the artist to create

different visual sensations such as depth,

balance, strength, smoothness, etc.

THE LINEThe shape, thickness,

colour and texture of the lines depend on the

materials we use and the way we use them. These structural features have different functions and allow the artist to create

different visual sensations such as depth,

balance, strength, smoothness, etc.

THE LINEThe shape, thickness,

colour and texture of the lines depend on the

materials we use and the way we use them. These structural features have different functions and allow the artist to create

different visual sensations such as depth,

balance, strength, smoothness, etc.

The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen, with markers and with a paintbrush.

The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen, with markers and with a paintbrush.

The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen, with markers and with a paintbrush.

The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen, with markers and with a paintbrush.

The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen, with markers and with a paintbrush.

CLASSIFYING LINES

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines

Composed lines

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines. To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines. To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines with fragments of straight

lines

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines. To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines with fragments of straight

lines

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines. To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines with fragments of straight

lines

We make undulating lines with fragments of curve

lines.

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines. To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines with fragments of straight

lines

We make undulating lines with fragments of curve

lines.

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines. To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines with fragments of straight

lines

We make undulating lines with fragments of curve

lines.

We make mixed lines with fragments of straight

and curve lines.

CLASSIFYING LINES According to their structure, lines can be classified in:

Simple lines are made in just one stroke, straight or curve. They are perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines. To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines with fragments of straight

lines

We make undulating lines with fragments of curve

lines.

We make mixed lines with fragments of straight

and curve lines.

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINESWe can draw lines in different directions:

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINESWe can draw lines in different directions: vertical,

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINESWe can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINESWe can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal, oblique

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINESWe can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal, oblique or curve.

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINESWe can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal, oblique or curve.

Each of them has a different expressive value.

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Vertical lines:

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Vertical lines:

transmits an upward or a downward movement, depending on how we use them.

It gives us a visual sensation of growing, balance and power.

growing

balance

power

growing

growing

growing balance

growing balance

growing balance power

growing balance power

strong

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Horizontal lines:

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Horizontal lines:

horizontal direction gives a visual sensation of stability, calm and serenity, but an excessive use can give a dull effect.

stability

calm

serenity

Stability

Stability

Stability

Calm

Stability

Calm

Stability

Calm

Serenity

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Obliques lines :

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Obliques lines :

transmit more instability and movement. These

two aspects give slanting lines a visual

sensation of dynamism.

instability

movement

dyna

mism

Instability

Instability

Instability movement

Instability movement

Instability movement dynamism

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Curve lines :

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Curve lines :

Transmit a visual sensation of

movement and joy.

movement

joy

THE PLANE

THE PLANE

A plane is a two-dimension surface, length and width, and it has a position and a direction in space.

THE PLANE

THE PLANEThere are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: This plane is delimitated by an contour line. This plane is delimitated by an contour line

THE PLANEThere are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:

THE PLANEThere are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:

This plane is delimitated by an outline

THE PLANEThere are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:

This plane is delimitated by an outline

THE PLANEThere are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:

This plane is delimitated by an outline

THE PLANEThere are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:

This plane is delimitated by an outline

THE PLANEThere are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:

This plane is delimitated by an outline

There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANE

There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: THE PLANE

There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: THE PLANE

The surface of this plane is defined by very little

dots...

There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANE

The surface of this plane is defined by very little

dots...

or by a texture

There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: The surface of this plane is defined by very little

dots...

or by a texture

or by lines

THE PLANE

There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANE

There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane: This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

To define this plane, we use a coloured surface

THE PLANE

CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANE

CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANEWe have two types:

CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANEWe have two types:

Geometric: they can transmit strong visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of more dynamism than geometric forms.

CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANEWe have two types:

Geometric: they can transmit strong visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of more dynamism than geometric forms.

CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANEWe have two types:

Geometric: they can transmit strong visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of more dynamism than geometric forms.

CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANEWe have two types:

Geometric: they can transmit strong visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of more dynamism than geometric forms.

This plane is delimitated by an contour line. One of the main functions of plane forms is to create

volume when they are together with other plane forms in different directions.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line. One of the main functions of plane forms is to create

volume when they are together with other plane forms in different directions.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line. One of the main functions of plane forms is to create

volume when they are together with other plane forms in different directions.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line. One of the main functions of plane forms is to create

volume when they are together with other plane forms in different directions.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line. One of the main functions of plane forms is to create

volume when they are together with other plane forms in different directions.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line. One of the main functions of plane forms is to create

volume when they are together with other plane forms in different directions.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Observe: if we join planes in different directions, we get a visual sensation of volume.

Other plastic elements such as changes in colour and size

contribute to this.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions:

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions: length

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions: length

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions: length, width

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions: length, width

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions: length, width and depth

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions: length, width and depth

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE THE PLANE

Volume has three dimensions: length, width and depth

The plane is most suitable to transmit visual sensations such as volume, chiaroscuro, depth, etc. These qualities make of it a fundamental part for the elaboration of artistic work in any

of their means of expression.

THE PLANE EXPRESSIVE CAPACITY OF PLANE FORMS

The plane is the plastic element that receives the action of all the other elements, because we can work on it with dot, lines, colours and textures. That is why it has such a great power of expression.

THE PLANEEXPRESSIVE CAPACITY OF PLANE FORMS

The plane is the plastic element that receives the action of all the other elements, because we can work on it with dot, lines, colours and textures. That is why it has such a great power of expression.

THE TEXTURE

THE TEXTURETexture is the quality of surfaces due to the material structure of

the object. It can transmit different visual and tactile

sensations.

We can distinguish

flatTEXTURE

We can distinguish

flatTEXTURE

We can distinguish

flatTEXTURE

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

smooth

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

smooth

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

granulated

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

granulated

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

rough

We can distinguish

FLATTEXTURE

rough

the surface of silk is flat and smooth

the surface of the bark of a tree is rough and ridged

Artists use textures as

another plastic

element to reach more expressivity

in their works

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURESAccording to their origin we can classify textures into:

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURESAccording to their origin we can classify textures into:

Natural textures

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURESAccording to their origin we can classify textures into:

Natural textures

Artificial textures

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURESNatural textures: those present in nature.

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURESArtificial textures: those manually or mechanically elaborated by man.

TACTILE

TEXTURES

We can perceive them through the sense of

touch. In plastic representation -

painting or sculpture-, we can perceive a lot

of tactile effects combining different materials or making

surfaces with the relief we want.

TACTILE

TEXTURES

VISUAL TEXTURES

VISUAL TEXTURES

VISUAL TEXTURES

We perceive visual textures only with our

sight. We also call them graphic textures, because they are photographs or

representations on paper or on other materials.