Elements and Principles of Visual Art

Sarah AlvarezAmerican Sources

2013-2014

The Language of Visual Art: Elements

• Line• Color (or value)• Shape and Form• Space• Texture• These are all part of the composition

Elements

Line Color (or Value)

Elements

Shape and Form

Elements

Space Texture

The Language of Visual Art: Principles

• Elements need a principle to become whole…• Balance• Proportion• Variety• Emphasis• Movement—Rhythm and Pattern• Harmony• Unity

Principles

Balance Proportion

Principles

Variety Emphasis

Principles: Movement

Principles: Movement

Rhythm Pattern

Principles

Harmony Unity

Formal Analysis

• A description of the visual elements and recognizable details in the composition

• Inferences about the motivations for the artist’s formal choices

• Encourages close and sustained looking• Allows for personal connections