Humanities 1Introduction to Arts

ELEMENTS OF ARTLINE is the movement of a pointed instrument over a surface, leaving a mark. Line is man-made. QUALITIES: width, direction, lengthVALUE is the light and dark areas in a work of art. It can suggest 3-dimensional on a 2-dimensional surface. QUALITIES: light, darkTEXTURE refers to the roughness, coarseness or smoothness of the art work. It may be the actual surface or implied by the techniques used by the artist. QUALITIES: surface quality (tactile or visual) There are 4 types of texture: Actual, Simulated, Invented, Abstracted.

SHAPE is an area having a specific character defined by a contour, or by a contrast of color, value or texture with the surrounding area. Shape is 2-dimensional. QUALITIES: free form, geometric, open, closed, natural, human originFORM shows volume with little or no use of value and implies dimensional depth as well as length and width. Form is determined by line, value, or any other combination of art elements. Form is 3-dimensional. QUALITIES: free form, geometric, open, closed, natural, human originCOLOR is the eye's response to different wavelengths of light. It has three properties: 1-HUE is the name of the color. 2-VALUE is the light and darks of color. 3-INTENSITY is the brightness or dullness of color. QUALITIES: hue, value, intensity

ELEMENTS OF ART• The elements of art are the "building blocks" the artist

uses to express ideas. The way they blend with each other creates the principles of art.

• • Other terms used to describe visual qualities.• MASS - bulk, weight, density of 3-dimensional forms

(real or suggested)• SPACE - volume available for occupation of a form, and

area or distance, can be used negatively or positively.• VOLUME - any 3-dimensional quality that is bound or

enclosed (solid or void)

• PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN• BALANCE is the "equilibrium" of combining elements of art to add stability to the

work of art. the two types of balance are: 1-SYMMETRICAL- formal balance, which is roughly even in the distribution of visual weight or activity on each side of the center of the artwork. 2-ASYMMETRICAL- informal balance which has larger masses on one side that are balanced by smaller, contrasting, or more intensely colored parts on the other side. The appearance of having the same "weight" but the two sides are not alike. QUALITIES: similar, opposing, or contrasting elements that together create a unity.

• CONTRAST is the use of the elements of art to create variety, so the work of art is not monotonous or boring. This increase the visual interest and must be balances by harmony, the use of the elements of art to make the art work uncomplicated, so as not to create visual cutter. QUALITIES: opposites in close proximity (light and dark, rough and smooth)

• DOMINANCE importance of one aspect in relation to all others.• EMPHASIS is emphasizing one or more of the elements of art which creates the

center of interest in the work of art. The emphasis may also be on subject matter or concept.

• HARMONY is the unity of all the visual elements in a composition.• MOVEMENT is the use of the elements of art to move the viewers eye through the work to

the center of interest. If there is no center of interest, to continue moving at a pace created by the artist.

• PATTERN is the use of motifs, color, shape or line to decorate the surface space, negative as well as positive space.

• PROPORTION is the pleasing relationship of all parts to each other and to the whole design.

• RHYTHM is established when the elements of art are repeated. This repetition creates a tempo or beat which causes the eye to move from one element to the next. It is a smooth transition from one part to another. QUALITIES: re4gular repetition of forms or stresses, suggested motion by recurrent forms

• SPACE the illusion: three-dimensional space may be created on a 2-dimensional plane. Actual space: space around a sculpture or architectural and environmental works of art.

• THEME AND VARIATION a dominant feature repeated with variation to give the work its dominant character.

• VARIETY is the differences in scale, surface, line, value, and shape that gives interest to a composition.

• UNITY is the total visual effect achieved by blending the elements and principles of design.

• There is no formula or set rules for good design. Everyone must develop their own approach to good design. This requires knowledge and understanding of the elements and principles of design.

• Source: • Retrieved from

http://teach.fcps.net/trt8/Wozniak/principles%20of%20art.htm ; Date Accessed: 24 November 2010