Elements & Principles of Art

To be a great artist you must begin with the basics.  Every great artist started as an amateur and they learned the principles and elements of design first.  Below I have attached what I would like to refer to as Art School Day One.  First let us get acquainted with the elements. 

Line

Line is the path of a point moving through space.

Shape / Form

Shape implies spatial form and is usually perceived as two-dimensional. Form has depth, length, and width and resides in space. It is perceived as three-dimensional.

Color

Colors all come from the three primaries and black and white. 

Value

Value refers to relative lightness and darkness and is perceived in terms of varying levels of contrast.

Texture

Texture refers to the tactile qualities of a surface (actual) or to the visual representation of such surface qualities (implied).

Space / Perspective

Space refers to the area in which art is organized. Perspective is representing a volume of space or a 3-dimensional object on a flat surface.

Now that we have been refreshed or introduced to the elements let us dive into the Principles of art.  The masters of art have all of the elements and all or most of the principles in their works.

Pattern

Pattern refers to the repetition of a design element, exact or varied, which establishes a visual beat.

Rhythm / Movement

Rhythm or movement refers to the suggestion of motion through the use of various elements.

Proportion / Scale

Proportion is the size relationship of parts to a whole and to one another. Scale refers to relating size to a constant, such as a human body.

Balance

Balance is the impression of equilibrium. 

Unity

Unity is achieved when the components of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion.

Emphasis

Emphasis refers to the created center of interest, the place in an artwork where your eye first lands.