Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Front

This element of art is a the path of a moving point. Examples include wavy, zigzag, and straight.

Back

Line

Front

This element of art describes the way a surface feels or looks, such as rough, smooth, shiny, or dull.

Back

Texture

Front

This element of art is represented by a 3-D object having depth. Examples include cube, cylinder, or sphere.

Back

Form

Front

This element of art represents the lightness or darkness of a color. For example, pink is a light version of red.

Back

Value

Front

Contour of a flat object (2D); can be geometric (triangle, circle) OR organic (leaves, clouds).

Back

Shape

Front

This element of art represents the area around (negative) and inside of an object (positive). Also refers to distance in an artwork (objects further away appear smaller).

Back

Space

Front

Element of Design: Hue. May be complementary, analogous, primary, secondary, tertiary, or part of a color wheel.

Back

Color

Front

This principle of design refers to the way lines, shapes, colors, and textures are arranged in a piece of art. There are 3 types: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

Back

Balance

Front

This principle of design refers to how the eyes moves through an artwork.

Back

Movement

Front

This principle of design is the focal point of the artwork; what "grabs" your attention.

Back

Emphasis