Elements of Art and Principles of Design

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

• Color

• Line

• Shape

• Space

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

• Texture

• Form

• Pattern

• Contrast

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

• Shape

• Value

• Form

• Texture

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

• Value

• Pattern

• Rhythm

• Space

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

• Value

• Texture

• Shape

• Color

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).

• Shape

• Color

• Space

• Texture

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

• Shape
• Color
• Line
• Form

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.

• Pattern

• Contrast

• Line

• Balance

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

• Balance

• Movement

• Color

• Unity

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

• Emphasis

• Rhythm

• Pattern

• Shape