Elements and Principles

An element of art defined by a point moving in space.

• Shape

• Form

• Value

• Line

An element of art that is two dimensional and flat.

• Shape

• Form

• Value

• Line

An element of art that is three dimensional and encloses volume.

• Form

• Unity

• Value

• Color

The lightness or darkness of tones or colors.

• Value

• Hue

• Emphasis

• Line

An element of art by which positive and negative areas are defined or a sense of depth achieved in a work of art.

• Variety

• Space

• Color

• Balance

An element of art made up of three properties: hue, value, and intensity.

• Balance

• Value

• Color

• Texture

An element of art that refers to the way things feel, or look as if they might feel if touched.

• Variety

• Line

• Texture

• Color

A way of combining elements to add a feeling of equilibrium or stability to a work of art. Major types are symmetrical and asymmetrical.

• Proportion

• Emphasis

• Form

• Balance

A way of combining elements to stress the differences between those elements.

• Emphasis

• Harmony

• Movement

• Unity

A principle of design used to create the look and feeling of action and to guide the viewer’s eye throughout the work of art.

• Movement

• Line

• Space

• Proportion