Lesson 2
BASIC ELEMENTS OF ARTS
The elements of art are components or parts work of art that can be isolated and
defined. They are the building blocks used to create an art.
Thought Co by Marina Li
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-are-the-elements-of-art-182704
Line
Line is a mark with length and direction. It is a continuous mark made by a moving
point. Since it is one-dimensional, it varies in width, direction, and length. Oftentimes,
lines define the edges of a form. Also, a line can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal,
straight or curved, thick or thin, and it shows different meanings, feelings, and emotions.
Kinds of Line
1. Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the
earth are at rest. In this landscape, horizontal lines also help give a sense of
space.
https://yourartpath.com/types-of-line-in-art-meaning
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2. Vertical lines often communicate a sense of height because they are perpendicular
to the earth, extending upwards toward the sky.
https://yourartpath.com/types-of-line-in-art-meaning
3. Zigzag lines convey action and excitement, as well as restlessness and anxiety.
https://yourartpath.com/types-of-line-in-art-meaning
4. Curve lines convey energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of the human
body and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the
composition.
https://yourartpath.com/types-of-line-in-art-meaning
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Shape and Form
Shape and form define objects in space. Shapes have two dimensions–height and
width–and are usually defined by lines. Forms exist in three dimensions, with height,
width, and depth.
Shape has only height and width. Shape is usually, though not always, defined by
line, which can provide its contour.
The Blue Fan by Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, 1922
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/54738/blue-fan
Form has depth as well as width and height. Three-dimensional form is the basis of
sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts.
Paul’s Turn by Anthony Caro 1971 (cor-ten steel)
https://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/visual-elements/shape.html
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Space
In a work of art, space refers to a
feeling of depth or three dimensions. It
can also refer to the artist’s use of the
area within the picture plane. The area
around the primary objects in a work
of art is known as negative space, while
the space occupied by the primary
objects is known as positive space. The
relationship of positive to negative space Morris Louis’s acrylic painting Alpha-Phi, 1961.
Tate Gallery, London
can greatly affect the impact of a work https://www.britannica.com/art/painting/Texture
of art.
The perfect illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional work of art is
something that many artists, such as Pieter Saenredam, labored to achieve.
Color
Colors can be described as warm (red, yellow) or cool (blue, gray), depending on
which end of the color spectrum they fall. It consists of intensity (brightness) and value
(lightness or darkness). Value is used by an artist to create different moods. For example,
dark colors are used in a composition to convey a sense of mystery or foreboding. Light
colors are often used to describe a light source within the composition, which conveys
a sense of hope or possibilities. On the other hand, intensity describes the purity or
strength of a color. Since bright colors are undiluted, it is often associated with positive
energy and heightened emotions. While dull colors are diluted and it is often associated
with sedate or serious mood.
Introduction to the Color Wheel
The Color Wheel, which was developed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, is the basis for all
color theory. The 12 basic colors are called hues.
The Color Wheel
https://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm#:~:text=your%20base%20color.-
,Primary%2C%20Secondary%20and%20Tertiary%20Colors,mixing%20primary%20and%20secondary%20
colors.
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Texture
Texture is the surface quality or feel of an object, its smoothness, roughness, softness,
etc. Textures may be actual or implied. Also, an artist can present visual textures in two
dimensions. The visual sense in a two-dimensional artwork is depicted as if it would
feel like real if touched. On the other hand, the tactile quality of the artist’s three-
dimensional work is actual, thus making its texture real.
Texture Depicted in Two-Dimensions
Artists use color, line, and shading to imply textures.
Detail of Bouquet of Flowers in an Urn, 1724 by Jan Van Huysum
https://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/visual-elements/texture.html
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