Introducing Art The Elements of Art n n

Introducing Art: The Elements of Art n n n n There are basically 7 elements of Art which are: Line Form Shape Value Space Texture Color

Why are the elements of art important? n Because. The elements of art are important for several reasons. First, and most importantly, a person can't create art without utilizing at least a few of them. (No elements, no art, end of story. And we wouldn't even be talking about any of this, would we? ) n

n Secondly, knowing what the elements of art are enables us to (1) describe what an artist has done, (2) analyze what is going on in a particular piece and (3) communicate our thoughts and findings using a common language.

Line: n Line is the path of a moving point. Lines define the edges of shapes and forms. "Trio" by Steve Magada, 1966, Oil, Location unknown

n Art would be sunk without line, sometimes known as "a moving point". While line isn't something found in nature, it is absolutely essential, as a concept, to depicting objects and symbols, and defining shapes.

Shape: n height + width = shape Shape is an area enclosed by line. It is 2 dimensional and can be geometric or organic.

Form: Shape Form n Height + width + depth = form Forms are 3 -Dimensional. They occupy space or give the illusion that they occupy the space.

Value is the lightness or darkness of a surface. It is often referred to when shading but value is also important in the study of color Value n (Lightness and darkness)

n Value is one of the most powerful tools for the artist because it helps to create many of the other elements, like form, space, texture, line and even color has value (lightness and darkness). Value also enhances most of the Principles like emphasis, balance, contrast. Without it, art would be of no value. (pun intended. )

Texture: n Texture is the actual surface feel of an area or the simulated appearance of roughness, smoothness or many others.

n Texture is another element, like form or space, that can be real (run your fingers over an Oriental rug, or hold an unglazed pot), created (think of van Gogh's lumpy, impasto-ed canvases) or implied (through clever use of shading).

Space: n Space is the illusion of objects having depth on the 2 -dimensional surface. Linear and aerial perspective are used.

n Color is the most expressive of the elements and can also be very tricky to use properly,

n Color is the most expressive element of art and is seen by the way light reflects off a surface. Color