Elements of Art Line

Shape

Value

Form

Space
Texture

The basic parts and symbols of an artwork.

A mark on a surface
usually created by a
pen, pencil, or brush.
These may vary by
width, length, direction,
color, and can be actual
or implied

A two-dimensional
area created by
visually connecting
actual or implied
lines. It may be
geometric or organic
The lightness or
darkness of a color
A three dimensional
object that is
defined by contour,
height, depth, and
width
The area around,
above, between, or
below objects

The way something

feels to the touch or
how it may look like
it feels

Color

The visual quality of

objects caused by
the amount of light
reflected by them.

Principles of Art

Guidelines that artists use to organize the

elements of art in a composition.

Balance

Emphasis

Unity/Harm
ony

Proportion

Rhythm/
Movement

The arrangement of the

parts of an artwork to
give a sense of overall
equality in visual weight.

Importance given to
certain objects or areas
in an artwork

The quality of seeming

whole and complete,
with all the parts looking
right together
The relation of the parts
of an artwork to each
other and to the whole
with regard to size,
placement, and amount
The repetition of
elements, such as lines,
shapes, or colors, that
creates a feeling of
visual motion in an
artwork

Variety

The use or combination

of elements of art to
provide interest in an
artwork