Elements of Painting

The elements of painting are the basic components or

building blocks of a painting. In Indian art, they are generally
considered to be color, tone, line, shape, space, and texture.

The elements of art are sort of like atoms in that both serve
as "building blocks" for creating something. You know that
atoms combine and form other things. Sometimes they'll
casually make a simple molecule, as when hydrogen and
oxygen form water (H2O). If hydrogen and oxygen take a
more aggressive career path and bring carbon along as a co-
worker, together they might form something more complex,
like a molecule of sucrose (C12H22O11).

The 7 Elements of Art

A similar activity happens when the elements of art are

combined. Instead of elements such as hydrogen, oxygen,
carbon, in art you have these building blocks:

1. Line
2. Shape,Form
3. Tone
4. Texture
5. Space
6. Light n Shadow
7. Color

Artists manipulate these seven elements, mix them in with

principles of design, and compose a piece of art. Not every
work of art contains every one of these elements, but at least
two are always present.

For example, a sculptor, by default, has to have both form

and space in a sculpture, because these elements are three-
dimensional. They can also be made to appear in two-
dimensional works through the use of perspective and
shading.

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.

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).

Color is often the whole point for people who are visual
learners and thinkers.

Why Are the Elements of Art Important?

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?

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
3. communicate our thoughts and findings using
a common language

Musicians can talk about the key of "A," and they all know it
means "a pitch relating to 440 oscillations per second of
vibration." Mathematicians may use the very basic word
"algorithm" and feel confident that most people know they
mean "a step-by-step procedure for carrying out
computation." Botanists world-wide will employ the name
"rosa rugosa," rather than the much longer "that old-
fashioned shrub rose - you know, the one that leaves hips in
the fall - with the five-petaled flowers that can be yellow,
white, red or pink." These are all specific examples of a
common language coming in handy for intelligent (and
shortened) discourse.

Line
Introduction:
A line is one of the simplest elements of art. Lines are marks
upon paper or canvas. They can be horizontal, vertical,
curved, or any other shape. Art forms that use lines include
drawings, paintings, and other two-dimensional art forms.
Even a few sparing lines can create an interesting and
meaningful work of art, which is one of the reasons why
artists often spend so much time doing line work as practice.
Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Degas are just a few
famous artists who have used lines to create expressive
graphite drawings.
Lines are marks moving in a space between two points
whereby a viewer can visualize the stroke movement,
direction, and intention based on how the line is oriented.[1]
[2]
Lines describe an outline, capable of producing texture
according to their length and curve.[3] There are different
types of lines artists may use, including, actual,
implied, vertical, horizontal, diagonal and contour lines,
which all have different functions.[3] Lines are also situational
elements, requiring the viewer to have knowledge of the
physical world in order to understand their flexibility, rigidity,
synthetic nature, or life.[1]

Drawing and Painting with Line

Line has an endless number of uses in the creation of both

drawings and paintings. Although we typically associate line
with drawing, it's also foundational to painting.

Contour Lines

Perhaps the most obvious use of line is when it is used to

define the edges or boundaries of a subject. We can
obviously communicate a subject's edges by using line. In
most cases, when we begin a drawing, we start by drawing
the outlines of the subject.

The outlines are just the beginning since line is also used to
describe the details on the subject as well. Usually, we can
simplify areas of contrast on a subject into a line.
line is great for describing a subject in a drawing, but outlines
on their own are not complete. Other elements of art
(specifically value) must be used in addition to line to create
a realistic drawing.

Lines that are used to communicate the edges and/or to

describe the details of a subject (like we see above) are called
contour lines. We commonly call these lines outlines.

Line Quality

Line quality refers to the characteristics of the line drawn. In

many cases, line quality refers to the thickness of a line. By
varying the line quality (including both thick and thin lines),
we create drawings that are more interesting and provide
more information to the viewer.

we can communicate a bit about the form of an object and

the light using a simple line.

Cross Contour Lines

Cross contour lines are more complex than contour lines.

Cross contour lines flow over the form of the subject. These
lines can be implied or visible. Cross contour lines are mostly
used when line is used to shade a drawing with hatching and
cross hatching.

To better understand cross contour lines, you may imagine

running your finger over the surface of an apple. Start from
the stem and move down to the bottom. As you move your
finger, imagine leaving a line behind. If you continue
repeating this, making "lines" with your finger all around the
apple, you would have created cross contour lines.
The importance of understanding the concept of cross
contour lines lies in shading (or adding shadow and highlight)
with line. Depending on the form of the object you are
drawing, these lines may curve or change direction.

Shading with Line

Line can be used to shade drawings as well. Shading is the

process of developing the value (art element). Value is the
darkness or lightness of a color. Darker values typically
represent shadows while lighter values typically represent
highlights or lighter tones.

Lines can be concentrated to create darker values. The more

lines that are used, the darker the perceived value. Lighter
tones can be achieved by allowing more of the white of the
paper to show through or with less concentrated lines.

Hatching

Hatching is the process of using directional linear strokes that

do not cross over each other to develop the shading in a
drawing.

Hatching can be used with any drawing or painting medium

but it is at its best when used with linear drawing medium.

Cross Hatching

Cross hatching is the process of developing the value (or

shading) in a drawing or painting using lines that cross over
each other. Just like with hatching, the greater the
concentration of marks, the darker the value. Hatching and
cross hatching are often used together.

Types of Lines

Lines come in all shapes and sizes and the types of line that
can be drawn are endless. Some common forms of line
include horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag, and curved.
Other types of line include broken lines and implied lines.

1. Horizontal lines are lines that are parallel to the horizon

and generally flow from left to right or vice versa.
2. Vertical lines are lines that move up and down without
any slant.
3. Diagonal lines are lines that slant.
4. Zig zag lines are lines that change direction abruptly.
5. Curved lines gradually change direction.
6. Broken lines include open spaces but continue on a
path. These lines may imply an edge or be used to
communicate a highlight.

Implied lines may include the open space in between broken

lines. These lines may not be visible but are implied due to
contrast in value or the inclusion of broken lines.

Line - Vocabulary Terms

Line - element of art. In terms of art, line can be described as
a moving dot. Line is perhaps the most basic element of
drawing.

Line Variation - the use of a variety of line including width,

length, texture, thickness, etc. to add interest to a drawing or
painting.

Length - lines can be long or short.

Width - lines can be wide or skinny.

Texture - lines can be rough or smooth.

Direction - lines can move in any direction.

Degree of curve - lines can curve gradually or not at all.

Hatching - lines that flow in the same direction in order to

develop value or shading

Line quality or line weight - refers to the thickness or

thinness of a line. By varying the line quality artists can make
objects appear more 3-dimensional and more interesting.

Crosshatching - lines that cross over each other in order to

develop value or shading

Shape
Connecting lines together to enclose some areas is
called shape. Shapes are often organic, meaning that they
follow the kinds of shapes that one might find in nature and
are more or less irregular. Some artists also
use geometric shapes, which are the genre of shapes one
might find in a mathematics textbook. Most drawings that
use lines will also use shapes. Artists who used distinctive,
often geometric shapes include Wassily Kandinsky, Henri
Matisse, and Piet Mondrian.
A shape is a two-dimensional design encased by lines to
signify its height and width structure, and can have different
values of color used within it to make it appear three-
dimensional.[2][4] In animation, shapes are used to give a
character a distinct personality and features, with the
animator manipulating the shapes to provide new life.
[1]
There are different types of shapes an artist can use and
fall under either geometrical, defined by mathematics, or
organic shapes, created by an artist.[3][4] Simplistic,
geometrical shapes include circles, triangles and squares, and
provide a symbolic and synthetic feeling, whereas acute
angled shapes with sharp points are perceived as dangerous
shapes.[1] Rectilinear shapes are viewed as dependable and
more structurally sound, while curvilinear shapes are chaotic
and adaptable.[1]

Form[edit]
Form is an element of art that is applicable exclusively to
sculptures and other three-dimensional artwork. The form of
an artwork is the three-dimensional space that it takes up.
How big is it? How solid is it? Does it move? All of these are
questions that one might ask about artistic form. Some works
of art have variable form, particularly if they are sculptures
that are intended to change over time. Artists have a great
deal of leeway when it comes to form. Artists who have used
form creatively in their sculptures include Theo Jansen,
Marco Cianfanelli, and Willard Wigan.
Form is a three-dimensional object with volume of height,
width and depth.[2] These objects include cubes, spheres and
cylinders.[2] Form is often used when referring to physical
works of art, like sculptures, as form is connected most
closely with those three-dimensional works.[5]

A Form in Art is a three-dimensional defined space that has

defined depth. In Visual Arts, a Form is a three-dimensional
representation of an object drawn on a two-dimensional
plane. The Form has length, breadth, and depth to give a
realistic look to the object.

Everything around us or in the art world is either a Form or

Shape. Work Your Craft Until it Becomes an Art Form

What is Elements of Art Form?

A Form in Art is a three-dimensional object depicted on a

two-dimensional surface to give an illusion of realism to it.
Shape in Elements of Art has Length and Breadth alone, and
when we add depth to the shape, it becomes a Form.

We can see some of the two-dimensional shapes which

become three-dimensional when we add depth to them.

How is form defined by other elements of art?

Other elements of Art also define the Form. It is impossible

to create a form in drawing or painting unless we add other
elements of Art to it. Form by itself is one element, and in
addition to its other elements like line, value, color, or
textures get added. Let us see how this is possible?

Form defined by Line

A drawing of a cube on paper can fit into this. Here the cube
is a three-dimensional object having length, breadth, and
depth, and we draw it using a line in addition to elements of
Art which is his line; the concept of perspective is added to it,
creating a cube form.

Forms defined by Value

The concept is like a form defined by line. Instead of line, an

artist can use values to create an implied three-dimensional
image. Let us take the example of a cone instead of a
triangle when the bottom part is curved and adds value on
one side of the triangle giving a feel of light falling on the
other side. It creates a three-dimensional illusion of a cone.

Form defined by Color

Forms can also be defined by color. An object drawn with a

positive form having color contrast and a plain background
can create a form. Here the Form is created using a color
plus shape with depth in it.

ELEMENTS OF ART FORM

Forms defined by Texture

Forms can also be defined by texture. An object with various

textures can create a beautiful form. A simple negative form
with a different texture can create a beautiful form. In this
case, the Form uses texture plus shape with depth in it. We
use dark textures to create a shadow effect.

Form categorized based on appearance

Like Shapes, forms can be Geometric forms and Organic

forms.

What is Geometric Form?

Geometric form in art is a term that encompasses the use of

geometric shapes to create structure, symmetry, and other
visual order. Geometrical forms are three-dimensional
images or figures strictly guided by mathematical
calculations and formulas.

These forms have length, breadth, and height or depth in it.

By looking at a Geometric form, one can immediately say
that it is a cube, cylinder, pyramid, etc.

Geometric forms are often used for their aesthetic value as

well as being an effective way to convey complex messages
without words.

Geometrically patterned art can be found worldwide, from

prehistoric cave paintings to Roman mosaics and Islamic
architecture.

How does Geometric Shape become Geometric Form?

A geometric shape only has length and breadth and is two-

dimensional. When depth or height adds to the two-
dimension, it becomes Geometric Form.
By adding depth and volume to the shapes, the shapes turn
into forms in art.

1. A Square becomes a Cube

2. A circle becomes a Sphere
3. A Triangle becomes a cone
What is Organic Form?

An Organic Form in Art is an element of design consisting of

organic shapes. Organic means growing and organic art
refers to drawing images of free-form shapes created by
hand. It does not follow a strict geometric pattern.

Organic forms are free forms, do not follow any formula or

pattern, and are easily found naturally.

A good example of Organic Form is animals, humans, flowers,

trees, or plants.

The key element of organic form is that it does not follow a

rigid structure or geometric or linear pattern.

An organic form in art is an essential element of design,

creating visual interest and beauty. It can be described as
curvy, fluid, or free-form shapes.

The act of drawing is organic because you are using your

hand to create an image, which can be organic.

Organic forms sometimes are a mixture of several

geographical forms. However, it cannot be identified
individually but can be holistically called a dog figure, human
figure, etc.

Forms based on Dimensions

Dimensions of any form are its length, breadth, and height.

Forms can be categorized based on two or three dimensions.
What is a three-dimensional form?

An example of Form in Art is Sculpture. A Sculpture is a

three-dimensional art form that we see from all sides. In
ancient churches and palaces, sculptures were made as
remembrances, and famous personalities, gods, or kings’
sculptures were carved and kept.

These are made of stone, bronze, casting, clay, plaster,

plastics, metals, or mixed media. It occupies the physical
space in terms of volume.

Is there a two-dimensional form?

No, there is nothing like a two-dimensional form, and a two-

dimensional object can be only called a shape. We can draw
on a three-dimensional surface and have depth in how we
draw and have a realistic look.

It will have an illusion of three-dimension on a two-

dimensional surface.

Forms based on creation method

Eliminated or Subtracted Form

Sculptures usually have eliminated Form or subtracted

Form. The artist chips the stone to create the sculpture and,
in the process, removes the substances to give the required
Form.
Added Form

A clay modeling is done using the added Form. An artist

creates the clay model, and he keeps adding certain forms to
improve. The artist uses clay to create a human form and
adds the body, limb, head, fingers, etc., to complete the
Form.

Constructed or Built Form

A plaster or casting comes under the category of built

Form. The Form is built in the Form of mold, and there is no
addition or subtraction of the main Form. The artist may
smoothen certain areas of the Form, but that’s it.

As civilizations progressed, many new forms of sculptures

were made by artists, and these were not getting restricted
only to stone. Artists use unconventional materials creating
abstract forms expressing artists’ creativity and innovations.

Color
Color is an element consisting of hues, of which there are
three properties: hue, chroma or intensity, and value.[3] Color
is present when light strikes an object and it is reflected back
into the eye, a reaction to a hue arising in the optic nerve.
[6]
The first of the properties is hue, which is the
distinguishable color, like red, blue or yellow.[6] The next
property is value, meaning the lightness or darkness of the
hue.[6] The last is chroma or intensity, distinguishing between
strong and weak colors.[6] A visual representation of
chromatic scale is observable through the color wheel that
uses the primary colors.[3]

What is Color in Art?

Art is a very broad, inclusive term, and Color is one of

the elements of art and an especially important one. It
enhances the beauty of a picture, expresses its appearance.

In Art, color has many attributes and is subjective and

includes harmony, mood, symbol, tone, etc.

Art has its meaning, and color expresses it. Once you
understand the meaning of different colors and why an artist
uses them, you will appreciate and understand Color in Art?

In general, our mind has fixed certain colors on objects. For

example, when we draw water, we normally paint it blue a
tree with green color. But are they blue or green? If you
observe them, they hold many more colors. It also changes
or movemen

What is Color Theory in Art?

Color theory is a set of rules and guidelines framed logically

for the use and benefits of artists and designers. It can help
an artist decide how, why, and which color to use under
different circumstances for an artwork.
We can divide the Color theory into the following items

 The Color Wheel

 The Color Properties
 The Color Scheme

Understanding the above three parts of color theory can help

an artist better understand the color in his artwork.

The Color Wheel

The color wheel is a circular wheel that has 12 different

colors on it. The 12 colors comprise of 3 Primary Color, 3
Secondary Color, and 6 Tertiary Color.

THE COLOR WHEEL

Who invented Color Wheel?

Sir Isaac Newton invented the first color wheel in 1666 AD.
During his research on white light, he understood that light
splits into different colors through a prism. He subsequently
found the relationship of different colors to musical notes
and arranged the musical notes on a rotating disk with color,
inventing the first color wheel.

The color arranged on the wheel is in the same order as the

Spectrum. It is in the order of VIB G YOR, and the color are
Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red.

How is Color Wheel Categorized?

The color wheel is categorized based on the different colors
and mix of colors. They are

 Primary
 Secondary
 Tertiary

The color wheel is categorized based on the different colors

and mix of colors.

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY COLOR?

The primary color on the color wheel are three colors which
are

 Red
 Yellow
 Blue

Primary means first, basic, or main. That is why Red, Yellow,

and Blue are Primary colors; we do not mix two or more
colors to create a primary color from the color space. The
primary color can also call as original color or the source
color.

On the color wheel, Primary colors are at an equal distance

from each other.

Primary color gives rise to Secondary color and Tertiary color.

We can make almost any color by mixing Primary color.

WHAT ARE THE SECONDARY COLOR?

Secondary colors on the color wheel are again three colors:
Orange, Green, and Purple.

That is why they are called secondary colors, as they derive

by mixing two equal portions of Primary color.

 Yellow + Blue = Green

 Red + Blue = Purple
 Red + Yellow = Orange

WHAT ARE THE TERTIARY COLOR?

We can obtain Tertiary Color by mixing equal portions of

Primary color and Secondary color. There is 6 Tertiary color,
and they are following.

 Red + Purple = Red Purple

 Red + Orange = Red Orange
 Blue + Green = Blue Green
 Yellow + Green = Yellow Green
 Blue + Purple = Blue Purple
 Yellow + Orange = Yellow Orange

The correct way to name the tertiary color is to have primary

color first and then secondary color.

What are the properties of Color?

Color has three properties, and they are

 a) Hue: A hue is an actual color of an object in art. It is
more often referred to as color, and in the Art World, it
has a wider meaning.
b) Value: A value refers to the lightness or darkness of any
color, and we achieve the value by adding white or black
with the existing color.
c) Saturation: Saturation is nothing but an intensity of the
color, otherwise also called the brilliance of a color.
Other terms for saturation in color are Chroma,
luminance, value, and intensity.

What are the Other Color Schemes available?

The selection and presentation of all colors in the artwork

are called a Color Scheme. The different types of color
schemes are as follows: –

 Monochromatic: A Monochromatic scheme is a color

scheme in which different shades, tints, and added
tones vary the base color. As the name suggests, there is
only one single hue in a monochromatic color scheme.

 Analogous: An Analogous Color scheme is a scheme

where colors are selected next to each other from the
color wheel, For example, Orange, Orange-Yellow, and
Yellow. If this type of scheme is used in artwork or
anywhere, it is called an Analogous Color Scheme.
 Complementary: Complementary colors are colors
found diagonally opposite to each other in the Color
 Wheel. As they are opposite to each other, they
naturally provide sharp contrast. When we use these
colors together, the result will be brighter and more
eminent.

What is Color Temperature in Art?

Color temperature categorizes as Cool, Warm, and Neutral

colors. They do not emit any heat, but the temperature from
the artist’s perspective is more by visual means.

Warm Colors in Art

Warm colors in Art are Yellow, Red, and Orange, and they are
very vibrant colors and pop out. The artist uses these colors
to create excitement and energy in his artwork.

These colors will be on one side of the color wheel.

Cool Colors in Art

On the other hand, cool colors are green, purple, and blue,
giving harmony and peace to the person observing the
artwork.

All the Cool colors will be on another side of the color wheel.

Neutral Colors in Art

Neutral colors are black, gray, and brown. They are created
either by mixing black or white by mixing with
complementary colors.

Violet can be categorized either as a Warm or Cool color

depending on the amount of red. If we use more red, the as
Warm color, and if we use lesser red, it categorizes as a cool
color.

Color temperatures are not absolute, and they should be

seen more from a relative perspective. Blue is a cool color; if
we keep two shades of blue side by side, then one blue is
warmer, and the other blue is cooler right

Texture
Texture is used to describe the surface quality of the work,
referencing the types of lines the artist created.[1] The surface
quality can either be tactile (real) or strictly visual (implied).
[3]
Tactile surface quality is mainly seen through three-
dimensional works, like sculptures, as the viewer can see
and/or feel the different textures present, while visual
surface quality describes how the eye perceives the texture
based on visual cues.[7]

Classification of Texture

 Found or Available
  Copied
 Created

How Does Texture Impact Artwork?

One of the things I love most about art is the way it can
engage all of your senses. When looking at a painting,
sculpture, or photograph, you’re not just seeing it with your
eyes. You’re also feeling it with your hands and sometimes
even smelling it or hearing it. And that’s what I love about
texture in art. It’s a way to add another layer of dimension
and make the experience of looking at a piece of art more
immersive.

Used to Create Interest and Depth in an Artwork

In art, texture can be simulated using various techniques,

such as painting with a coarse brush or applying thick layers
of paint. Artists may also use actual objects to create texture,
such as fabric, feathers, or stones.

The level of detail in the textures can also vary, from rough
and rugged to smooth and sleek. No matter how it’s created,
the texture is a powerful element that can add depth,
dimension, and interest to any artwork.

Used to Create Realism in an Artwork

Artists use texture to create realistic images and to add

interest to their work. When used effectively, texture can
make an artwork seem three-dimensional and lifelike. It can
also add warmth, coldness, softness, or hardness to an
image.

By using different textures, artists can make their work

appear more lifelike. For example, using textured paint can
give the illusion of skin texture, while using other fabrics can
create the appearance of clothing. In short, texture property
is an important art element artists use to create realistic
artworks.

Used to Create Abstract Artwork

The texture is one of the most important elements of

abstract painting. It creates a sense of depth to add visual
interest or fun elements. There are endless possibilities for
texture, and artists often experiment with different mediums
and techniques to find the perfect way to express their
vision.

Whether rough or smooth, bumpy or flat, textured artwork

always has a unique and compelling quality.

Used to Create a Certain Feeling or Mood in Artwork

An artist can create a certain feeling or mood by varying the

textures in a painting. For example, rough textures can create
a sense of movement, while smooth textures can create a
feeling of calm.

Using different textures, an artist can give the viewer a sense

of how they should view the work. For instance, raised
textures can indicate that an object is meant to be viewed
from afar, while textured patterns can direct the viewer’s eye
to specific areas of the piece.

Ultimately, by understanding how texture affects viewers,

artists can use it to create visually appealing and emotionally
evocative artwork.

Used to Create a Focal Point in an Artwork

Artists often use texture to create a focal point in their work,

whether a rough surface that begs to be touched or a smooth
expanse that draws the eye.

For example, a painting may feature a smooth sky with fluffy

clouds, but the artist may choose to include a rough texture
in the mountain range. The eye is naturally drawn to the
more uneven surface, making it the focal point of the
painting.

In a sculpture, an artist may use a variety of textures to

create a sense of depth. The rough texture of the rocks may
be in contrast to the smooth texture of the water, making the
latter the focal point.

By carefully considering texture, artists can control how

viewers experience their work and make a lasting impression.
Used to Emphasize the Form or Space in an Artwork

In art, texture is often used to emphasize the form or space

in an artwork. The emphasis is done by contrasting the two
elements, such as using a rough texture to highlight a smooth
form.

An artist may also use texture to fill in negative space, such as

the space between two objects creating a sense of depth and
dimension in an otherwise flat work of art.

Texture is often about creating the illusion of three-

dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Ultimately,
artists can add visual interest and depth to their work by
understanding how to use texture.

Used to Unite Different Elements Within a Work of Art

Texture can create visual interest in basic shapes, unify

disparate elements, and add depth and dimension. When
used correctly, texture can take a flat, two-dimensional
image and turn it into a work of art that seems to jump off
the page.

A painting with a smooth, even surface can be boring, but

one with a rough, textured surface can be pretty intriguing.
By adding texture to work, artists can add a sense of
movement and energy.

One way to use texture is to unify a work of art by creating a

contrast between smooth and rough surfaces. This contrast
can draw the eye toward certain areas of the painting or
sculpture. And by using light and dark colors, an artist can
also create a sense of depth and dimension.

Conclusion:

Texture is one of the most important elements in any

artwork. By understanding how texture affects viewers,
artists can create visually appealing and emotionally
evocative artwork.

In a painting, for example, an artist may use a smooth surface

to create a feeling of calm while using a rough surface to
make sense of movement.

Texture is also used to emphasize the form or space in an

artwork, unify different elements within a work of art, and
add depth and dimension.

Ultimately, by understanding how to use texture effectively,

artists can make their work more exciting and engaging for
viewers.

Value
What is Value in Art?

Value is the intensity of the lightness or darkness of a color. It

is an essential element of art because it can help create the
illusion of depth, atmosphere, and lighting effects.

Values are usually described as a scale from light to dark,

with white the lightest value and black the shadiest.
Intermediate values are shades of gray.

A good artist will be aware of the value range and use it to

create the desired effect.

For instance, light values can create a feeling of openness or

brightness, while darker values can be used to create depth
or mystery. Value is also an essential tool for creating
contrast, which can help make a painting or design more
visually attractive.

The Importance of Value in Composition

A critical aspect of creating a successful composition is

understanding and utilizing value. Values are the relative
darkness or lightness of a color, and they are what make the
illusion of depth and form in an artwork.

A limited range of values can make an image appear flat,

while a broader range can create a more realistic sense of
depth.

There are many reasons why value is essential in

composition. Some of these reasons include the following:
 1. Value is One of the Basic Building Blocks of any Artwork
2. Value Range can Add Interest and Complexity in
Artwork
3. Value can Create a Mood or Feeling in an Artwork
4. Value can be Used to Create Unity in an Artwork
5. Value can Add Visual Interest to an Artwork

How are Values created in Art?

Values are created using various methods, but the most

common is by using a value scale. The value scale is simply a
range of values, from light to dark. You can use that to create
the illusion of light and shadow.

When shading an object, the artist will start with the lightest
values and gradually add darker values until the desired
effect is achieved.Following are how values are created in an
artwork.

 Value is created by the darkness or lightness of a color

 Values are used to create form, depth, and highlights
 Values help to create the illusion of realism in an
artwork
 There is a limited value range in each painting
 Values are determined by placement and intensity of
color
 Values are essential for creating a focal point in an
artwork
 Artists use values to create mood and emotion in their
work
What is the Difference Between Values and Shades?

Values and shades are both ways of altering the color of an

object. Values are made by adding white to a color, while
shades are created by adding black. It means shades will
always be darker than the original color, while values can be
lighter or darker, depending on how much white is added.

One other difference between values and shades is that

values can create the illusion of light, while shades are used
to create the illusion of darkness.

Different Types of Value Scale in Art,

A value scale is the range of lightness and darkness in an art

piece. It helps to create the illusion of three-dimensional
space on a two-dimensional surface. The value scale can be
divided into four parts: light values, mid values, dark values,
and very dark values.

The light values are the lightest areas of the art piece. The
light values are usually at the top of the left side of the
composition.

The mid values are in the middle of the value scale and are
usually a medium shade of gray or beige.

The dark values are the darkest areas of the composition and
are usually located at the bottom or right side of the piece.

The very dark values are the absolute darkest tones in the
piece and are usually used for accents or highlights.
The value scale can be created using a variety of elements,
such as shapes, lines, and colors. When creating a value
scale, it is essential to use accurate values to balance the
different tones correctly, and the composition looks realistic.

A value scale is an essential tool for artists because it helps

create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-
dimensional surface. By using lighter and darker values,
artists can give the impression that an object is closer or
further away, called aerial perspective.

What is the difference between mid values and deep

values?

Mid values are colors that are neither light nor dark. Deep
values are colors that are darker than mid values.

Value is a way of talking about light and darkness in art.

White is considered the lightest value, while black is the
darkest value. Value is often arranged on a scale from light to
dark. Artists often use value to create contrast and to draw
viewers' eyes to specific points in a work of art. While
virtually any work of art will have the element of value in
some capacity, some artists make more deliberate use of it
than others, creating images in which light and darkness are
foundational elements of visual perception. Joseph Wright of
Derby, Caravaggio, and Gerrit van Honthorst all created
paintings with widely differing values. The interplay of light
and shadow in art is sometimes known as Chiaroscuro. Value
refers to the degree of perceivable lightness of tones within
an image.[2] The element of value is compatible with the
term luminosity, and can be "measured in various units
designating electromagnetic radiation".[6] The difference in
values is often called contrast, and references the lightest
(white) and darkest (black) tones of a work of art, with an
infinite number of grey variants in between.[6] While it is most
relative to the greyscale, though, it is also exemplified within
colored images.[3]

Two kinds of Shadows

There are two kinds of shadows that occur when one light
shines on an object, a cast shadow and a form shadow.
 Cast shadow: When an object blocks a light source it
creates a shadow. A cast shadow is not a solid shape but
varies in tone and value. The farther a cast shadow is from
the object the lighter and softer and less defined becomes its
edges.
 Form shadow: A form shadow is the less defined dark
side on an object not facing the light source. Form shadows
are subtle shadows, but they are essential for creating the
illusion of volume, mass and depth.
1. Where are the light values? Look for the lightest areas
on the object. The very brightest of the lightest values are
called highlights.
2. Where are the dark values? Dark values often reveal the
sections of the object that are in shadow. By locating
shadows, you can usually identify the light source.

Space
Space is one of the seven elements of art and is used in
nearly every piece of work made. Sculptors, painters, and
photographers all display space in their works. Today you are
going to learn all about the element of art space, and how it’s
used in art.
There are several different ways to illustrate space when
creating a work of art or drawing. You can use just one of
these techniques. Or, you can use a few of them. It’s even
possible to use all the different ways to show space in one
piece of art.

Definition of Space in Art

Illustrating a sense of depth on a flat surface, or defining
positive and negative areas.

As you can see there are basically two different ways to use
space in art.

You can use it to show depth and it can be used to define an

area as positive or negative.

These concepts can be applied to both two dimensional and

three dimensional works.

The use of positive and negative space in art is much simpler

to explain, so let’s begin there.

Positive and Negative Space in Art

Positive space is the term used when referring to an object

itself. Whereas negative space is the area around, between,
and within an object.

For example, if you drew a person with their hand on their

hip, the person would be the positive space. And the area
around the person would be the negative space. This also
includes the area between the arm and body.

Positive and negative space can also be used to create an

optical illusion, as demonstrated in Rubin’s Vase.

Depending on where you focus, you can see either two faces
or a vase.
I’m sure you’ve seen many more of these types of illusions as
well where the image changes with your area of focus.

Now let’s move onto how we create the illusion of depth in

art. There are many different techniques to do this.

Why is negative space so important?

1. It can add interest and is an excellent way to draw

attention to your works of art. A good balance between
great negative space and intrigue will cause the viewer
to desire more time to look at your work of art.

2. It can draw the viewer in, giving them a sense of

inclusion because they discovered a subtle, hidden
message or image in the composition. Even though it
may be a simple composition, great negative space
reveals there is more to the piece than first meets the
eye, making it a more rewarding experience for the
viewer.

3. It gives the eye a “place to rest,” thereby adding to the

subtle appeal of the composition. The equal amounts of
both negative and positive are considered by many to
be good design.

Ways to Show Space in Art

 Size
  Placement (horizon) – fore, middle, background
 Overlap
 Linear perspective
 Atmospheric perspective

Size to Show Space in Art

By making objects smaller as they get further away we can

show space in art. This is pretty easy to implement in your
drawings.

Objects are larger up close. And smaller as they get further

away. If you had several of the same object you would do this
incrementally as they get further away

Placement to Show Space

Next we’ll look at placement, or position. This is how an

object is drawn in relationship to the horizon line.

The closer the object is to the horizon line, the further away
it is. And objects drawn further away are perceived as being
closer.

This is also known as foreground, middle ground, and

background.

Using Overlap in Art

We can also use overlapping to show space. If one object is

covering part of another object, then it has to be closer to
the viewer.
Linear Perspective

This is what is more commonly known as one point

perspective. In this instance we are creating the illusion of
space by showing depth in art.

This process can be used to create 3D drawings and works of

art. Once mastered, perspective can be used in many ways
when creating drawings and artwork. Whether you follow the
technical process with a ruler and vanishing point. Or, if you
just use the concepts and draw out your perspective
freehand.

Definition of Linear Perspective

A type of perspective used by artists in which the relative

size, shape, and position of objects are determined by drawn
or imagined lines converging at a point on the horizon.

Atmospheric Perspective

This technique was first developed by Leonardo da

Vinci where muted colors were used to paint areas further
away.
The basic concept of atmospheric perspective is that the
further away an object is, the less detailed it is. This can be
illustrated by the use of color, or by the level of detail we
show.

Element of Art Space (And How It’s Used In Art)

There are a lot of different ways to show the illusion of space
in art. You can choose to use just one of the techniques. Or
you can use a combination of techniques.

The element of art space is critical to understand if you want

to create the illusion of the third dimension in your art work.
Drawing in 3D is not as difficult as one might think. But by
understanding how to use space in art, you can increase your
success rate of drawing 3D.