The Elements of Art

Composition

Composition
The elements of art are components or parts of a work of art that can be isolated and defined. They are the building blocks used to create a work of art.

Symmetrical compositions
Symmetrical compositions convey a sense of stability. In this example, a single large figure in the center is flanked by a smaller figure on either side. The shape of the artwork itself is also symmetricala vertical line bisecting the image would create two equal halves that are mirror images of one another.

Asymmetrical compositions
Asymmetrical compositions often convey a sense of movement since the elements of the composition are unbalanced. In this example, the artist used organic forms to create a composition that mimics the movement of vines growing in an unordered fashion around the clock face.

Line
A line is an identifiable path created by a point moving in space. It is onedimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. They lead your eye around the composition and can communicate information through their character and direction.

Horizontal Lines
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. The lines delineate sections of the landscape, which recede into space. They also imply continuation of the landscape beyond the picture plane to the left and right.

Vertical Lines
Vertical lines often communicate a sense of height because they are perpendicular to the earth, extending upwards toward the sky. In this church interior, vertical lines suggest spirituality, rising beyond human reach toward the heavens.

Horizontal and Vertical Line Combinations

Horizontal and vertical lines used in combination communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms with 90-degree angles are structurally stable. This stability suggests permanence and reliability.

Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines convey a feeling of movement. Objects in a diagonal position are unstable. Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either about to fall or are already in motion. On the next slide the angles of the ship and the rocks on the shore convey a feeling of movement or speed in this stormy harbor scene. In a two-dimensional composition, diagonal lines can also indicate depth through perspective. These diagonal lines pull the viewer visually into the image. For example, in the following photograph the diagonal lines lead the eye into the space to the point where the lines converge.

 The angles of the ship and the rocks on the shore convey a feeling of movement or speed in this stormy harbor scene.

 In this photograph the diagonal lines lead the eye into the space to the point where the lines converge.

Curved Lines
The curve of a line can 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. The edge of the pool in this photograph gently leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon.

Curved Lines
Sharply curved or twisted lines can convey turmoil, chaos, and even violence. In this sculpture, the lines of the contorting bodies and the serpent help convey the intensity of the struggle against the snake's stranglehold.

Repeated Lines
When repeated, lines can create a pattern. In this example, the artist repeated different kinds of lines across the composition to create various patterns. Patterned lines also give the image rhythm.

Elements of Art
Line Types

Line Types
Many types of lines are used to create art. We will look at 6 of the most common line types.

Structural Lines
Structural lines are lines that hold a design together. Structural lines come in a variety of types with different characteristics and qualities. They can be delicate and thin like a spiders web, or thick and bold like a row of telephone poles.

Outlines
An outline generally refers to the outer edge of a silhouette, or the line made by the edges of an object. An outline make an object seem flat and is usually the same thickness throughout. Tracing around an object placed on a sheet of paper is one way to create an outline.

Contour lines
Contour lines describe the shape of an object, and include interior detail. For example, a countour drawing of a persons face would include a line defining the shape of the head and additional lines that describe the surfaces of the facial features.

esture Lines
Gesture lines, sometimes called movement lines, emphasize direction and fluidity. Imagine a thin, continuous flow of line coming out of the drawing tool. By looping, twisting, and changing direction, gesture line quickly describe a figure.

Sketch lines
Sketch lines provide more detail than outlines, contour lines, and gesture lines. They can be drawn very quickly, but they sometime have a finished appearance. Sketch lines often give an object the appearance of depth, or three-dimensionality. Artist use sketches for information-gathering.

Calligraphy
Calligraphy, from two Greek words meaning beautiful writing is precise, elegant handwriting or lettering done by hand. The lines in calligraphy often vary between thick and thin, even within a single letter.