THE

VISUAL
ELEMENTS
OF
AN IMAGE
LOOK CAREFULLY AT NEXT PICTURE
AND DESCRIBE THE ELEMENTS
THAT YOU CAN SEE IN IT
I can see a
spider
I can see
a face
A bird
¿
He´s crying
There are a lot
of stars
There are many things
in a picture
But…
We are looking for the
essential elements
 The smallest visual
elements on plastic work
Look for the essential elements
 Try it again.

Just the essential elements¡

 WHAT
ARE
THESE ?
A DOT
 A
LINE
 A
PLANE
 THE
VISUAL
ELEMENTS
OF
AN IMAGE
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS
OF
AN IMAGE
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS
OF
AN IMAGE LINE
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS 
OF
AN IMAGE LINE
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS 

LINE
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS 

But there are two other missing

LINE
visual elements
But there are two other missing
visual elements
 Can you imagine
¿

But there are two other missing

visual elements
Look at the screen
The fourth element is the…
COLOUR
And the last element in an image is…
And the last element in an image is…

Look at the screen

TEXTURE
 THE
VISUAL
ELEMENTS
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS LINE
 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS LINE


 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS LINE




 THE DOT
VISUAL
ELEMENTS LINE





BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC
EXPRESSIONS
 BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC
EXPRESSIONS
All the images that we see represented are
made of the basic elements of plastic
expression: the dot, the line, the plane, the
colour and texture.
 BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC
EXPRESSIONS
All the images that we see represented are
made of the basic elements of plastic
expression: the dot, the line, the plane, the
colour and texture.
These elements, isolated or combined, are a
language in itself with specific rules. They allow
the author to transmit to other people ideas,
sensations or feelings.
 BASIC ELEMENTS OF PLASTIC
EXPRESSIONS
All the images that we see represented are
made of the basic elements of plastic
expression: the dot, the line, the plane, the
colour and texture.
These elements, isolated or combined, are a
language in itself with specific rules. They allow
the author to transmit to other people ideas,
sensations or feelings.
It is important to study the characteristic and
fundamental rules of the plastic elements in
order to express effectively our own plastic
language.
THE DOT
 THE DOT

The dot is the smallest, simplest element in visual expression.

Dots are normally round, but they can have different shapes
according to their function. Dots used in visual expression
can have irregular surface and outline.
A shape is a dot when it takes a very small
part of the surface where we draw.
If it is bigger than other shapes around, we
consider it a plane.
If it is bigger than other shapes around, we
consider it a plane.
If it is bigger than other shapes around, we
consider it a plane.

A dot
If it is bigger than other shapes around, we
consider it a plane.

A dot

A plane
Expressive capacity of the dot
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :
 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

 Expressive capacity of the dot
Dots have an unlimited capacity to represent
images, ideas and emotions.
For this reason, we use different visual effects
like :

concentration = dots are grouped

dispersion = dots are at a distance

Expressive capacity of the dot
Expressive capacity of the dot

Line made with dots

Expressive capacity of the dot

concentration

Line made with dots

Expressive capacity of the dot

concentration

Line made with dots

dispersion
 Dots also have a great attraction power.

It makes them very efficient as a composing element

and as an indication sign.
Three-dimensional capacity of the dot
If we vary appropriately sizes, shapes and colours of the dots,
we can create visual sensations of spatial depth and volume.
Three-dimensional capacity of the dot
If we vary appropriately sizes, shapes and colours of the dots,
we can create visual sensations of spatial depth and volume.
Three-dimensional capacity of the dot
If we vary appropriately sizes, shapes and colours of the dots,
we can create visual sensations of spatial depth and volume.
THE LINE
THE LINE
 THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line.

That is why we define line as a dot in motion.
 THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line.

That is why we define line as A
a dot
DOTin motion.
IN MOTION
 THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line.

That is why we define line as A
a dot
DOTin motion.
IN MOTION
 THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line.

That is why we define line as A
a dot
DOTin motion.
IN MOTION
 THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line.

That is why we define line as A
a dot
DOTin motion.
IN MOTION
 THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line.

That is why we define line as A
a dot
DOTin motion.
IN MOTION
 THE LINE

If we move our pencil in any direction, the result is a line.

That is why we define line as A
a dot
DOTin motion.
IN MOTION
 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…
 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…
 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…
 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…
 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…
 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

 THE LINE
Lines have a position and a direction in space…

For this reason and for its expressive possibilities, it is very

suitable to describe accurately any shape and to transmit ideas
and emotions.

…and one of their functions is to delimitate the outline of shapes.

THE LINE
THE LINEThe shape, thickness,
colour and texture of the
lines depend on the
materials we use and the
way we use them. These
structural features have
different functions and
allow the artist to create
different visual
sensations such as depth,
balance, strength,
smoothness, etc.
THE LINEThe shape, thickness,
colour and texture of the
lines depend on the
materials we use and the
way we use them. These
structural features have
different functions and
allow the artist to create
different visual
sensations such as depth,
balance, strength,
smoothness, etc.
THE LINEThe shape, thickness,
colour and texture of the
lines depend on the
materials we use and the
way we use them. These
structural features have
different functions and
allow the artist to create
different visual
sensations such as depth,
balance, strength,
smoothness, etc.
THE LINEThe shape, thickness,
colour and texture of the
lines depend on the
materials we use and the
way we use them. These
structural features have
different functions and
allow the artist to create
different visual
sensations such as depth,
balance, strength,
smoothness, etc.
THE LINEThe shape, thickness,
colour and texture of the
lines depend on the
materials we use and the
way we use them. These
structural features have
different functions and
allow the artist to create
different visual
sensations such as depth,
balance, strength,
smoothness, etc.
The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.
 The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen,
with markers and with a paintbrush.
 The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen,
with markers and with a paintbrush.
 The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen,
with markers and with a paintbrush.
 The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen,
with markers and with a paintbrush.
 The structural differences of lines make them expressively rich.

Observe the different aspects of the lines drawn with a pencil, with a pen,
with markers and with a paintbrush.
CLASSIFYING LINES
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines

Composed lines
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines.
To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines
can also be broken, undulating or mixed.
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines.
To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines
can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines

with fragments of straight
lines
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines.
To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines
can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines

with fragments of straight
lines
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines.
To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines
can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines We make undulating lines

with fragments of straight with fragments of curve
lines lines.
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines.
To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines
can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines We make undulating lines

with fragments of straight with fragments of curve
lines lines.
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines.
To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines
can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines We make undulating lines We make mixed lines

with fragments of straight with fragments of curve with fragments of straight
lines lines. and curve lines.
 CLASSIFYING LINES
According to their structure, lines can be classified in:
Simple lines are made in just one
stroke, straight or curve. They are
perceived at just one look.

Composed lines are made of fragments of two or more straight or curve lines.
To fully visualize them, we must turn our sight in different directions. These lines
can also be broken, undulating or mixed.

We make broken lines We make undulating lines We make mixed lines

with fragments of straight with fragments of curve with fragments of straight
lines lines. and curve lines.
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
We can draw lines in different directions:
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
We can draw lines in different directions: vertical,
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
We can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
We can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal,
oblique
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
We can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal,
oblique or curve.
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
We can draw lines in different directions: vertical, horizontal,
oblique or curve.

Each of them has a different expressive value.

EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Vertical lines:
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Vertical lines:
transmits an upward or a downward
movement, depending on how we
use them.
It gives us a visual sensation of
growing, balance and power.
growing
balance
power
growing
growing
growing balance
growing balance
growing balance power
strong
growing balance power
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
Horizontal lines:
 EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
Horizontal lines:

horizontal direction gives a visual sensation of

stability, calm and serenity, but an excessive use
can give a dull effect.
stability
calm
serenity
Stability
Stability
Stability

Calm
Stability

Calm
Stability

Calm

Serenity
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Obliques lines :
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Obliques lines :

transmit more instability

and movement. These
two aspects give
slanting lines a visual
sensation of dynamism.
 b i li t y
in s t a
movement
dy
n am
is m
Instability
Instability
Instability movement
Instability movement
Instability movement dynamism
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Curve lines :
EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF LINES

Curve lines :

Transmit a visual
sensation of
movement and joy.
movement
joy
THE PLANE
THE PLANE
 THE PLANE

A plane is a two-dimension surface, length and

width, and it has a position and a direction in space.
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This
Thisplane
planeisisdelimitated
delimitatedby
byan
ancontour
contourline.
line
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an outline
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an outline
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an outline
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an outline
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an outline
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
The surface of this plane
is defined by very little
dots...
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
The surface
This plane is delimitated of thisline.
by an contour plane
is defined by very little
dots...
or by a texture
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
The surface of this plane
is defined by very little
dots...
or by a texture
or by lines
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
THE PLANE
There are several ways to describe the limits of a plane:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

To define this plane, we use a

coloured surface
THE PLANE CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

THE PLANE CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS
We have two types:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
THE PLANE CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS
We have two types:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

Geometric: they can transmit strong

visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of

more dynamism than geometric forms.
THE PLANE CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS
We have two types:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

Geometric: they can transmit strong

visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of

more dynamism than geometric forms.
THE PLANE CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS
We have two types:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

Geometric: they can transmit strong

visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of

more dynamism than geometric forms.
THE PLANE CLASSIFYING PLANE FORMS
We have two types:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

Geometric: they can transmit strong

visual sensations of order and stability.

Organic: They give a visual sensation of

more dynamism than geometric forms.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
One of the main functions of plane forms is to create
This plane is
volume delimitated
when by together
they are an contourwith
line. other plane forms in
different directions.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
One of the main functions of plane forms is to create
This plane is
volume delimitated
when by together
they are an contourwith
line. other plane forms in
different directions.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
One of the main functions of plane forms is to create
This plane is
volume delimitated
when by together
they are an contourwith
line. other plane forms in
different directions.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
One of the main functions of plane forms is to create
This plane is
volume delimitated
when by together
they are an contourwith
line. other plane forms in
different directions.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
One of the main functions of plane forms is to create
This plane is
volume delimitated
when by together
they are an contourwith
line. other plane forms in
different directions.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
One of the main functions of plane forms is to create
This plane is
volume delimitated
when by together
they are an contourwith
line. other plane forms in
different directions.

Observe: if we join planes in

different directions, we get a
visual sensation of volume.
Other plastic elements such as
changes in colour and size
contribute to this.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE

This plane is delimitated by an contour line.

 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
length
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
length
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
length, width
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
length, width
This plane is delimitated by an contour line.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
length, width
This plane and depth
is delimitated by an contour line.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
length, width
This plane and depth
is delimitated by an contour line.
 THREE-DIMENSIONAL
THE PLANE POSSIBILITIES OF THE PLANE
Volume has three dimensions:
length, width
This plane and depth
is delimitated by an contour line.
 The plane is most suitable to transmit visual
sensations such as volume, chiaroscuro, depth,
etc. These qualities make of it a fundamental
part for the elaboration of artistic work in any
of their means of expression.
THE PLANE EXPRESSIVE CAPACITY OF PLANE FORMS
The plane is the plastic element that receives the action of all the
other elements, because we can work on it with dot, lines, colours
and textures. That is why it has such a great power of expression.
 EXPRESSIVE CAPACITY OF PLANE FORMS

THE PLANE
The plane is the plastic element that receives the action of all the
other elements, because we can work on it with dot, lines, colours
and textures. That is why it has such a great power of expression.
THE TEXTURE
 THE TEXTURE
Texture is the quality of surfaces
due to the material structure of
the object. It can transmit
different visual and tactile
sensations.
We can distinguish

flat
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

flat
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

flat
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

smooth
FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

smooth
FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

granulated
FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

granulated
FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

rough
FLAT
TEXTURE
We can distinguish

rough
FLAT
TEXTURE
the surface of silk is flat and smooth
the surface of the bark of a tree is rough and ridged
 Artists use
textures as
another
plastic
element to
reach more
expressivity
in their works
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES
According to their origin we can classify textures into:
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES
According to their origin we can classify textures into:

Natural textures
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES
According to their origin we can classify textures into:

Natural textures

Artificial textures
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES
Natural textures: those present in nature.
 NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL TEXTURES
Artificial textures: those manually or mechanically elaborated by man.
TACTILE
TEXTURES
 TACTILE
TEXTURES
We can perceive them
through the sense of
touch. In plastic
representation -
painting or sculpture-,
we can perceive a lot
of tactile effects
combining different
materials or making
surfaces with the relief
we want.
 VISUAL
TEXTURES
 VISUAL
TEXTURES
 VISUAL
TEXTURES

We perceive visual
textures only with our
sight. We also call them
graphic textures,
because they are
photographs or
representations on paper
or on other materials.