Language of Art: Elements of Arts and the Principles of Design

I. Overview

Gestalt psychology and its proponent strongly believed that perceptions of our
surroundings and experiences are holistic rather than pieces of a whole as a famous
Gestalt principle states, “ the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In the same
aspect, art could not be appreciated by its components only. Rather, art and designs are
appreciated by understanding their holistic appeal and ability to weave cohesively into
different elements and their application. Additionally, understanding the inherent values
and meanings will be drawn from the different elements and principles.

II. Content

Elements of Arts

1. Line Element

An essential element of art. Creates art and provides the impression of path and
movement along a space.

Nature of Line

The line creates the impression of movement. It can be differentiated based on length
and width.

Types of Lines

 Vertical Lines
Upward or downward movement. Common applications are upright trees or
standing bodies.
 Horizontal Lines
Left to right or vice-versa movement. Common applications are the body lying
down and the horizon.
 Diagonal Lines
These are slanted lines. They create an impression of rising or falling. A common
example is the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
 Zigzag Lines
These are connected combinations of diagonal lines. Common examples are
thunders or animated drawings of stars.
 Curved Lines
These are lines that do not appear linear; hence directions are not established.
Examples of which are the outlines of clouds, leaves, and edges of flowers.

Line and Value

 Value is defined as the darkness or lightness of an object. The value of a line or the
artwork may differ in how much light the surface absorbs and expresses light. Applying the line
principles to value, lines may have value.

Expression of Lines

A. Movement of Lines
Vertical and horizontal lines convey static and rest impressions. Horizontal lines show
the feelings of performance and a solid foundation. Curve lines show the expression of
relative activity. Diagonal lines are used by artists to express feelings of instability, tension or
excitement. Zigzag lines have been used to create feelings of confusion.
B. Contour Lines
These are applications of lines to create edges or ridges of an object. Provide a certain
degree of separation from one object to another.
C. Gesture Drawing
Expressive movements are intended to capture motion, activity and the feelings.
D. Calligraphic Drawing
It means beautiful handwriting. Often associated with writing Asian characters usually with
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai language. The Philippine Calligraphy is rooted on
Indian, Sulawesi, and Kawi, Indo, Arabic, and Islamic writing arts.

2. Shape, Form, and Space

Shapes

A shape conveys a defined two-dimensional area.

 Geometric Shapes

These are accurately measured shapes, hence they have mathematical bases.

 Free-Form Shapes

These are the types that are irregular in structure.

Forms

The three-dimensional aspects of space and shapes. The characterizing component of

form is its depth.

Space

It can be two or three-dimensional. It is essential in understanding art as it involves an

artwork’s outer and inner spaces. In relation to shapes and forms, space allows them to exist in
space. So, space is also assumed to be the empty canvas where work and art can be
accomplished.

Positive and Negative Space

 The shapes and forms of art are the positive space of an art. The empty spaces are the
negative space. In gestalt psychology, they are called figure and ground. The distinction between
figure and ground are essential as they dictate certain interpretations of art.

Illusion of Form by Using the Principle of Value

Shapes and forms can change their meaning and expression by utilizing altered values. A
known technique is used called chiaroscuro. An Italian word means bright (chiaro) and dark
(oscuro). This technique magnifies and identifies shapes and forms clearly as the highlighted
figure or positive space of the art piece by shading the negative space darker.

Illusion of Depth using Gestalt Principles of Perception

Depth can be defined as relative distance. From the Gestalt principle of perception,
there are techniques used to create the impression of depth.

 Overlapping

The first object covers a second object. In effect, the first object becomes closer or
nearer to the viewer.

 Size
Large objects often are perceived to be nearer than relatively smaller ones.

 Placement
Objects placed on the lower plane of the space create an impression of them being
nearer. The more distant are those at the eye or top level of the space.
 Detail
Objects with clearer details are usually nearer while those with finer and less details
seem to be farther.
 Color
Brightly or vividly colored objects seem nearer than dull ones.
 Converging Lines
As parallel lines move away from your point of view, they move closer to the horizon
which makes a perception of distance farther away from you. The farthest convergence
can be called the vanishing point.

Expressive Qualities of Shape, Form, and Space

A. Outline and Surface

Brings different kinds of messages. Free-form shapes are those coming from nature,
the art can convey that sense of pleasantness and could even invite the viewer to
imagine himself or herself within the story of art. Angular shapes project the sharp and
jagged realities of the world. Geometric shapes project a sense of order and logic.
B. Density
Density refers to the compactness of the object. In two-dimensional art, density can
be expressed using different values such as shading and magnifying contour lines.
C. Openness
 Open shapes project invitation. Closed shapes and forms project more solid and
self-contained field of perception.
D. Activity and Stability
Active shapes are those that defy gravity such as slanting or falling or running
shapes.

3. Color

It makes lines, shapes, forms, and space alive. They are apparent in making more
variations to our perceptions. Colors have the most powerful connections to human nature and
emotions.

Perception of Color

Color is one of the elements of art that is derived from light and its different reflections
of it. In psychophysics, you learned that colors are based on white light. These colors are waves
that activate the color receptors of your eyes called cones. Three properties of colors namely:
hue, value and intensity.

Three Properties of Color

 Hue
Primary hues red, blue, and yellow. Secondary hues mixing two primary colors. Tertiary
colors are by mixing secondary colors with primary colors.
 Value
Value describes the lightness and darkness of a color.
 Intensity
Intensity refers to how bright or dull the use of hue is.

Color Schemes

Organizing colors are part of the planning phase in the creation of art. Planning these
colors according to a scheme will allow you to create a cohesive piece of artwork.

A. Monochromatic Colors
This is a technique where only one color is used. Even the hue, tints and shade are
consistent all throughout.
B. Analogous Colors
In analogous colored artwork, the hues used are usually those that are side by side
in the color wheel and operate in a common hue.
C. Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are used when the theme of art is intended to create strong
expression of contrast. are those that are opposite to' each other in the color wheel.
D. Color Triads
Three colors are distributed equally throughout the color wheel in triadic color
schemes. One primary color, usually red, yellow, or blue, one secondary color, usually
green, orange, or purple, and one accent color make up a triad (any other hue).
E. Split Complements
 One base color and two secondary colors are used in the split-complementary color
scheme. Two colors arranged symmetrically around it on the color wheel are used in
place of a complementary color. The secondary colors should only be utilized for
highlights and accents; the base color serves as the main color.
F. Warm and Cool Colors
Warm colors are yellow, orange, and red, and their mixtures bring life, optimism,
and a feeling of sunshine into any space. Green, blue, and purple are examples of cool
hues that promote calmness. Depending on their undertones, neutral colors like white
and gray can also lean warmer or cooler.

Expressive Qualities of Colors

A. Optical Colors
The use of optical colors is an artist approach to reproduce colors as they seem to
be. It intends to capture reality. Optical colors are the approach of most artists to ensure
that their art is similarly colored with reality.
B. Arbitrary Colors

Arbitrary application of colors may give justice to the indefinability of some subject
matters in art. Usage of dark yet cool colors, may evoke feelings of depression and/or
mystery. Warm, low intensity colors tend to portray comfort and relaxation.

C. Space
Positioning colors have been used to create impressions of depth. Warm colors are
believed to advance towards viewers while cool colors tend to recede.
D. Movement
Contrasting values create movement while values that are close to each other tend
to create gradual and calmer flow.
4. Texture
In art it refers to how the subjects and objects of the piece feel if touched. It is an
essential component in creating the dynamics in the artwork. For some artist, textures are a way
of representing to the viewers.

Perceiving Texture

Texture is perceived through the senses. Tactile texture is the feeling derived from
touching a specific object or art. Textures can be simulated or invented. Simulated textures tend
to imitate the real textures of an object. Invented textures do not represent naturally existing
surface qualities, but they are usually those that evoke non-objective patterns.

Texture and Value

A. Rough and Smooth Textures

Rough texture created by frequent changes between light and dark. Smooth texture
created by gradual changes between light and dark. A crooked and uneven shadow may
provide a more rough texture than formally shaded ones.
B. Matter and Shiny Textures
 Matte surfaces are usually apparent in papers, denim, unfinished wood, or human
skin. Shiny textures are usually those that have highlights such as windows, water
surface or some car paints. A matte surface reflects soft and dull light while the shiny
surface tends to reflect light and project some spark or glow.

Principles of Design

1. Rhythm, Pattern, and Movement

Rhythm

Rhythm in art is its principle that is defined by the repetition of elements or objects. The
principle is present in art such as music and poetry. Musical rhythm is the measure of time
between musical sounds, rhythms are established across the rests and beats alternating with
each other. In poetry, the use of words, sounds or phrases create rhythmic patterns.

Visual Rhythm

This is the kind of rhythm that is created by the sense of sight rather than the sense of
hearing. This is observed in the repetition of positive spaces or ground and then separated by
negative spaces. Usually referred to as motifs, these are the units of elements that are repeated
in a pattern.

Pattern

Rhythm can be applied in the two or three dimensional space called patterns. In the
aspect of clothing design, most common examples of patterns are stripes that may be vertical or
horizontal.

Types of Rhythms and Patterns

Arranging the patterns can vary. Each variation may create a different personality of the
artwork.

A. Random

This is characterized by the lack of regularity in the spaces in between.

Photography on fallen leaves may leave random patterns. Buildings in a picture may not
necessarily be spaced regularly.

B. Regular

Opposite to random patterns, this is characterized by having identical beats, motifs

and intervals of space between them. This is best to use when you intend to project a
more organized pattern. Parking spaces in buildings are classic examples of patterns that
are regular in application.

C. Alternating
 This employs two types of beat or motive. First and second beats are usually
arranged in alternating distances or intervals. Its applications include flowing rhythms by
repeating wavy lines.

D. Progressive

This portrays change in beat every time it is repeated. Changes are steady, for each
beat it appears slightly different from each other. For example, progressively increase
the size of a shape from one end of the space to the other.

2. Balance

This is the principle of art by ensuring that all elements of art are accorded with equal
force. Through balance, arts tend to have a feeling of organization and proper arrangement. The
absence or lack of balance may project feelings of uneasiness and instability. Example, the
leaning Tower of Pisa is considered a danger zone and was required to be close for humans to
set foot in. Each element of an artwork carries weight and may create the kind of balance the
artists wants to portray.

Types of Balance

 Formal Balance

It is the most common type of balance producing art. Formal balance

demonstrates equal, rigor, strength or weight on each side regardless of the number of
elements found each side. Example, the choice of clothing that you wear may require it
to be symmetrical to create a balanced shape.

 Radial Balance

This is the type of balance where the design of the art piece radiates from the
central point and an outward direction. On example is a Mandala.

 Informal Balance

There are artist that choose to portray a more casual and less planned art. But
learning more on the intent would indicate a deeper meaning to their informal balance.
Rather, these artists have less conventional approaches by employing abstracted and
complex balance portrayal.

HOW TO PRESENT INFORMAL BALANCE IN ART

A. Size and Contour

Contour are also way of showing informal balance. Caricatures are examples of how
contours can emphasize unformal balance such as having big head over small body or a
big nose or big eyes in a small face.

B. Color
 To activate informal balance, emphasizing a specific colors may create this
expression. Example is the book cover of Fifty Shades of Grey of E.L. James that seek to
emphasize the grey elements of the book cover.

C. Value

Contrasting the value of objects and backgrounds can create informal balance. For
example, when you are tasked to create a certificate employing informal balance, you
may choose to have a blank sheet of paper with emphasized red slab on the left side
which carries heavier value.

D. Texture

Creating a rough text of pattern, highlights, or shadows creates informal balance.

This happens because of the details that a rough texture creates.

E. Position

In visual art, a large object near the dominant area of the work can be balanced by a
smaller object placed farther away from the dominant area. In this way, a large positive
shape and a small, negative space can be balanced against a small positive shape and a
large, negative shape.

3. Proportion

Proportion is the principle of art that is mostly concerned with how the size of an object
and some elements related to each other. Golden ratio, a perfect ratio, where a line is “a line
divided into two parts so that the smaller line has the same proportion, or ratio, to the larger
line as the larger line has to the whole line”. Golden Mean has been applied to human figures.

Scale

A scale refers to the relative size of an object measured from a standard reference. This
is different from the proportion in that the latter is a measurement relative to other elements of
space while the former is based on a standard measurement.

2 Types of Scale

Scale that is based on the work itself and the Scale of the objects and elements within
the design. For example, the Pyramids of Egypt are the first type of scale while the art forms and
pieces found within them are the second types of scale. Scales must be functional as well.

4. Variety, Emphasis, Harmony, and Unity

Variety
The principle of art that reeds interest to the viewers or audience. To establish effective
variety, the artist must maximize the application of differences and contrasts. Integrating
different elements and applying the different principles provides a sense of variety.
Emphasis

Improves the variety by creating different levels of emphasis to draw areas that may
draw the audience’s attention. The subjects are given more intensity in color, more definition in
contours and outlines.

2 Types of Visual Emphasis

1. Emphasizing Elements

The element of art is deemed to be more important while subordinating the other
elements. One art uses mostly pencil in sketching may signify the artist’s intention to
show his sketching capabilities.

2. Emphasizing Area

The artwork’s focal point is an emphasized area. Superior to other areas, it is

expected to carry the viewers’ attention to that area. Some artists may not even have a
focal point or emphasized area such that the whole space is the full focal point.

Techniques in Emphasis

A. Contrast

This can be done through contrasting hues, intensity, and the value of colors. In
terms of lines, heavy shading, and cross-hatching are ways of emphasizing the subject or
area.

B. Isolation

This is a process of providing a mechanism for the subject to be isolated from other
elements.

C. Location

The center of the space is mostly considered the focal point of most artworks. Most
subjects or objects can be placed in the middle to create emphasis.

D. Convergence

This is a more complex technique that utilizes the elements to point in the direction
of a focal point. The process of convergence directs the viewers using elements to
converge at a focal point.

E. Unusual
The most complex of the approaches is the use of unconventional mechanisms.

Harmony

The principle that facilitates the process of unity by recognizing the importance of
separate elements and objects but are somehow related to each other. In visual harmony,
these elements are made to relate with each other creating pleasant visuals.
 Unity

It is the wholeness or oneness of the artwork. Elements and some principles of art will
cease to become meaningful if they do not unite with the rest of the whole art piece. The lack of
unity in art is a hodge-podge art. It does not convey cohesiveness. It will lack meaning and will
lose its artistic value.

To create unity, these are some considerations you can adopt:

A. Simplicity

Choosing to employ variety is a critical period in the planning phase of art. Too many
uses of variety can be bad in art form. Edit and limit the qualities that need to be shown
as only deemed appropriate to the subject and content.

B. Repetition
Repetition has always been used to create a united space.
C. Proximity
Limiting negative space creates a convergence of objects. Convergence could mean
unity since you limit the ability of negative space to create distance.

III. Summary

Languages of Art: Elements and Principle of Design tackles about the elements and
principles found and applied within a piece of artwork. There are 6 elements of art namely;
line, shape, form, space, color, and texture. While there are four principles of design which
are rhythm, pattern and movement, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis, harmony, and
Unity. Understanding this lesson will help us analyze the expressive characteristics and
interpretations of the different applications of the elements in works of art. Also, learning
this will help us utilize principles of artwork in the creation and understanding of art as a
whole.

History of Art and Its various Planes chapter is mainly about the evolution of art
throughout eras and the different planes to be used when analyzing an artwork. It discussed
33 architectural eras which some of those are : Prehistoric, Mesopotamia, Greek, Baroque,
Rococo, Victorian, Art Deco, Brutalist, Expressionist, Blobism, Futuristic; Also tackling the
different prevailing issues of the different art periods which are: The Prehistoric Period, The
Ancient Period, The Medieval Period, The Modern Period, and the Post Modern Period.
Additionally, it discussed about the 9 types of Abstract art and the 3 types of Installation art.
The chapter ended with the 4 Planes of Analysis according to Guillermo(2000), this part is
the core of this chapter since this is the application of the preceding topics which are
needed in order for us to understand how these planes of analysis will help us in critiquing
art works.