ELEMENTS of ART

1. Line – the most basic of all the elements. Line, in terms of art is a moving dot. A line is a visible
path traced by a moving point. They can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, straight or curved, thick or
thin.
2. Shape – these are figures which define objects in a space. In terms of art, shape is a closed
contour, or a defined area. Circles, triangles, and squares are common examples of shapes.
3. Form - refers to objects that are 3-Dimesional, or have length, width, and height.
4. Value – it is the relative degree of lightness or darkness in anything that is visible. It gives an
impression of solidity, distance, and depth.
5. Color – it is the product of light reflected off objects. We see different colors because of light’s
various intrinsic qualities, specifically, because of its different wavelengths.
6. Texture – refers to surface characteristics. Texture refers to the way something feels to the touch
or looks as it may feel if it were touched.
7. Space – refers to the area in which an artist arranges elements in a composition. Space can be two-
dimensional (2D) such as in painting and photography, or three dimensional (3D), such as in
sculpture and installations.
PRINCIPLES of ART
1. Balance – the idea of visual equilibrium which gives an impression of stability or instability.
2. Proportion or Scale – refers to the size relationships of one part to another, and of the parts to the
whole.
3. Rhythm – or movement, is a visual rhythm is characterized by the repetition or alternation of
elements.
4. Emphasis and subordination – an emphasis is the focal point that rests on the subordinate space
and easily attracts the attention of the viewer.
5. Unity – sometimes called Harmony, refers to the coherence of the elements of a work to the
whole.
6. Variety – the use of differences and change to increase the visual interest of the work.

Example of photo applying elements and principles of art:

(Ranada 2013)
The photo at the right side is one of the
masterpieces of George Tapan. The photo
applies space, color, value, and texture
element. As you observed, the person at the
center is bigger in size and more detailed
than the person at the left side, and so we
can infer that the person at the center is
nearer than the person at the left – this
creates the illusion of space. Some of the
stones are darker in color and some of them
are lighter, thus, this applied the illusion of
light or value. Speaking of stones, we
inferred that those are stones because of its
figure, color, and visually rough and solid
appearance; and so, the photo applied the texture element. Moreover, the photo used shades of blue
and green color – which are considered as cool color as far as hue is concern. With this function of
color, this gives the impression of distance and depth.
With regards to the principles of art, the photo applies balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and
subordination. Looking back at the photo above, the person at the center adds a visual weight which
gives the photo with the illusion of approximate symmetrical balance in relation to its space. The
person at the center and at the left side stress the size relationship to the background. This made the
photo more realistic, thus, proportion principle is utilized. To emphasize the movement of the clouds,
the photo is partially using the rhythm principle. Lastly, the person at the center serves as the main
character of the photo or the focal point of the story which concludes the used of emphasis and
subordination effect – being the background as the subordinate.

Direction: Read the questions below and answer each one briefly. Write your answer on the attached
answer sheet. (5 points each)
1. In your own understanding, what is/are the difference/s between the elements of art and principles
of art?
2. What is the significant role of the element and principle of art in an artwork?