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transmitted in any form or means, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording
or otherwise without permission of the Curriculum Development and Advisory Unit.

Issued free to schools by the Ministry of Education.

First Edition 2011.

© Ministry of Education, Heritage & Arts, Fiji, 2011.

Published by:
Curriculum Development and Advisory Services
Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts
Waisomo House
Private Mail Bag
Suva
Fiji.
Published in 2011

© Copyright 2011 Ministry of Education,

Education. Republic
All rightsofreserved. No partAll
the Fiji Islands of
this
rights
publication
reserved. may
No part
be reproduced,
of this publication
stored orma
transmitted
y be reproduced,
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or
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transmitted
of electronic,
in any mechanical,
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of the publisher.

Elements of Art 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This generic resource had been compiled and illustrated by Senior Education
Officer – Art & Craft, Mr. Waisake Tuicakau of the Curriculum Development
and Advisory Services, Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Art and
Craft Workgroup.

I would like to thank the teachers who helped with suggestions and all of
whom offered so much help and expertise in the production of this book.
Without their combined help, this book would not have been completed.

2 Elements of Art
CONTENT
CONTENT
Introduction 4

Elements of Art 5

Colours 6

Lines 20

Shapes 25

Forms 30

Value 33

Texture 38

Summary 41

References 44

Elements of Art 3
Introduction
Introduction
This book offers a supplementary reference to the teaching of Visual Arts in
primary and secondary schools. It contains the Elements of Art and how it can
make an impact on an artwork.

Like many concepts in Visual Arts, elements of art can be taught through the
introduction of certain concepts and procedures. These procedures can be
varied and taught in many different ways and will always produce an outcome.

The basic information and activities in this book are sufficient for the user to
start with visual arts. The main aim is to enlighten and empower the user to be
better informed about the elements of art and also to use it effectively to create
an artwork.

Teachers that will be using this resource are at a liberty to extend on the
information and activities contained here.

We hope that this book will facilitate teaching and learning of visual art and
enable the attainment of a number of achievement indicators in the Syllabi.

4 Elements of Art
Elements of Art
Art
The Elements of Art are the language of the visual arts. They are used to create
and discuss the work of art. The elements of art are the basic visual symbols
found in the work such as lines, shape, form, space, point, light, motion,
direction, scale, dimension, texture and colour. This book focuses on the
common elements that are most relevant to two and three dimensional art work.

Elements of art are the most basic visible things in an artwork. It is an element
if it is visible and there is nothing more simple or basic to define it.

One element may simply appear to be more dominant in a specific work of art.
In practice, every art work uses a combination of elements, for example, colour
and value are very different elements, but they always exist in combination with
each other.

Art is about creating a product that has a distinctive look or feel about it. Art is
everywhere. It is the organised arrangement of one or more elements (for
example line, colour or texture) for a purpose. It is simply an idea about a
functional object. Different artists have different ideas so the artwork they
create do not look the same. For example, look at the mobile phones or wrist
watches around you. How many designs can you see?

All the component outcomes and suggested activities in the visual art syllabi
are based on Elements of Art.

This booklet focuses on these six elements:

1. Colour
2. Line
3. Shape
4. Form
5. Value
6. Texture

These elements are the main components or building blocks for art and craft.

Elements of Art 5
1. COLOURS

Colour is a visual sensation produced by light.

It is probably the most powerful and exciting element of art that as artist can
use. It is also a dominant tool which can set mood, feeling and attracts
attention.

Colour is one of the first thing that people notice about an artwork. This is why
the choice of colours are important when artists are creating an artwork. They
often work with specific groups of colours based on the colour wheel.

We associate particular colours with particular products or situations. For

example, black and silver are often used for hi - tech products such as digital
cameras. Products for babies and young children such as toys usually have
bright colours. White is used for many kitchen appliances and bathroom
products.

In order to use colour effectively, one need to know a little about the basic
colour concept.

Psychology of Colours
Colours have always been significant as they are associated with moods and
feelings. They have strong psychological effects on human beings.

Psychology of colours refer to the effect of colours on human mood and

behavior. Even the colours of the environment affect our behavior and mood.
Take for instance, the appearance of colourful flowers immediately liven up
our mood, but when dark clouds surround us, we are unconsciously drawn in
and tend to hide away.

The perceptions of colours are somewhat subjective as there are some colour
effects that have universal meaning. For example, red is usually associated with
blood, black with death and white with purity.

Colours can be classified as either warm or cool.

Warm colours include red, orange and yellow. These colours evoke emotions
ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility.
These colours are associated with fire and sun.

Elements of Art
Cool colours include purple, blue and green and they are often described as
calm, but also promotes feelings of sadness.

Colours affect our moods, emotions and words. The following words are often
used to describe the way colour is used in art work; natural, harmonious,
expressive, symbolic, warm, cool, bold, dramatic, restricted, dominant and
contrasting. This psychology of colour and feeling helps the artists to convey
meaning in their work. It would also portray the difference between a beautiful
picture and a work of art which is connected with the deeper meanings.
Listed below are primary and secondary colours and what they are associated
with;

o Red: is associated with warmth, strength, aggressiveness, fiery, flight,

danger, passion, love and energy. Red clothing gets easily noticed and
makes the wearer appear heavier. It is commonly used to stimulate the
appetite, thus making it a perfect choice for dining rooms. It also
indicates STOP for vehicles on the traffic lights.

o Yellow:
Yellow: is normally associated with sunshine, energy, creativity and
friendliness. It is an inviting colour that stimulates the mind and
attracts attention. It is best used for kitchens and dining rooms.

o Blue: is associated with cool, soothing, loyalty, calmness, authority and

coldness. The colour is believed to keep hunger at bay. It is best used for
bathrooms and bedrooms. Blue objects do not appear to be close to us as the red
ones. It is the most popular colour and even fashion consultants recommend
wearing blue to job interviews as it symbolizes loyalty.

o Orange: is associated with warmth, sunset, rich and supposed to be

an aid to digestion. It is best used for dining and living rooms. Be aware that
orange can make a room look smaller, thus use it in a room with lots of natural
light.

o Green: is associated with cool, nature, security, stability, balance and

harmony. It is known to aid concentration, thus making it a good colour for
the offices, study areas, bathrooms and hospitals as it helps the patients to relax.
It is currently the most popular decorating colour. It also indicates GO for
vehicles on traffic lights.

o Violet: is associated with cool, spiritual, joy, wealth, fertility, royalty

and luxurious. It can be overpowering, feminine, romantic and is best used for
bedrooms. Because it is rare in nature it can appear artificial.

Elements of Art 7
Properties of Colour
Colour has three properties. They are;

1. hue
hue;
2. intensity
intensityororsaturation
saturation; and
3. value.
value.

colour you
To understand colour, you must
must understand
understand how
how these
these three properties relate
to eachtoother.
relate each other.

Hue
Hue is
is the
thename
nameofofaacolour
colour(blue,
(blue,green,
green,brown
brownetc).
etc.).
TheIt hue
is theis first
the first
thought
thought
you have
have when
whensomeone
someoneasksasksyou
youabout
aboutthethe
colour
colour
of of
youryournewnew shirt,
shirt,
coatcoat
or or
table. The shirt is blue or the coat is green or the table is brown.

Intensity
Intensity isisthe
thequality
qualityofofbrightness
brightness or or
dullness
dullnessof colour.
of colour. ForFor
anyanygiven
given
hue an
hue,
infinite an
variation
infiniteinvariation
intensityinorintensity
purity isoravailable.
purity is available.
This propertyThis should
property not be
should
confusednotwith
be confused
value. A colour
with value.
has high
A colour
intensity
has if
high
it isintensity
bright. Aifhue
it is that
bright.
is dull,
A
hue
faintthat
or almost
is dull,neutral
faint orhas
almost
low neutral
intensity.
hasInlow
other
intensity.
words strong
In otherbright
wordshuesstrong
have
high intensity
bright hues have or high
brightness whereas
intensity faint, dull
or brightness or almost
whereas faint,neutral
dull orhues
almosthave low
intensity.
neutral hues have low intensity.

Value is concerned with the light and dark properties

properties of
of colour. It isisthe
thedegree
degree
of lightness and darkness of of aa colour.
colour.Add black
We can orblack
add whiteortowhite
a hue to
to aobtain
hue invalue.
Valuetomay
order exist
obtain in the
value. absence
Value of colour,
may exist for exaofmp
in the absence l e for
colour, as in drawings,
example, as
woodcuts,
in drawings,lithographs,
woodcuts,photographs, sculpture or sculpture
lithographs, photographs, architecture. Black, gray and
or architecture.
white are
Black, values
grey without
and white arecolours.
values without colours.

These properties
propertiesare areinterdependent.
interdependent. It is
It important
is important
that twehaaret able
we to are able to
differentiate between the the three
threeproperties.
properties.TheyTheyare
areneeded
neededtotoaccurately
accuratelydescribe
a colour. aFor
describe example,
colour. to just saytoyou
For example, justwant
say youbluewant
has many possible
blue has many choices.
possibleDoes
it mean you
choices. Doesneed a greenish
it mean bluea or
you need a moreblue
greenish violet
or blue
a more(hue)?
violetIsblue
it a (hue)?
bright blue
Is
it
oraabright blue(intensity)?
dull blue or a dull blue
Do (intensity)?
you want a Do lightyou
bluewant
or aadark
lightblue
blue(value)?
or a dark blue
(value)?

8 Elements of Art
Colour Theory
It is a set of ofconcept
conceptused
usedtotocreate
createcolour
colourmixing
mixingand andthethe
visual impacts
visual of of
impacts
specific
s p e c i f icolour combinations.
c colour The relationship
combinations. The r e l a tini ocolour
ns h ipcan
in be visually
c ol o ur s can be
presented in a colour
visually presented inwheel. Therefore,
a colour the colour the
wheel. Therefore wheel is a visual
colour wheel is a visual
representation of colour theory.

Colour theory pays attention only to the hue component and it does not take tints,
shades and tones into account.

Primary Colours
These are 3 basic colours from which all other colours are made. The colours are
are
Red,Red, Yellow
Yellow and and
BlueBlue (RYB).
(RYB). All other
All other colours
colours are made
are made fromfrom combining
combining these
these three colours.
three colours. This isThis
whyisthey
whyare
they are called
called primary
primary colours.
colours.

Almost all the colours you

that will
you will
wantrequire
to use can
to use
be can
mixed
be mixed
from the
from
three
theprimary
three
primary
colours. colours.
When you When
mixyou
twomix
primary
two primary
colours
colours
of equal
of equal
amounts,
amounts,
you
youget
willa
get
secondary
a secondary
colour.
colour.

Primary colours are useful

useful for
for designs
designsororart
artthat
thatneeds
needstotohave
havea asense
senseofofurgency.
urgency.
They areThey
the most
are the
vivid
most
colours
intense
when
colours
placed
whennext
placed
to each
nextother,
to eachwhich
other,
is why
which
you willis why
noticeyouthat
will
most
notice
fastthat
food
most
outlets
fast food
use outlets
primaryusecolours
primary in colours
their logos,
in
their
as it evokes
logos, as
speed
it evokes
and attracts
speed and
attention.
attracts attention.

Red Blue

Figure 1:
Primary colours

Elements of Art 9
Secondary Colours
These are colours formed by mixing equal amounts of primary colours. The
three secondary colours are Green, Violet/Purple
Green, Violet/ Purpleand
andOrange.
Orange.

Secondary colours are usually more interesting than primary colours, but they
do not evoke speed and urgency.

Yellow Blue Green

Figure 2: Green is obtained by mixing equal amounts of Yellow and Blue

Red Blue Violet

Figure 3: Violet is obtained by mixing equal amounts of Red and Blue

Red Yellow Orange

Figure 4: Orange is obtained by mixing equal amounts of Red and Yellow

10 Elements of Art
 Tertiary Colours
These
These are colours
are colours formed
formed by mixing
by mixing equala amount
primaryofand a secondary
a primary and acolour. Thatcolour.
secondary is
Thatwhy the the
is why huehue
(name
(nameof the colour)
of the is is
colour) a two
a twoword
wordname
namelike
likeyellow
yelloworange,
orange,red
red
orange,
orange, red red violet,
violet, blueblue violet,
violet, blueblue green
green andand yellow
yellow green.
green.

Tertiary
Tertiary colours
colours are called
are also also called intermediate
intermediate colours.colours. There
There can can becombinations
be endless endless
combinations of tertiary colours, depending on
of tertiary colours, depending on how they are mixed. how they are mixed.

Orange Yellow Orange

Figure 5: Yellow- orange is obtained by mixing Yellow and Orange

Red Violet Red violet

Figure 6: Red-violet is obtained by mixing Red and Violet

Red Orange Red orange

Figure 7: Red- orange is obtained by mixing Red and Orange

Elements of Art 11
 Blue Violet Blue violet

Figure 8: Blue -violet is obtained by mixing Blue and Violet

Blue Green Blue green

Figure 9: Blue - green is obtained by mixing Blue and Green

Yellow Green Yellow green

Figure 10: Yellow - green is the result of mixing Yellow and Green

Colour Wheel

A colour
colourwheel
wheelor or
colour circle
colour is a circular
circle formation
is a circular which shows
formation whichthe
shows the
relationship between the primary and secondary colours.

The first
first circular
circularcolour
colourdiagram
diagramwas
wasdesigned
designed
byby
SirSir
Isaac
Isaac
Newton
Newton
in 1666.
in 1666.
Many variations of the basic design have been been made
made over
over the
the years.
years. However
However,the
the
mostmost common
common version
version is a is a wheel
wheel of twelve
of twelve colours
colours based
based on primary
on the the primary
colours
colours
placed evenly
that arearound
placedaevenly
circle. around a circle.

The colour wheel

wheel isis useful
useful because
becauseititshows
showsthe
therelationship
relationshipbetween
betweenwarm warm
and cool colours. This is called colour
colour temperature
temperature and
and relates
relates to
to the
thesense
senseof
of temperature
temperature each
each colour
colour imparts.
imparts.

12 Elements of Art
The construction of the colour wheel is quite simple. The 12 part colour wheel
is constructed by positioning primary hues in equidistant from one another and
then create a bridge between primary hues using secondary and tertiary colours.

The secondary colours are the mixtures of two primary colours (in equal
amounts) are placed between the three primary colours. The tertiary colours fall
between each primary and secondary colours. Between yellow and orange, for
example, is yellow orange, and between blue and violet is blue violet and so on.

The colour wheel as illustrated below is also based on the colours of the
rainbow.

Figure 11: A sample 12 part colour wheel showing the relationship in colours

Elements of Art 13
The Neutral
neutral colours
Colours(grey,
(grey,brown,
brown,silver,
silver,white
whiteand
and black)
black) are
are not on most colour
wheels, but they are considered neutral because they do not contrast
contrastwith
withmuch
much
of anything. They are dull and uneventful. Grey is 50% black and 50% white.

Warm and Cool Colours

Some colours are considered warm colours while

while others
others are
are cool
cool colours. Warm
colours seem to advance towards the viewer
viewer while
whilecool
coolcolours
coloursseem
seemtotorecede
recede
from the viewer.

Warm colours are vivid

vivid and
and energetic
energeticand
andtend
tendtotoadvance
advanceininspace.
space.Colours
Colourssuch
such
as red,
as yellow
red, yellow
and orange
and orange
are are
considered
considered
warm
warmcolours
colours
as as
they
they
remind
remindususof
of warm
warm things
things likelike
thethe
sunsun
andand fire.
fire.

Cool colours
colours give
giveand
andcreate
createa soothing
a soothingimpression
impression andand
theythey
tendtend
to recede.
to recede.
Colours such
such as
as green,
green,violet
violetand
andblue
blueare
areconsidered
considered as as
cool
cool
colours
colours
because
because
they remind us of cool
warmthings
thingslike
likewater,
water,grass
grassororsky.
sky.

The colour wheel can be divided into warm and cool cool colours.
colours. Cool
Cool colours
coloursare
are
on the left side of the
the colour
colour wheel
wheel indicated
as indicated
by the
by the
blueblue
arrow
arrow
andwhile
warmthecolours
warm
are on colours
the left are
handonside
the indicated
right handby
side
thewhich
red arrow.
is indicated by the red arrow.

Figure 12: The colour

wheel being divided into
warm and cool colours

14 Elements of Art
Complementary Colours

These are colours directly opposite ea to each otherononthe

c h other thecolour
colour wheel.
wheel. They
They are
are
alsoalso known
known as contrasting
as contrasting colours.
colours. RedRed contrasts
contrasts withwith Green,
Green, BlueBlue
withwith
Orange,
Orange,
and Purpleandwith
Purple with Although
Yellow. Yellow. Although they are
they are called called complementary
complementary colours do not
colours, theyfool
let the name do not letthey
you, the name
rarelyfool
lookyou,
goodas they
whenrarely
usedlook goodThey
together. whenbecome
used
together.
extremelyThey become
vibrant extremely
and have heavyvibrant and
contrast haveused
when heavy contrastThey
together. whenareused
useful
together.
when youTheywantare usefulsomething
to make when you stand
want to make something stand out.
out.

Figure 13: Complimentary colours are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel

Analogue Colours

These colours are right next to each other on the colour

colour wheel.
wheel. ItIt involves
involvestwo
two
to four neighboring colours.
colours. Examples
Examplesarearered
redand
andorange,
orange,green
greenand andblue.
blue.They
usually
They matchmatch
usually extremely well and
extremely wellare
andvery
are good for designs
very good and artwork
for designs where
and artwork
you want
where youviewers to feel comfortable.
want viewers to feel comfortable.

Elements of Art 15
 red

purple

orange

blue

yellow

green

Figure 14: Analogue colour scheme

Triadic Colour

This colour
colour scheme
schemeusesusesany
anythree colours
three equally
colours spaced
equally spacedaround the colour
around the colour
wheel. This
This scheme
schemeisispopular
popularamong
amongartists because
artists because it offers strong
it offers visual
strong visual
contrast while retaining harmony and colour richness.
richness. The
The triadic
triadic scheme isisnot
not
as contrasting as the complementary scheme, but it looks more balanced
contrasting as the complementary scheme, but it looks more balanced and and
harmonious.

yellow

Figure 15: Triadic Colours

16 Elements of Art
Split Complementary
Split ComplementaryColour
Colour

This colour scheme is a variation of the standard complementary scheme. It

uses a colour and the two colours adjacent to its complementary. This provides
high contrast without the strong tension of the complementary scheme. For
example, Yellow and Purple ± Red Purple and Blue Purple.

red

red
purple

purple

orange

orange

blue

blue

yellow
green

green

Figure 16: Split Complementary Colours

Making Colours Lighter or Darker

Any colour can be made darker by adding small amounts of black to it. This
variations of using black is called shades of colour. Colours can be made
lighter by adding a small amount of white. Variations using white are called
tints of colour. The use of black to mix with a colour to make it darker is called
shade. The opposite of shade is tint.

Colour have meanings. It can be an emotional one or it can be a personal

preference on the part of the artist himself, but it always has purpose behind it.
Remember, there is nothing wrong with choosing a colour of your choice in
your art work. However, the proper use of basic colour theory can help you
decide what colours match, as well as what each colour makes people how they
feel.

Elements of Art 17
If you are still not sure of what colours to use, always refer to nature as it
provides a perfect colour scheme as illustrated in the pictures below.

18 Elements of Art
ACTIVITY
1. Collect
Collectand
anddisplay
displayexamples
examplesofofadvertisements
advertisementswhich
whichset
setmood
moodby
by their
their
use of colour.
2. Explain
Explainprimary
primaryandandsecondary
secondary colours
colours
using
using
a colour
a colour
wheel.
wheel.
Have the
students experiment with creating secondary colours with finger-paints.
3. Draw and paint a colour wheel, using only the three primary colours.
3. Draw and paint a colour wheel, using only the three primary colours.
4. Observe the colours in nature. Try to mix and match the colours you find.
4. Make
Decide
a close
how observation
you could use of them
colours
in an
in nature.
artwork.Try
Try
tosome
mix and
quick
match
sketches
the
by
colours
usingyou
thefind.
mixed Decide
colours
how andyou
then
could
use use
themthem
on ainsuitable
an artwork.
topic Try
in an
artwork.
some quick sketches using the mixed colours and then use them on a
suitable topic in an artwork.
5. The best way to find out exactly what happens when you mix various
5. The
colours
best way
is to to
tryfind
them outyourselves.
exactly what Tryhappens
some other
whencombinations
you mix various
and
record
coloursthem
together
in your
is tobook.
try them
Youyourselves.
could use aTrycombination
some other ofcombinations
complimentary
and record themcolours
in yourorbook.
warm You
andcould
cool make
colours,
mixes
e.g. of
warm
complimentary
yellow with
cool
colours
blue.
or warm and cool colours, eg warm yellow with cool blue.
6. Look
Lookthrough
throughsome
somemagazines
magazinesforforpictures
picturesandandobjects
objectswhich
whichareareofofthe
the
same colour, for example blue. Compare the various shades of blue that you
you
find.find.
Try to
Trymix
to mix
and match
and match
similar
similar
colours
colours
in a picture
in a picture
of anofappropriate
an
appropriate
topic. Cut your
topic.
blue
Cutsamples
your blue
intosamples
differentinto
shapes
different
and design
shapesan and design
an
interesting
interesting
arrangement
arrangementonto
anda sheet
paste of
it on
paper
a sheet
(white
of paper
or coloured).
(white or
coloured).
Alternatively,
Alternatively,
you could use
youthecould
glued
useshapes
the glued
as the
shapes
basisasofthe
an basis
artworkof an
artwork
and paintand
overpaint
or around
over orthem.
around them.
7. Study
Study a painting.
a painting. When
When you
you looklook
at ata apiece
pieceofofart
art,where
state where
does does
your your
eye
eye go first?
go first? Why? Why?
DoesDoes the artist
the artist use colour
use colour to create
to create a mood,
a mood, to make
to render his
his
subjects
subjects
natural
natural
or artificial
or artificial,
to show
or tocontrast
show contrast
or to highlight
or to highlight
an area?an
area? Does
Does the the colour
colour show show relationships
relationships (for example,
(for example, bluishbluish
hills hills
recederecede
to
to
thethe
background)?
background)? Find
Find
thethe
light
light
andanddarkdark
areas
areas
(values).
(values).DoDo youyouseesee
strong lighting with high contrast or oraagentle,
gentle,soft,
soft,perhaps
perhapsflatflat
light
light
with
few
withorfewnoorshadows? WhatWhat
no shadows? moodmood do you dosense from from
you sense the lighting? Is it is
the lighting,
peaceful or violent?
t ha t i s peaceful, violent? Does light take on a purposeful direction?
8. Colours
Coloursareareused
usedbybyartist
artistto
tosuggest
suggest particular feelings
feelings and andinemotions
emotions their
in their artworks.
artwork. What colours
List the colours that areare usually
usually associated
associated with;
with; anger,
anger, warmth,
warmth,
hate, hate, sickness,
sickness, danger,
danger, cold, cold,
fright, fright,
and and happiness.
happiness.
9. Draw
9. Drawan
anillustration
illustrationofofcolour wheel
a colour using
wheel onlyonly
using ‘warm’
warmor ‘cool’
or cool colours.
colours.

Elements of Art 19
2. LINES

Line is the most common element used in art. art. ItIt isisimportant
importantininboth twotwo
both andand
three dimensional
dimensional work.
works.AAline is usually
line thought
is usually thought of asof aaslong, narrow
a long, markmark
narrow
made on aa surface
surface such
suchasaspaper,
paper,cardboard,
cardboard,fabric
fabricand o r canvas.
canvas.

Lines are created on paper with a drawing instrument ssuch u chasasapencil,

pencil, pen, and
crayon or it can be a broad stroke
stroke on
onaacanvas
canvasmade
madewithwith
a large
a largebrush.
brush.It Itmay
may
be the meeting edge
edge between
betweenshapes
shapesororititmight
mightdivide
dividespace.
space.ItItcan
candefine
definea shape
a
(outline),
shape indicate
(outline), mood,mood,
indicate and create
createa pattern,
a pattern,texture and tone.
and texture and tone.

Every line has

has thickness,
thickness, direction
directionand
andrhythm.
rhythm.TheyTheyareareused
usedtotocreate
createtexture
texture
and contour. They have also been repeated
repeated to
to form
form patterns
patterns and
andmovement.
movement.They
indicate
They position,
indicate direction
position, and sometimes
direction other other
and sometimes information.
information.

The varieties of lines can affect your feelings towards an artwork. They are used
used to describe
to describe emotion
emotion or thought.
or thought. We
We see seearound
it all it all around us look
us as we as weatlook
trees,atfields,
trees,
fields,
a road or a road
going off going off to aor
to a distance distance or the horizon.
the horizon.

Movement and anddirection,

direction, e n er
energy andgrestfulness
y and restfulness can through
can be depicted be depicted
the uset
of
h rline,
o u gwhich
h the isuse
often
of line,
usedwhich
to lead
is the
often
eyeused
to the
to lead
mainthe
subject
eye tointhe
an main
artwork.
subject
in an artwork.
The following diagram shows some types of lines and what they are associated
The following diagram shows some types of lines and what they are associated
with;
with; Vertical Lines Horizontal lines

Straight up, down, height, Laying down, relaxed, passive,

authority, strength, stiffness. and motionless

Figure 17: Vertical lines Figure 18: Horizontal lines

20 Elements of Art
 Diagonal lines Zigzag lines

Figure 19: Diagonal lines Figure 20: Zigzag lines

Curved Lines Wavy lines

Figure 21: Curved Lines Figure 22: Wavy Lines

Lines are used to create or form the objects which which are
are the
the subject
subject of
of the
the artwork.
artwork.
It is usedItinis an
used in an artwork
artwork to showtotheshow theof
shape shape
the of the objects,
objects, to make
to make themthem
look
look
solid solid
or to or
showto show details
details on theonsurface.
the surface.

There are
are different
many different
kinds ofkinds
lines which
of lines
canwhich
be used
canforbedifferent
used forpurposes.
just as many
Lines
different
canpurposes.
be straightLines
or curved
can beandstraight
varies inorwidth,
curvedsize,
andlength
variesand
in colour,
width, can
size,
include
length and
actual,
colour,
implied,
can include
vertical,
actual,
horizontal,
implied,diagonal
vertical,and
horizontal,
contour lines.
diagonal and
contour lines.

Elements of Art 21
21
Remember anytime you put pen or pencil to paper to make a drawing, you will
be using line to express yourself. Look at the various types of lines that are used
for images below.

Figure 23: Images

images above are created using various types of lines

22 Elements of Art
ACTIVITY

1. Draw as many types of lines as possible in your book and label them.
For example, squared line.

2. Using lines, draw a random pattern that imply movement.

3. Study a drawing or painting. Identify and explain the different ways

line has been used in that particular artwork.

4. Draw a random line without removing the drawing instrument from

the paper.

5. In only one minute, draw a face without lifting the drawing

instrument from the paper.

6. Draw a simple standing stick figure.

7. Use lines to draw the contour of a leaf.

8. Draw a ‘recognizable’ shape without removing the drawing instrument from the
paper.

9. Use lines to create simple picture like the samples in Figure 23.

10. Use lines to show a road and a bridge over a river. Decorate your
drawing using line patterns to make attractive.

11. Start with a dot and make a dotted line, straight line, etc. See how
many types of lines the students can come up with. Have the students
draw each type of line:
a) dotted b) straight c) vertical d) diagonal
e) spiral f) wavy g) zig zag h) horizontal

Elements of Art 23
12. Draw five boxes on the paper provided. Provide different writing
medium for the students to use; markers, crayons, colored pencils,
paint and paintbrushes. Students are to draw different type of line in
each of the five boxes. Label the lines with a title that rightly
describes it, for example; zig zag, mountain, wavy star, zigzag road
or straight and narrow house.

13. Use different types of lines to create an animal of your choice.

24 Elements of Art
3. SHAPE

Shapes can be created by lines or by colour. Shapes that are flat have two
dimensions (2D), that is length and width. The various shapes create different
effects in an artwork.

Length

Width
Figure 24: For example, a square is a simple shape with length
and width.

Some shapes may be enclosed by a line while some lacking definite forms like
clouds. The three simple and basic shapes are square, triangle and circle.

Some shapes are referred to as symbolic shapes since they suggest or represent
religion, beliefs and traditions. Shapes may also be symmetrical (can be folded
or divided equally) or asymmetrical.

Shapes can also be categorised as geometric or organic.

Geometric shapes tend to be precise, look strong, regular and permanent

such as a circle, triangle, square or rectangle (man-made). They can be drawn
with drawing instruments like compass or ruler and are often symmetrical.

Elements of Art 25
Below are examples of geometric shapes.

Organic or natural shapes (such as animals and plants) are irregular, usually
rounded or curved and seem more relaxed than geometric shapes. They often
suggest feeling of growth, flowing movement and living organisms. They are
the basic shapes we see in nature.

Here are some samples of organic shapes

26 Elements of Art
As with line, the decisions you make concerning shapes are important. The
shapes of the object that you create or place in your images are positive shapes.
The spaces around these shapes are the negative spaces. It is just as important to
be attentive to the negative space as the positive shapes.

We can draw anything by placing different shapes in different positions or

combining them. This is also a good way to explore ideas for new shapes. Look
at the samples below and identify the simple shapes that make up each image.
Can you create other images by using organic or geometric shapes?

S
Shapes
hahappescan
canalso
alsobebe
use
used
usedto
d create
to crea
eat
images.
te im
imagagees.

Elements of $UW
(OHPHQWV RI Art 27
 Figure 25: Using circles to construct fruits

Figure 26: Using circles to create these two objects

Figure 27: Using ovals to draw leaf

28 Elements of Art
ACTIVITY

1. Identify and
basicdraw some
shapes basic
from shapes
their from their environment.
environment.

2. shapes
Explain the properties of basic shapes.

3. Study your environment and draw:

a. four
4 geometric
(4) geometric
shapesshapes; and
b. 4 for(4)
four organic shapes
organic shapes.

4. Construct 4 realistic images from the following basic shapes;

a. Circles
b. Squares
c. Triangle

5. Glue shapes
Paste different
onto
shapes
construction
onto a large
paper
paper
to make
to make
a design
a design
or a or
pattern
a pattern.

6. Draw freehand shapes using crayon or markers

markers.

7. Use
Using
circles
circles
to draw
draw funny
a funny
face
face
or or
a funny
an animal.
animal

8. Draw
Turn an
shapes
objectofupside
different
downsizes
andondraw
paper
it.and try to overlap some of them.

9. Construct
Draw shapes
flowers
of different
from circles.
sizes on paper. Overlap some of them

10. Construct
Think of many
flowers
realistic
from circles
objects that take the form of an oval shape,
such as leaves, birds and shells. Use the oval shape as your guide and
draw the
11. Think images.
of many realistic objects that take the form of an oval such as
leaves, birds and shells. Use the ovals as your guide, draw these
images.

Elements of Art 29
4. FORMS

Forms are created from shapes. They are shape that has a thickness or depth.
Forms are three dimensional (3D), which has the length, width and depth
contributes to the third dimension. Forms can be described as either geometric
or organic in appearance.

height

wiidt h

Figure 28: A block is a form having length, width and depth

Like shapes, geometric forms are regular and mostly symmetrical. A cone,
cylinder, rectangular block and a sphere are examples shown below.

Figure 29: Examples of geometric forms – cone, cylinder, rectangular box, and a sphere

30 Elements of Art
Like lines, forms are used to create objects in an artwork. It is also widely used
in artwork and as designs in buildings around us. The process of drawing is
made easier when you first draw your subjects as assemblies made up of simple
geometric shapes. This technique will also help you to check angles and
measure proportions.

Everything you see in nature, whether man made or organic can be described
with geometrical shapes. Therefore the building blocks can come in the form of
cones, cubes, block, cylinders, spheres, and so on.

See the image below and try to identify the shapes that make it up and then
realistically get them down on paper.

The horse has been constructed with cylinders, blocks and rhombus.

Remember that most objects are made of more than one geometric shape. For
example, you can think of a person’s limbs as a series of cylinders strung
together. The choice is yours to choose whatever shape you find more natural.

Elements of Art 31
ACTIVITY
1.
1. Discuss differences
Briefly discuss betweenbetween
differences 2D and2D
3Dand
shapes.
3D (or shape and form)

2.
2. Identify
Identify objects
objects in
in your
your classroom
classroom that
that demonstrate
demonstrate the
the element
element of
of art
art --
Form.
Form.

3.
3. Use
Use circles and ovals to
your experiences in construct a cylinder.
drawing circles and ovals to construct a
cylinder.
4. Ask students to name objects that take up the form of:
4. Ask students
(a.) to name
Cylinder. Draw objects that takeof
some examples upobjects
the form
thatof:have
(a.) cylindrical formsthese
Cylinder. Draw (bottle, cup, jug,
examples of pot and can).
cylindrical forms (bottle,
cup, jug,
(b.) Cones. pot some
Draw and can).
examples of objects that have cone forms
(lampshade,
(b.) Cones. bucket,
Draw these yaqona of
examples bowl,
coneice cream
forms cones and
(lampshade,
bowl).
bucket, yaqona bowl, ice cream cones and bowl).
(c.)
(c.) Spheres. Draw some
Spheres. Draw some example
examplesofofobjects
objectsthat
thathave
havespherical
spherical
forms forms.

5.
5. Use
Use the shape of
a cylinder to adraw
cylinder, draw can
a garbage a rubbish bin
and use and use appropriate
appropriate colour for the
colour to colour
garbage can. it.

6.
6. Draw
Draw aa large
fairlycube
largeand then
cube decorate
then it itusing
decorate usinga aline
linepattern
patterntotomake
makeitit
attractive.
attractive

7.
7. Draw
Draw aa simplified
simplified outline
outline of
of an
an animal.
animal

8.
8. Draw
Draw aa group
group of
of forms/
forms/ shapes
shapes that
that could
could be
be said
said to
to be
be in
in harmony.
harmony

9.
9. As
As aa task,
task, students
students are
are to
to make
make aa cut
cut paper
paper collage
collage using
using geometric
geometric
forms.
forms. They can make humans or animals or a combination of
They can make humans or animals or a combination of humans
humans
and animals.
and animals

32 Elements of Art
5. VALUE

It is the amount of lightness or darkness

darkness which
or the is theand
light lightshade
and shade
of an of an object.
object.

It is used to provide a sense or illusion of

of volume,
volume, depth
also the
or the
depth
distance
or distance
in an in
artwork
an artwork
andand
balance
balance
to the
to composition.
the composition.
Value
Value
and light
and light
are used
are used
to depict
to depict
weather conditions and time of day.

Value cancan even

evenbebeshown
showninin
a one
a one
colour
colour
object,
object,
suchsuch
as sculpture
as sculpture
through
through
differences
the in depth
differences and texture.
in depth They are
and texture. Theyused
are to make
used objects
to make in a drawing
objects in a or
painting or
drawing to painting
look solidtorather than rather
look solid flat. Value
than is also
flat. referred
Value to as
is also tone. to as
referred
It is the amount of lightness or darkness which is the light and shade of an object.
tone.

Figure 30: Values through differences in depth and texture

Elements of Art 33
It is usually applied with a continuous flow from heavy to light and it is easier
to think of it in terms of three main tones. There are many ways that you can
apply shading to form areas of tone. Some common ways are shown below and
your students should practice them.

Highlight is the lightest value. Shadow is the dark value. The light colour of
value is tint and the dark colour of value is shade.

Light tones can be as s ociated with openness, innocence, delicacy and

radiance. Dark tones can be associated with darkness, gloom, drama, evil and
mystery.

Figure 31: samples of value to show difference in depth and texture

Some ways to show difference in value include;

o Blending: making soft transition from light to dark.
o Hatching: making parallel lines close together or further apart.
o Cross hatching: intersecting sets of parallel lines.
o Stippling: making dots to create light and dark areas.

34 Elements of Art
Figure 32: blending to show difference in value

Figure 33: blending to show value

Figure 34: adding value using stippling method

Elements of Art 35
 Figure 35: hatching to show difference in value

Figure 36: value using stippling and cross hatching

Figure 37: Using lines or dots of different sizes depict textures; wood,
metal, glass.

36 Elements of Art
ACTIVITY

1. Use pencil to create a tonal chart by adding moreshadesand

of more
black black
to white
to in
light squares, 2cm x 2cm, side by side. The shading will gradually
white in light squares, 2cm x 2cm, side by side, so that you gradually go
from white
go from through
white shades
through of grey
shades to black.
of grey Block
to black. 1 will
Block be the
1 will lightest
be the
shades
lightestand the shades
shades and thegets darker
shades getstodarker
blockto7.block 7.

2. Attempt
Attemptthethe
same
same
activity
activity
aboveabove
usingusing
water water
colourscolour
paint (white
paint and
(white
black).
and
black). This
This will will
give give students
students a good asense
goodofsense
how of howwater
much muchtowateraddtotoadd to
their
their
pigment
pigment
to achieve
to achieve
a range
a range
from from
pure hue
puretohue
palest
to palest
tint. tint.

3. Practise shading with line or tone.

Practice

4. Draw 3orgeometric shapes and

trace 3 geometric then then
shapes, use lines to shade
use lines in ordertotocreate
for shading create
the illusion of volume.

5. Hold your hand 50mm above the table and have a look at the shadow
created by your hand. Sketch your hand and the shadow.

6. Draw
Draw 4 simple
4 simple cubes
cubes andand
onon each
each cube
cube apply
apply various
various lines
lines andand
dotsdots to
to create
create
an impression
an impression
on eachoncube
eachdrawn.
cube drawn.

7. Draw a simple geometric shape (cylinder) and experiment with

different ways it can be toned so as to indicate a variety of
ofmaterials
materialsfor
example
for example
timber,
t imber,
iron,iron,
glassglass
and plastic.
and plastic.

8. Shade
Shadevarious
varioussmall
smallcones
conesand
andcircles
circlesthrough
throughthe
theuse
useof;
of;
a. broken
brokenlines
lines.
b. vertical
verticallines
lines.
c. cross
crosshatching
hatching.
d. dots
dots.
e. stippling
stippling.

Elements of Art 37
6 TEXTURE

It is the surface quality that can be seen and felt. The variation received from
from an
an
artwork range from rough to smooth or soft to hard.

Dots and lines have also been used as texture,

texture. the
Themore
morethethe dots
dots and lines
linesused,
used
is also
the darker the area. This is alsothe
thecase
case with
with cross
cross hatching
hatching wherewhere
the line and
The more
texture overlap. The morelines
linesthat
thatare
arecrossed
crossedover
overeach
eachother,
otherthe
thedarker
darkerthethe
area becomes and the more the texture.

Texture can be tactile or implied in ayanyartwork.

artwork.Tactile
Tactileororreal
realtexture
textureisisthe
theway
the surface
way of an
the surface of object actually
an object feels.
actually feels.Examples
Examplesinclude
includesandpaper,
sandpaper,cotton
balls, tree
cotton bark,
balls, treetyres
bark,etc.
tyres etc.

Figure 38: the surface texture of this slippers provide

friction between them and the foot

Figure 39: the grater has textured surface

38 Elements of Art
Figure 40: Textures showing difference in value

surfaceofofthe
Implied texture is the way the surface theobject
objectlooks
looks
likelike
andititfeels,
feels as ititisis
only an illusion. This type of texture is used by artists when drawing or painting
painting
where thewhere
texture
themay
texture
lookmay
roughlook
or rough
glossyorbut
glossy
cannotbutactually
cannot actually
be felt. be felt.

All materials have a certain texture, for example glass usually hassmooth
has a hard a hard smooth
texture. Remember that adding
adding texture
texture isisjust
justanother
anotherway
waytotomake
make your
yoursketches
sketches
look morelook more realistic.
realistic.

Elements of Art 39
1. Texture Bags - fill small bags with as many different textured objects as
you can find. Let the students put their hand inside and describe how the
object feels. Discuss the difference between words like soft and smooth.
Record the words for each object and use them later in a writing project
2. Look for texture in paintings - discuss how the texture is created with a
brush stroke. Look for artwork that has implied texture - think about how
the artist creates the implied texture (lines, colours).
3. Look for some interesting rough and smooth surfaces that you can find
inside and outside of your classroom. Place a piece of white paper over the
textured surface and carefully rub a pencil or crayon over it to make a print
of the pattern underneath.
4. Provide cardboard squares, very thick paint or glue with powdered paint
mixed. Use brushes or other items that could be used to apply the “paint” or
create texture in it (plastic forks, combs, things to dab with, bottle caps, etc.).
Students can experiment by applying paint with the various tools to create
textured paintings. The focus should be on pattern/texture rather than
creating a drawing. Patterns can also be added after the base dries using
different coloured paints.
5. Cut shapes from differently textured pieces of fabric and make a collage.
6. Make a design on a paper or cardboard with glue, and then sprinkle sand on
it.
7. Glue seeds (water melons, pumpkin, and other fruits) on a paper in order to
make a design.
8. Use pen (of choice) and draw outline of simple objects and fill with
different lines or marking to give texture and body.
9. Draw an object that could be classified as;
a. hard b. soft c. rough d. smooth
10. Place small amount of sawdust, sand, or crushed eggshells in sections of
empty egg carton. Add poster paint in each section that have textured
materials and mix the materials together. Draw a picture on a piece of
drawing paper. Paint it with the textured paint. Use plain poster paint to
create smooth areas of paint on your picture

40 Elements of Art
 SUMMARY

COLOUR is a visual sensation produced by light and a mixture of primary

colours.
COLOUR has temperature: orange and red feel warm, like the sun or desert
and cooler colours like blue and green go more with water and ice.
COLOUR can be made with endless variety by changing the amount of primary
colours used.
COLOUR intensity is its strength and purity.
COLOUR value is the degree of lightness or darkness whereas tints are
made by adding white to a colour and shades are made by adding black to a
colour

LINE is straight or curved, heavy or light, soft or hard or a mixture of them all.

LINE can show movement

LINE can suggest rhythm
LINE can create textual results
LINE can indicate emotional effects

Elements of Art 41
SHAPES canbebeboardered
SHAPE can outlined by
by aa line.
line
SHAPES
SHAPE can canbebedefined
definedbybycolour,
colour,texture
textureor tone
or tone.
SHAPE can
SHAPES cansuggest
suggestmovement
movementororemotions
emotions.
SHAPE has two dimensions
SHAPES has two dimensions.
SHAPES
SHAPE can canbebesharp
sharpand
andsuggesting
suggestingsomething
something.
SHAPE can
SHAPES canbebepositive
positiveorornegative
negative.

FORM has 3 dimensions.

FORM can be geometric or organic.
FORM can be defined by line, colour, texture or tone and it can be rounded
or angula
FORM can suggest emotions, feelings and ideas.
FORM can suggest solidness and stability

Source: dearbornschools.org

Elements of Art
42
TONE is light and dark. Light reveals the world to us and shadow gives
meaning to the things we see.
TONE can give solidity, volume and weight to an object.
TONE gives impression of distance. Darker tones come forward and lighter
tones go back into the image.
TONE can give emotion to an image. Highly contrasting tones give life and
energy whereas softer tones give a gentle mood.

TEXTURE is the part of the surface that can be felt - concerned with touch
and how something feels.
TEXTURE can be rough, smooth, spiky, soft regular or irregular.
TEXTURE can be real or implied, the surface is actually rough or smooth or it
can be suggested by the way the surface is treated.
TEXTURE can suggest emotions by linking with the memory of how things
feel.

Elements of Art
43
REFERENCES

Curriculum Development Unit. (2005), Art and Craft Class Eight/ Form Two
Teacher’s Guide, Ministry of Education, Suva, Fiji

Curriculum Development Unit. (2005), Art and Craft Class Seven/ Form One
Teacher’s Guide, Ministry of Education, Suva, Fiji

Helen. D. Hume, (2000), A Survival Kit for Elementary/ Middle School Art
Teacher. Jossey Bass A Wiley Imprint, Sanfransico, USA

Max Darby. (1993) Art Starts, Jacaranda Wiley Ltd, Queensland, Australia.

Sandra Crispin. (1979) Drawing, Ministry of Education, Suva, Fi

44 Elements of $UW
(OHPHQWV RI Art