ELEMENTS

OF
ARTS
L This refers to the prolongation of
I a point, or a mark on a surface.
N Solid lines can be used in order
E to define form while broken lines
can be used in order to define
S form while broken lines are
typically used to suggest hidden
forms. Lines are also used to
suggest dimensions, and to
guide visual movement.
Refers to an area with boundaries

Shape and Mass

identified or drawn using lines. A shape
may be based on natural or living forms.
This shape is called organic shape, and can
be irregular or rounded. A shape may be
based on measured forms or called
geometric shape.
 Color
This refers to the visual perception that
allows a person to differentiate objects
due to the various wavelengths of light
are reflected. Color is very important
element because it can communicate
information and emotion to the viewer.
Hue
Refers to the basic or pure
color, and is represented in
the color wheel
Value
Refers to the lightness and darkness of
color: A light color or tint is the result of
adding white to a hue, while a dark
color or shade results from adding black
to a hue.
Saturatio
n
Refers to the brightness or dullness of color. It
is also referred to as purity of the color. A
bright color can be produced by adding more
pigment to the same hue, while a dull color can
be produced by adding gray or the color’s
complement to the pigment.
 Color
Schemes
 V A L U E

This element refers to the lightness

and darkness of an area. This
element is evident in creating
shadows for a two dimensional
object to give an illusion of depth.
 This element refers to the
appearance of a surface. A person
may describe texture if the surface
is either smooth or rough . Texture
Te may also be described as actual or
implied. Actual texture can be felt
xtu tangibly based on the material that
re is used for the artwork. On the
other hand, implied texture can be
exhibited in a painting of fur of an
animal
Actual Texture
Implied Texture
 Spac
Space refers to the area that is occupied by an
object or a subject, as well as the area surrounding
that object or subject. An illusion of space can still
be created in a two-dimensional surface using
perspective. There are two types of perspective:
atmospheric perspective, which utilizes the

e
properties of light and air in depicting the illusion
of distance; and linear perspective, which involves
the use of vanishing points and receding hidden
lines.
Atmospheric Perspective
Linear Perspective
Movement in the visual arts can either be

Time and
an illusion or an actual motion. An illusion
of movement is more common in two-
dimensional artworks. On the other hand,
Motion
actual motion is easily seen in kinetic
sculpture, a type of sculpture that moves
with the wind or are vibrating with the
surrounding air.
Kinetic Sculpture
Painting with Implied Motion