The Elements of Art

 LINE
 COLOR
 VALUE

TEXTURE
 SHAPE
 COMPOSITION (IN SPACE)
 MOVEMENT
SHAPE – in everyday usage, the word shape indicates the
general outline of something. It can be divided into three
categories: geometric (rectilinear or curvilinear),
biomorphic, or free inventions.
Geometric Shapes
1. Rectilinear – square and cube convey the qualities of
rational order, intellectual precision and exactitude.
Together with the hexagon and octagon based on even
numbers – gives the appearance of firmness and
stability. This is because the four elements (earth, water,
fire, air), the four seasons, the four stages of a person's
life and the four points of the compass are the bases the
physical order and stability of the universe.
2. Curvilinear – the circle as a self-contained form without
angles or corners signifies perfection, eternity, a closed
universe or the state of oneness. The three-dimensional
equivalent of the circle is the globe, other curvilinear shapes
are the oval, cylinder and the cone. air), the four seasons,
the four stages of a person's life and the fourpointsofthe
compass are the bases the physical order and stability of
the universe.

Geometric shapes appear in nature and are a constant

wonder because of their beauty and perfection. Ex. Crystals,
minerals, honeycombs etc.
 Geometric Shapes in Different Cultures – in Chinese culture,
the symbol of Yin-Yang, signifies interactive dualism or dialectics.
In this symbol, the two forces, positive and negative, are in
equilibrium.
In Indian art and philosophy, the mandala
is a geometric shape used as an aid to
mental concentration and meditation
leading to "mystic exaltation".
Represents macrocosm and microcosm, the
largest structural process as well as the
smallest.
Cezanne – anticipated Cubism. ¨Everything in nature is
modelled after the sphere, cone and cylinder.¨
The Op art of Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley consists of geometric shape.
Bridget Riley
Biomorphic Shapes –
derived from living
organisms. The
sinuous curves found
in nature were one of
the inspirations for the
art movement Art
Nouveau.

Aubrey Beardsley
The Peacock Skirt from Salome
1907, pen and ink
9 x 6¨
 In 1894, Beardsley became
notorious for the morbid
sensuality of his illustrations
for Oscar Wilde´s play
Salomé, with his bold
pen-and-ink drawings that
were heavily influenced by
Japanese woodcuts.
Free Shapes – free
shapes are found in
painting and sculpture
as inventions of the
artist, particularly in
abstract art.

Composition V
1911 (170 Kb); Oil on canvas, 190
x 275 cm (6' 3 7/8" x 9' 1/4");
Private collection

Composition X
1939 (160 Kb); Oil on canvas, 130 x
195 cm (51 1/8 x 76 3/4 in);
Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen,
Dusseldorf
ART NOUVEAU took on
many forms, among
them the organic
characteristics of
Gaudi´s architecture.
END