​Writing About the Art Elements
List of Adjectives
Art Elements
The art elements are the building blocks for art. They can be used in many different ways to create different effects or to express emotions. Artists can use the art elements to create symbolic meaning or make an image look more realistic.
- Line
- Shape
- Form
- Colour
- Texture
- Tone
If you study Art in years 10, 11 and 12 you will learn about the other art elements light, time and sound.
Art Element: LINE
A mark with length and direction, created by a point that moves across a surface.
straight
wavy
squiggly
parallel
short
curved
jagged
swirly
Zig zag
Curvy
thin or thick
short
curly
straight
Horizontal
Colourful
narrow
diagonal
zig zag
thick
wild
Vertical
Thin
wiggly
long
unique
flexible
undefined
sharp
matte
memorizing
wild
Overlapping
movable
bumpy
Vertical
bold
Dark
Curved
short
wiggly
thin
bold
Thin
complex
smooth
Art Element: SHAPE
Is two dimensional and can be created by line or areas of colour, tone and texture.
angular
symmetrical
cirlcular
Abstract
3D shapes
weird
hexagon
edgy
different
dimensional
simple
2d
with corners
chunky
solid
round
angular
2-D
3d
round
demensions
Abstract
flat
flowing
very flat
pointy
interesting
Geometric
2D shapes
equal (square)
Corners
Wavy
creative
basic
shaded
bent
flat
hard
symmetrical
Flat
2d
Symmetrical
round
Formal
curved
pointy
Pointy
Compound
chunky
3D
irregular
Natural
square
2D
2D and 3D
Pointy
free flowing
precise
2d
clean
angular
geometric
pointy
asymmetrical
Simple
long
Straight
sharp
Sharp
pointy
wavy
Curved
Creative
clean
smooth
natural
Square
rectangle
points
curved
Circular
geometric
geometrical
depth
round
bulky
Architectural
multi-edged
chunky
Unique
short
fun
flat
peaked
3D
object
Round
Strange
Art Element: FORM
Is three dimensional and may be implied by the use of tone and light.
bent
3D
bulky
3D
Geometric
cone
3 dimensional
Horizontal
mold
3D
organic
shadowy
shiny
3D
Shaded
round
3-D
skinny
depth
Abstract
bulbous
tall
slim
cube
Creative
Vertical
shape
Pronounced
angled
dark
round
Angular
narrow
Smooth
Hollow
sharp
3D
geometrical
Curvaceous
free form
asymmetrical
wide
organic
effect
Natural
sphere
Imaginative
Diagonal
create
Shaped
blocked
light
pops out
Width
wide
Rough
cube
mechanic
full
curved
Elongated
aerodynamic
symmetrical
weird
Abstract
cylinder
'An Art'
Curved
disassemble reassemble
Volume
rounded
3d
blobby
suspended
obscure
Polished
dimensionless
natural
alive
big or small
flat
Art Element: TEXTURE
Refers to surface quality. It can be real or simulated.
odd
rough
bumpy
smooth
furry
ruff
bumpy
slippery
Leathery
soft
rough
spikey
matte
fragile
smooth
soft
smooth
bumpy
soft
cold
weaved
shadowed
wrinkly
Bumpy
pearlescent
damaged
fluffy
feel
velvet
sticky
barky
spiky
odd
hard
fluffed
changing
firm
velvety
sticky
silky
cracked
harsh
soft
marble
sequined
pebbly
worn
greasy
rough
scratchy
warm
lumpy
worn
glossy
Art Element: TONE
Describes the amount of light and darkness. It can be used to create form, space and depth.
flat
different
light
ombre
soft
natural
shadow
shading
stark
shadowed
dark
muted
dark
smooth
dark
contrasting
clear
volume
colour
subtle
shaded
bright
faded
deep
varied
muted
dimensions
dramatic
warm
depth
matte
changing
elongated
gradient
pigment
life-like
2D
blend
reflection
monochromatic
far away
cold
shade
blended
depressing
mood
3D
highlight
opaque
rough
cube
bright to dark
outline
colour
define
Art Element: COLOUR
A powerful element that can effect our emotional state.
dark
bold
Bright
Light
pigmented
cool colours
Metallic
Bright
Vibrant
Colour palette
strange
Passionate
bright
dull
warm colours
radiant
soft
Primary
shallow
Explosive
Shade
beaming
shades
Pop out
vibrant
mixed
pattern
ablaze
contrast
colourful
vivid
tonal
secondary
deep
Mesmerizing
shiny
vivid
dull
Florescent
blinding
Cold
powerful
intense
Warm and Cool
textureless
smooth
dull
blazing
popping
rich
deep
dynamic
Remember:
Art elements are like the ingredients in a recipe. For example when you use an egg in a recipe you could whisk, fry, poach or scramble it. When you use line in an artwork you could make it thick, thin, wavy, jagged, horizontal etc.
The art elements and the words you use to describe them are part of your art vocabulary (the language you use to describe art).
