The Elements and Principles of Art and Design (EPAD) are the building blocks of all artwork. Artists use them to plan, create, and talk about their work. You will use the EPAD in every project, see them in our class trivia games and tests, and refer to them when writing your artist statements.

Understanding these now will help you:

• Make stronger artwork

• Explain your creative choices

• Sound like a confident artist

Think of EPAD as the language of art—the better you know it, the more powerful your art becomes.

Choose one person at your table to read the following aloud while everyone reads along.

Today, you will be learning about the Elements and Principles of Art and Design (EPAD). We will reference the EPAD in tests, in class trivia games, and you will use them when writing future artist statements.

Instructions: 

Work independently to complete today’s worksheet.

• We will review the worksheet together next class, so be sure to with you.

• The worksheet must be finished by the end of class. If you do not finish, it becomes homework.

• It will take you to a website where most of the answers can be found.

• Not all answers are on the website - you will need to figure out some on your own. 

• After completing the entire worksheet, use your digital resources to help fill in any missing blanks.

Tips for success:

• When searching online, add "in art" to your search (for example: instead of just "shape" write "shape in art")

• Look up definitions try to find examples of the term used in artwork to help your understanding.

NOW, look at the first element on the board (SHAPE) and copy it onto your worksheet 

The Elements of Art 

START your worksheet here! (Click on the blue buttons below to explore each elements.) 

EPAD Challenge:

Can you find an example of each of the elements & principles in the image below? 

Work with a partner and use your notes!