The Principles of Design and the Elements of Art

The Elements: Things we use in art.

Line- a path made by a moving point, straight, angular, curvy, gesture, contour.

Shape- an enclosed line, organic or geometric.

Color- hue, arranged in a wheel to show how they are made or related, primary, secondary, intermediate, tints, tones, shades, complimentary.

Form - a three dimensional figure having height, width and depth.

Texture- the way something feels, real or applied.

Space - the area of your work, positive or negative.

Value- the lightness to darkness of something.

The Principles: Thoughts or ideas about art.

Balance- an equal distribution of visual weight, symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial.

Contrast- a strong difference.

Emphasis- a way to make something stand out, focal point.

Movement- a way to make something look like it is in motion, a way to move the viewers eye through a work of art.

Pattern- when something repeats exactly.

Rhythm- when something repeats but changes slightly.

Unity/Harmony- when things have something in common.

Proportion- the size relationship of something compared or related to the whole.