Overview
This lecture introduces the elements of art, explaining each as a fundamental building block artists use to create artwork.
Elements of Art Overview
- Elements of art are the basic building blocks, similar to ingredients in a recipe.
- Key elements include line, value, color, space, shape, form, and texture.
Line
- A line is a mark with length and direction.
- Lines can be straight, curvy, jagged, hatched, zigzag, curly, or drippy.
- Line variation involves using different thicknesses to add visual interest.
- Line weight describes how thick or thin a line is.
- Contour lines follow the outer edges of an object, serving as outlines.
- Blind contour drawing is drawing contours without looking at the paper, improving observation skills.
Value
- Value in art refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or area.
- Value scales show the gradation from light to dark.
Color
- Color is seen through light reflecting off objects.
- Hue is the name of a color (e.g., red, blue).
- Intensity (or saturation) describes the brightness or dullness of a color.
- Colors can be described as bright, vivid, muted, neutral, saturated, or dull.
Space
- Space is the area around, above, within, or inside objects in art.
- Shallow space has little depth and feels flat or cramped.
- Deep space has much depth, allowing objects to recede into the distance.
- Positive space is the area of focus in an artwork.
- Negative space is the background or area around the main subject.
Shape and Form
- Shapes are two-dimensional (height and width); forms are three-dimensional (height, width, depth).
- Geometric shapes/forms have precise, mathematical edges (e.g., circles, squares, cubes).
- Organic shapes/forms are irregular, natural, and have soft or curvy edges.
Texture
- Texture is how something feels or appears to feel.
- Actual texture can be physically felt (e.g., soft, gritty).
- Visual (implied) texture can only be seen, not touched, often created in two-dimensional art.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Element of Art — basic visual component used to create artwork.
- Line — a mark with length and direction.
- Contour Line — line that follows the outer edges of an object.
- Blind Contour — contour drawing done without looking at the paper.
- Value — the lightness or darkness of a color or area.
- Hue — the name of a color.
- Intensity/Saturation — brightness or dullness of a color.
- Space — area around or within objects in art.
- Shallow Space — little depth, flat appearance.
- Deep Space — much depth, objects recede far back.
- Positive Space — areas of focus in art.
- Negative Space — background or area around the subject.
- Shape — two-dimensional area (height and width).
- Form — three-dimensional object (height, width, depth).
- Geometric — mathematically regular shapes or forms.
- Organic — irregular, natural shapes or forms.
- Texture — how something feels (actual) or appears to feel (visual/implied).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying and describing the elements of art in different artworks.
- Try a blind contour drawing as a warm-up before regular drawing.