Elements AND Principles of Art

ELEMENTS
AND
PRINCIPLES
OF ART
Submitted to: Sir Ahsan Bilal
Submitted by: Areej Shakeel
BFA-Graphic Design-Morning
Semester-I 2023
College of Art & Design, University of the Punjab

“The elements and principles of art are the basic fundaments used to define an artwork. They lay
the foundation for a language in which art can be communicated.”
The Elements:
Elements of Art are the “building blocks” of an artwork just as cells are the building blocks of
life. They are the components of a drawing that combine together to form visually appealing
pieces of artwork. An artist makes use of these visual tools to create various compositions. There
are seven basic elements of art:
1.Line: A line is a predominant element found in almost every drawing which,

simultaneously, forms a fundamental structure for the subject matter. It is a perceptible path that
is formed by a point moving in space. Line is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction
and length. The different types of lines are horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved, thin, bold and
implied lines.
Straight Lines Curved Lines Thick and Thin Lines Implied Lines
2.Shape: Shape is denoted by a closed line. It is two-dimensional and is only limited to

length and width. It consists of an interior and an exterior. There are two categories of shapes:
 Geometrical shapes:
 Abstract shapes: Shapes that are depictions of real things without being exact
representations.
3.Form: Form is a three-dimensional object that is composed of length, width and height.
These can be seen from more than one side, unlike shapes that are two-dimensional. A form can
be Geometric or Organic. It is the basis of sculpture, furniture and decorative art.
 Geometric forms are  Organic forms are free-flowing,

mathematical, precise, and can be curvy, sinewy, and are not
named. They are most often symmetrical or easily measurable
found in architecture and the built or named. They most often occur
environment. They can also be in nature such as in the shapes of
discovered in the shapes of flowers, branches, leaves,
planets, bubbles, boxes, etc. animals, etc.
4.Space: Space refers to a three-dimensional area that can be used by an artist while working
on the artwork. The area around the primary objects in a work of art is named as negative space,
while the space occupied by the primary objects is known as positive space.
This
In this picture, the cat occupies the positive picture demonstrates the illusion of a three-
space while the area surrounding the cat is the dimensional space in a two-dimensional artwork.
negative space.
5.Texture: Texture can be defined as the surface quality of an object that we can sense
through touch. All objects have a physical texture. Artists can also convey texture visually in
two-dimensional drawings.
In this drawing, the fur of dog is drawn realistically This image shows three vases. We can perceive
to show the soft, fluffy texture of his hair. through the picture that the texture of the vases is
smooth and metallic as it is reflecting light.
6.Value: Value refers to the light or dark quality of color. Adding value can simultaneously
add emphasis to the artwork by creating different moods and emotional effects.
These images demonstrate how adding value (increasing the black hue) can create a more definite, meaningful and
sharp artwork.
7.Color: Color is the element of art that refers to reflected light. Color has three main
characteristics; hue (red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how
bright or dull it is). Scientists and Artists have together worked out a color theory about how
colors work together. Hence, using this theory, colors can be described as warm (red, yellow) or
cool (blue, gray). For example;
 Bright colors are undiluted and are often associated with positive energy and
heightened emotions. Dull colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and
create a sedate or serious mood.
 Dark colors in a composition suggest a lack of light, as in a night or interior scene.
Dark colors can often convey a sense of mystery or foreboding. Light colors often
describe a light source or light reflected within the composition.
Principles of Art:
Principles of Art represent how an artist uses the elements of art to create an effect and to help
convey its intent. The use of these principles can help in determining whether a painting is
successful or finished. While an artist might not use all the principles of design in one piece, the
principles are intertwined and the use of one relies on the other. The seven principles of art are:
1.Balance: The balance in a piece of art refers to the distribution of weight or the apparent
weight of the piece. It adds a feeling of equilibrium or stability to a work of art. Major types of
balance are:
 Symmetry: both sides of a composition
have the same elements in the same
position, as in a mirror-image, or the two
sides of a face.
 Asymmetry: the composition is

balanced due to the contrast of any of the
elements of art. For example, a large circle
on one side of a composition might be
balanced by a small square on the other
side.
 Radial symmetry: elements are equally

spaced around a central point, as in the
spokes coming out of the hub of a bicycle
tire.
2.Contrast: It is the difference between elements of art in a composition in such a way that
each is element is made stronger in effect to the other. Areas of contrast behold first place in grab
the viewer’s attention. Complementary colors placed side by side is an example of contrast.
 Contrast between complementary colors can create bold
and sharp artwork.
 For example; black and white is a known stark contrast

and brings vitality to a piece of art
 Contrast can also be subtle when using monochromatic

colors, giving variety and unity the final piece of art.
3.Emphasis: Emphasis is when the artist creates an area of the composition that is visually
dominant and commands the viewer's attention. It can be color, unity, balance, or any other
principle or element of art used to create a focal point.
4.Rhythm/ Movement:
Movement is the result of using the elements Rhythm is created by movement implied
of art such that they move the viewer's eye through the repetition of elements of art in a
around and within the image. It can be created non-uniform but organized way.
by diagonal or curvy lines, either real or
implied, by edges, by the illusion of space, by
repetition and by energetic mark-making.
6.Proportion/Scale: Proportion is the relationship between items in a painting.
For example, between the sky and mountains.
The scale in art is similar to proportion, and if

something is not to scale, it looks odd and
unsatisfying.
 If there is a person in the picture and
their hands are too large for their body,
then it will look out of scale.
1.Unity and Variety:
Unity conveys a sense of completeness, pleasure when viewing the art, and how
the patterns works together. On the other hand, variety provokes changes and
awareness in the art piece. Too much unity creates monotony, too much variety
creates chaos.
Hence, both of them are required to create a perfect art piece.
7.Pattern:
Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or any combination.
All works of art have some sort of pattern even though it may be hard to discern;
the pattern will form by the colors, the illustrations, the shape, or numerous other
art methods.

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ELEMENTS

College of Art & Design, University of the Punjab

1.Line: A line is a predominant element found in almost every drawing which,

2.Shape: Shape is denoted by a closed line. It is two-dimensional and is only limited to

 Geometric forms are  Organic forms are free-flowing,

 Asymmetry: the composition is

 Radial symmetry: elements are equally

 For example; black and white is a known stark contrast

 Contrast can also be subtle when using monochromatic

For example, between the sky and mountains.

The scale in art is similar to proportion, and if

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