Elements of Art and Principles of Design Example

Line: Lines are marks made by a pointed tool: brush, pencil, pen, etc. Lines can vary in width, direction, curvature, length, or color.

I chose this picture because of the lines that are in the sand.

I chose this painting because of the lines that make and surround the statues.

Shape:   Shapes are formed wherever the ends of a continuous line meet. Geometric shapes such as circles, triangles or squares have perfect, uniform measurements and don't often appear in nature. Organic shapes are associated with things from the natural world, like plants and animals.

I chose this because i see so many shapes such as circles, rectangles and squares.

I chose this painting because there are cylinders everywhere

Color:  Color wheels show the primary colors, secondary colors, and the tertiary (intermediate) colors. They also show the relationships between complementary colors across from each other, such as blue and orange; and analogous (similar or related) colors next to each other such as yellow, green, and blue. Black and white may be thought of as colors but, in fact, they are not. White light is the presence of all color; black is the absence of reflected light and therefore the absence of color.

I chose this because of the different color of the lights. Its like a color splash kind of.

I chose this painting because there are so many colors in this picture.

Value (Tone): Value, or tone, refers to dark and light; the value scale refers to black and white with all gradations of gray in between.  Value contrasts help us to see and understand a two-dimensional work of art.

I chose this picture because its black and white and you can see the contrast in this photo.

I chose this painting because it looks two-dimensional.

Form:   Form describes objects that are three-dimensional, having length, width, and height.

I chose this painting because it looks so real to me and 3-D.

I chose this picture because it looks 3-D too.

Texture: Texture can be rough, bumpy, slick, scratchy, smooth, silky, soft, prickly--the list is endless.  Texture refers to the surface quality, both simulated and actual, of artwork.

I chose this painting because you can see the texture in the tile and what is carved in the walls and ceiling.

I chose this picture because you can see the texture really good thats in the tree.

Space: Space refers to distances or areas around, between, or within components of a piece. Space can be positive (white or light) or  negative (black or dark), open or closed,shallow or deep, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional. 

I chose this painting because there is a lot of space in between the cracks and this picture looks Three-dimensional.

I chose this picture because of the space between the mountains and there is a lot of white in this picture.

Balance: Balance is the comfortable or pleasing arrangement of things in art.  There are three different types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. The human figure is symmetrically balanced; the same on the left and right side. The tree is asymmetrically balanced; its branches are not distributed equally on each side, but their total weight is balanced left and right. The sun is an example of radial balance; all its rays are equal in length from the center.

I chose this Painting because it's very symmetrical and it looks equal all around. I chose this picture because the colors are very vibrant and it just looks balanced.

I chose this picture because the colors are very vibrant and it just looks balanced.

Contrast: Contrast is created by using elements that conflict with one another. Often, contrast is created using complementary colors or extremely light and dark values. Contrast creates interest in a piece and often draws the eye to certain areas. It is used to make a painting look interesting.

I chose this painting because it looks really interesting and I like the contrast of the picture.

I chose this picture because it caught my eye... I just like this picture.

Emphasis: Emphasis in the focal area of an artwork gives it importance.  An artist may stress some elements of the design over others. The eye of the viewer will focus on the area of emphasis or center of interest first, then take in the rest of the composition. 

I chose this painting because my main focus is in the center of the picture.

I chose this picture because again my main focus is going towards the center of the photo.

Movement:  Movement in an artwork means the artist is taking viewers on a trip through the work by means of lines, edges, shapes, and colors often leading to the focal area.  Movement is a visual flow through the composition. It can be the suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object to object by way of placement and position.  Directional movement can be created with a value pattern. It is with the placement of dark and light areas that you can move your attention through the format.

I chose this painting because it shows the wave before it crashes.

I chose this picture because you can see the movement in the photo.

Pattern: Patterns are made in art when the same shapes or elements are repeated again and again.  Pattern uses the elements of art in planned or random repetitions to enhance surfaces of paintings or sculptures

I chose this painting because in my eyes I see a lot of circles in this photo.

I chose this picture because all you really see is rectangles.

Rhythm: Rhythm is the repetition of shapes, lines, and forms.  Rhythm is a movement in which some elements recurs regularly.  Like a dance, it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music.

I chose this painting because it shows the same shapes all throughout the picture.

I chose this picture because its repetitive.

Unity:Unity means that all elements in an artwork are in harmony.  Unity brings together a composition with similar units.  For example, if your composition was using wavy lines and organic shapes you would stay with those types of lines and not put in even one geometric shape.

I chose this painting because it shows the same lines throughout the picture which creates unity.

I chose this picture because it shows the same lines.