Principles and Elements of Art (CA)

Principles of Art

1. Balance- The equal distribution of visual weight.
2. Alignment- Arrangement forming a straight line.
3. Emphasis- An accentuation of importance.
4. Proportion- A scaling of object in relation to each other.
5. Movement- A directed path of optical motion
6. Pattern- An orderly repetition of an object.
7. Contrast- To compare two things to show how they are different.
8. Unity- Harmonious arrangement of elements.





Elements of Art

1. Line- An element of art defined by a point moving in space. Line may be two-or three-dimensional, descriptive, implied, or abstract.
2. Shape- An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or limited to height and width.
3. Form- An element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses volume; includes height, width AND depth (as in a cube, a sphere, a pyramid, or a cylinder). Form may also be free flowing.
4.Value- The lightness or darkness of tones or colors. White is the lightest value; black is the darkest. The value halfway between these extremes is called middle gray.
5. Space- An element of art by which positive and negative areas are defined or a sense of depth achieved in a work of art.
6. Color- An element of art made up of three properties: hue, value, and intensity.
• Hue: name of color
• Value: hue’s lightness and darkness (a color’s value changes when white or black is added)
• Intensity: quality of brightness and purity (high intensity= color is strong and bright; low intensity= color is faint and dull)
7. Texture- An element of art that refers to the way things feel, or look as if they might feel if touched.