Elements of Art and principles of design

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

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.

Color: White light is the presence of all color; black is the absence of reflected light and therefore the absence of color.

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.

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

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.

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.

Balance: Balance is the comfortable or pleasing arrangement of things in art.

Contrast: Contrast is created by using elements that conflict with one another.

Emphasis: Emphasis in the focal area of an artwork gives it importance.

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.

Pattern: Patterns are made in art when the same shapes or elements are repeated again and again.

Rhythm: Rhythm is the repetition of shapes, lines, and forms.

Unity:Unity means that all elements in an artwork are in harmony.