Elements of Design
The 'elements of design' are the raw materials of art; the visual components that artists manipulate to form their images. Most often, the elements of design are used in various combinations and not often in isolation. The ways in which they are used become characteristic of an artist's style.
The elements of design are line, shape, value, color, movement, form and pattern.
Line defines boundaries, makes connections and describes contours. It is the most important element in drawing.
Shape is a two-dimensional area or plane with distinguishable boundaries, such as a square or a circle.
Color has four properties: hue, value, intensity and temperature. There are absolutes in the use of color.
Movement means energy and direction. Horizontal movement is clam; vertical is stable; oblique is energetic.
Form refers to three-dimensionality. This element is often implied when shapes or objects seem three-dimensional.
Pattern is developed by the regular repetitive placement of certain features such as lines, values, shapes and colors. Pattern can be regular or irregular, constant or interrupted.
The elements of design are line, shape, value, color, movement, form and pattern.
Line defines boundaries, makes connections and describes contours. It is the most important element in drawing.
Shape is a two-dimensional area or plane with distinguishable boundaries, such as a square or a circle.
Color has four properties: hue, value, intensity and temperature. There are absolutes in the use of color.
- hue is the spectral name of the color: red, red-orange, orange, orange-yellow, etc.
- value is the lightness or darkness of a hue
- intensity indicates the brilliance or dullness of a hue
- temperature is the relative warmth or coolness of a hue
Movement means energy and direction. Horizontal movement is clam; vertical is stable; oblique is energetic.
Form refers to three-dimensionality. This element is often implied when shapes or objects seem three-dimensional.
Pattern is developed by the regular repetitive placement of certain features such as lines, values, shapes and colors. Pattern can be regular or irregular, constant or interrupted.
