Seven Elements of Art Line Shape Form Value Space Texture Color

Elements and Principles of Art and Design

Elements: LineTo show

Shape, Form, Space

Seven Elements of Art

LineShape FormValueSpaceTextureColor

Elements of Art =Ingredients to a recipe

Need quality ingredients for quality results

Follow the recipe:Can’t throw everything in

Principles of Design = RecipeThe Principles are how the Elements are

organized and combined

LINE: The most fundamental, simplest, universal element of art.

Literal Definition: A mark that spans a distance between two points (or the path of a moving point), taking any form along the way; A moving dot.

Definition as an Element of Art: The use of various marks, outlines and implied lines in artwork and design, most often used to define shape in two-dimensional work.

What is Line Used For?Line can be used to show movement, shape, form, value, space/perspective, gesture, expression/emotion, etc.

“Drawing is like taking a line for a walk..”

Line Variation: Different kinds of lines: Vary in direction, length, width/weight, texture

Line Directions:Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal, Zig Zag (Combination of diagonal lines),Curved (change direction gradually, can have different degrees)

Line Weight: Thickness or thinness of a line:

Varying the line weight makes objects more 3D and interesting, adds value, dimension, weight, and emphasis

Line Variation, Direction, Weight:

Implied Line:The path that the viewer's eye takes as it follows shapes, colors, and form along a path, but may not be continuous or physically connected.

Expressive Line:Line that shows a certain mood, feeling, or emotion through variation, direction, weight, implication,etc.

Contour: Line, Outline, or Outside Edge

Blind contour drawing: A contour drawing that is drawn while looking at the object being drawn without ever looking at the paper.

Eyes remain on the object at all times. The eyes slowly follow the contours of the object being drawn.

Every line, shape, and texture that is seen must be translated directly through the eyes, hand, pencil, and onto the paper. Pencil should never leave the paper.

Exercise of the right brain: Visual, creative, objective, observational

Ellipse (in Art)An oval that represents a circular shape at an angle

An ellipse can have a thickness of anywhere between a line and a circle

Cross ContourUsing line to show the form of a shape

Ellipses and ellipse-like marks and measurements are used

Cross Contour

1 pt. and 2 pt. Perspective

Always measure your angles

Find your vanishing point(s)

Your vanishing points should both rest on your horizon line (eye level)

1 pt. Perspective: 1 vanishing point

2 pt. Perspective: 1 vanishing point

Preview: Hatching and Cross-Hatching: Using line to create form and value. (This is also part of the elements of shape, form, value, and texture)

Gesture Drawing

- Capturing the essence

- Not what it is, but - what it is doing

- Looseness: A “controlled scribble”

How to do a gesture drawing:Begin with one directional line for the spine Find direction of shoulders and hipsLoose drawing; use whole arm, relaxDraw the whole figure at onceImagine that you are the modelDraw from the inside out Start lightly, then gradually build darkerDarker strokes show weight / tension

Line and Brain Quiz

Study Guide

Please review the following terms, techniques, and concepts:

Left Brain vs. Right BrainDrawing Symbols vs. Drawing from ObservationContourBlind Contour DrawingExpressive LineLine Direction & VariationImplied LineLine WeightEllipsesCross-Contour2-Point PerspectiveFacial ProportionsGesture DrawingHow line is used by various artists

Portrait of Igor Stravinsky

By Pablo Picasso(Spain)

1920

Rinoceros By Albrecht Dürer (German Artist, Mathematician, Theorist)

Drawing & Woodcut

1515213

Studies for the Libyan Sibyl

By Michelangelo

Italy (Renaissance)

1508

New City By John Hultberg

Oil on Canvas America 1957