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| ⚫ | The '''elements of art''' are a set of techniques that describe ways of presenting ]. |
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| ⚫ | The '''elements of art''' are a set of techniques that describe ways of presenting ]. They are combined with the ] in the production of art.<ref name="sanford"></ref> | ||
| The elements of art can include some or all of the following: point, ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. | The elements of art can include some or all of the following: point, ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. | ||
| == Space == | == Space == | ||
| The use of space and room in a piece of art. '''Positive space''' is the space taken up by objects (surface). '''Negative space''' is the distance between objects (whitespace). | The use of space and room in a piece of art. '''Positive space''' is the space taken up by objects (surface). '''Negative space''' is the distance between objects (whitespace). | ||
| Nothing exists without it. Space can be thought of as the distance or area around, between, above, below or within places. In art, space can be described as either two dimensional or three dimensional. |
Nothing exists without it. Space can be thought of as the distance or area around, between, above, below or within places. In art, space can be described as either two dimensional or three dimensional. | ||
| The space in two dimensional artworks such as paintings, drawings, prints and photographs (flat space) is essentially limited to height and width. While there is no actual depth or distance in such works, artists have created techniques to create the illusion of depth or distance on these flat surfaces. The following represents some of those techniques: |
The space in two dimensional artworks such as paintings, drawings, prints and photographs (flat space) is essentially limited to height and width. While there is no actual depth or distance in such works, artists have created techniques to create the illusion of depth or distance on these flat surfaces. The following represents some of those techniques: | ||
| * The most prominent of these techniques is the application of linear perspective. Through this application distant objects are rendered proportionately smaller than closer ones. The determining factors of this space depends upon the horizon line and vanishing points. | |||
| Another of the more prominent techniques is known as atmospheric perspective. This application renders distant objects and spaces with less detail and intensity than closer objects. For example, the use of bluer colors for distant shapes can suggest space between the viewer and the shapes. |
* Another of the more prominent techniques is known as atmospheric perspective. This application renders distant objects and spaces with less detail and intensity than closer objects. For example, the use of bluer colors for distant shapes can suggest space between the viewer and the shapes. | ||
| ⚫ | * The placement of objects can give the illusion of space. Distant shapes are higher and closer shapes are lower in the picture plane. | ||
| ⚫ | * Overlapping of objects on the picture plane can suggest space. | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| Through the rendering of these techniques, the artist appears to destroy the flatness of the picture plane, transporting the viewer into what appears to be a world of actual space. | Through the rendering of these techniques, the artist appears to destroy the flatness of the picture plane, transporting the viewer into what appears to be a world of actual space. | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
| == Value == | == Value == | ||
| Sometimes combined with color, value describes the lightness ] or darkness ] of a color. | Sometimes combined with color, value describes the lightness ] or darkness ] of a color. | ||
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| == Shape == | == Shape == | ||
| ⚫ | The two-dimensional representation of an object or idea as a collection of dots and lines. |
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| ⚫ | The two-dimensional representation of an object or idea as a collection of dots and lines. Shapes can be geometric, organic, or free-form. | ||
| == Line == | == Line == | ||
| It is said lines do not exist in nature; what appears to be a line is only a difference in color. | It is said lines do not exist in nature; what appears to be a line is only a difference in color. | ||
| In art there are many types of lines: | In art there are many types of lines: | ||
| # '''Actual line''': The form of line drawn by pen, pencil, or other implement. It may be straight or curved. | # '''Actual line''': The form of line drawn by pen, pencil, or other implement. It may be straight or curved. | ||
| # ''' Contour line''': an outline that defines the shape of an object as well as the internal lines that define the form of an object | # ''' Contour line''': an outline that defines the shape of an object as well as the internal lines that define the form of an object | ||
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| == Form == | == Form == | ||
| Form is the three-dimensional counterpart to shape. There are two types of form: Illusionary form is created through the use of concepts such as perspective in order to show form on a two-dimensional work, whereas real form is the form seen in sculpture and other three-dimensional art. | Form is the three-dimensional counterpart to shape. There are two types of form: Illusionary form is created through the use of concepts such as perspective in order to show form on a two-dimensional work, whereas real form is the form seen in sculpture and other three-dimensional art. | ||
| ==Texture== | == Texture == | ||
| {{main|Texture (visual arts)}} | |||
| Texture can be either real or perceived. Tactile texture is how an artwork actually feels, while implied texture is how an artwork appears to feel. Sometimes tone can create texture. | Texture can be either real or perceived. Tactile texture is how an artwork actually feels, while implied texture is how an artwork appears to feel. Sometimes tone can create texture. | ||
| ==Color== | == Color == | ||
| Colors |
Colors in art are used in several ways. | ||
| <ref></ref> | <ref></ref> | ||
| ; Primary colors | ; Primary colors | ||
| The primary colors are ], ] and ], and are used to create secondary and intermediate colors. | The primary colors are ], ] and ], and are used to create secondary and intermediate colors. | ||
| ; Secondary colors | ; Secondary colors | ||
| Secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors together. |
Secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors together. The secondary colors are: | ||
| # ] - made by mixing ] and ] | # ] - made by mixing ] and ] | ||
| # ] - made by mixing ] and ] | # ] - made by mixing ] and ] | ||
| Line 60: | Line 69: | ||
| ; Intermediate or Tertiary colors | ; Intermediate or Tertiary colors | ||
| Tertiary colors are made by mixing a secondary and a primary color together. |
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a secondary and a primary color together. Some examples are ] and ]. | ||
| ; Warm, Cool and Neutral colors | ; Warm, Cool and Neutral colors | ||
| Warm colors are the different shades of ], ] and ], and are called so because they convey the feeling of warmth. | Warm colors are the different shades of ], ] and ], and are called so because they convey the feeling of warmth. | ||
| Cool colors are shades of ], ] and ], conveying a feeling of coolness and quiet. | Cool colors are shades of ], ] and ], conveying a feeling of coolness and quiet. | ||
| Neutral colors are also called the earth tones, and are the colors of ], ] and ]. |
Neutral colors are also called the earth tones, and are the colors of ], ] and ]. At times ], ] and ] are also considered as neutral colors. These colors can be made by either mixing the complimentary colors, all of the primaries, or mixing black and white. | ||
| ; Complementary colors | ; Complementary colors | ||
| Complementary colors are colors that are on the opposite sides on the ]. |
Complementary colors are colors that are on the opposite sides on the ]. They contrast each other and make each other appear brighter, adding energy to an artwork. The complementary colors are: | ||
| # ] and ] | # ] and ] | ||
| # ] and ] | # ] and ] | ||
| # ] and ] | # ] and ] | ||
| ==See also== | == See also == | ||
| *] | |||
| *] | * ] | ||
| * ] | |||
| ==References== | == References == | ||
| {{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
Revision as of 05:36, 9 December 2008
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The elements of art are a set of techniques that describe ways of presenting artwork. They are combined with the principles of art in the production of art.
The elements of art can include some or all of the following: point, color, value, line, shape, form, texture, and space.
Space
The use of space and room in a piece of art. Positive space is the space taken up by objects (surface). Negative space is the distance between objects (whitespace).
Nothing exists without it. Space can be thought of as the distance or area around, between, above, below or within places. In art, space can be described as either two dimensional or three dimensional.
The space in two dimensional artworks such as paintings, drawings, prints and photographs (flat space) is essentially limited to height and width. While there is no actual depth or distance in such works, artists have created techniques to create the illusion of depth or distance on these flat surfaces. The following represents some of those techniques:
- The most prominent of these techniques is the application of linear perspective. Through this application distant objects are rendered proportionately smaller than closer ones. The determining factors of this space depends upon the horizon line and vanishing points.
- Another of the more prominent techniques is known as atmospheric perspective. This application renders distant objects and spaces with less detail and intensity than closer objects. For example, the use of bluer colors for distant shapes can suggest space between the viewer and the shapes.
- The placement of objects can give the illusion of space. Distant shapes are higher and closer shapes are lower in the picture plane.
- Overlapping of objects on the picture plane can suggest space.
Through the rendering of these techniques, the artist appears to destroy the flatness of the picture plane, transporting the viewer into what appears to be a world of actual space.
Three dimensional space is recognized as having height, width, depth, and is referred to as actual space. This would include sculpture, furniture, architecture, ceramics and jewelry. In the setting of a three dimensional work of art the viewer can freely move around and (in the case of architecture) through it. Three dimensional art may use both positive and negative space as a means of revealing content and meaning. For example, in sculpture the spaces in and around the form can be described as negative space. Whereas the form itself may be described as occupying a positive space. Another way to consider distinctions of positive and negative space can be equated as the presence of physical material = positive; or in the absence of it = negative. The consideration of how the artist uses both positive and negative space in the articulation of their expression is an important factor.
Value
Sometimes combined with color, value describes the lightness tint or darkness shade of a color.
Value is often the single most important element in paintings and drawings and allows the perception of forms. In other words, it is value and the changing values in pictures that cause the perception of not just shapes, but implied three-dimensional forms.
Shape
The two-dimensional representation of an object or idea as a collection of dots and lines. Shapes can be geometric, organic, or free-form.
Line
It is said lines do not exist in nature; what appears to be a line is only a difference in color. In art there are many types of lines:
- Actual line: The form of line drawn by pen, pencil, or other implement. It may be straight or curved.
- Contour line: an outline that defines the shape of an object as well as the internal lines that define the form of an object
- Implied line: Not a proper line, but an aid that pushes the eye along the artwork, a suggested line.
- Psychic line: This form of line has no physical value; it is a psychologically created line (e.g., when pointing to something, the eye travels from the hand to that object as if on a line.
Form
Form is the three-dimensional counterpart to shape. There are two types of form: Illusionary form is created through the use of concepts such as perspective in order to show form on a two-dimensional work, whereas real form is the form seen in sculpture and other three-dimensional art.
Texture
Main article: Texture (visual arts)Texture can be either real or perceived. Tactile texture is how an artwork actually feels, while implied texture is how an artwork appears to feel. Sometimes tone can create texture.
Color
Colors in art are used in several ways.
- Primary colors
The primary colors are red, yellow and blue, and are used to create secondary and intermediate colors.
- Secondary colors
Secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors together. The secondary colors are:
- Orange - made by mixing red and yellow
- Green - made by mixing blue and yellow
- Violet - made by mixing blue and red
- Intermediate or Tertiary colors
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a secondary and a primary color together. Some examples are blue-green and red-violet.
- Warm, Cool and Neutral colors
Warm colors are the different shades of red, yellow and orange, and are called so because they convey the feeling of warmth.
Cool colors are shades of blue, green and violet, conveying a feeling of coolness and quiet.
Neutral colors are also called the earth tones, and are the colors of black, white and gray. At times brown, beige and tan are also considered as neutral colors. These colors can be made by either mixing the complimentary colors, all of the primaries, or mixing black and white.
- Complementary colors
Complementary colors are colors that are on the opposite sides on the color wheel. They contrast each other and make each other appear brighter, adding energy to an artwork. The complementary colors are: