What are the elements of Art?
- Line
- Shape
- Form
- Space
- Textrue
- Value
- Color
These elements are mixed with design and composition to form a work of art. Not all works of art contain each element. Sculpture obviously has form and space.
Line is important to depict shapes and subject matter although there are no lines in nature. Texture is the feel of a painting heavy with impasto, grit, sand and can be merely implied with shading and other tricks of the trade such as Trompe L'Oeil.
Value describes the relative lightness or darkness of an object or shadow. In landscape the sky is usually lighter than the grass. The grass or ground plane is usually the next lightest value with the uprights such as trees being the darkest.
Why are these elements important? Without elements we would have no art. The elements help us to converse and communicate our feelings towards a piece of art. They give us a common ground to discuss art.
Just as someone discussing a sports event would be able to converse knowledgeably about the sport using vocabulary unique to that sport. Knowing the elements or art will help you with writing a paper on a piece of art, conversing at an art show or gallery. These elements will help you learn more about fine art.
Contact us today for your own piece of commissioned art. Charcoal or pastel portraits of your loved one will be an investment you will treasure forever!
by Nancy Nickey Curran
485 South Street Suite 106
Collierville, TN 38018
http://nancynickeycurran.com
901.517.0456