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1.6: What Are the Elements of Art and the Principles of Art?

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• Page ID 46130

• Deborah Gustlin & Zoe Gustlin
• Evergreen Valley College via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

The visual art terms separate into the elements and principles of art. The elements of art are color, form, line, shape, space, and texture. The principles of art are scale, proportion, unity, variety, rhythm, mass, shape, space, balance, volume, perspective, and depth. In addition to the elements and principles of design, art materials include paint, clay, bronze, pastels, chalk, charcoal, ink, lightening, as some examples. This comprehensive list is for reference and explained in all the chapters. Understanding the art methods will help define and determine how the culture created the art and for what use.

Over the years, art methods have changed; for example, the acrylic paint used today is different from the cave art earth-based paint used 30,000 years ago. People have evolved, discovering new products and procedures for extracting minerals from the earth to produce art products. From the stone age, the bronze, iron age, to the technology age, humans have always sought out new and better inventions. However, access to materials is the most significant advantage for change in civilizations. Almost every civilization had access to clay and was able to manufacture vessels. However, if specific raw materials were only available in one area, the people might trade with others who wanted that resource. For example, on the ancient trade routes, China produced and processed the raw silk into stunning cloth, highly sought out by the Venetians in Italy to make clothing.

The art methods are considered the building blocks for any category of art. When an artist trains in the elements of art, they learn to overlap the elements to create visual components in their art. Methods can be used in isolation or combined into one piece of art (1.24), a combination of line and color. Every piece of art has to contain at least one element of art, and most art pieces have at least two or more.

Elements of Art

Color : Color is the visual perception seen by the human eye. The modern color wheel is designed to explain how color is arraigned and how colors interact with each other. In the center of the color wheel, are the three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. The second circle is the secondary colors, which are the two primary colors mixed. Red and blue mixed together form purple, red, and yellow, form orange, and blue and yellow, create green. The outer circle is the tertiary colors, the mixture of a primary color with an adjacent secondary color.

Color contains characteristics, including hue, value, and saturation. Primary hues are also the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. When two primary hues are mixed, they produce secondary hues, which are also the secondary colors: orange, violet, and green. When two colors are combined, they create secondary hues, creating additional secondary hues such as yellow-orange, red-violet, blue-green, blue-violet, yellow-green, and red-orange.

Value: refers to how adding black or white to color changes the shade of the original color, for example, in (1.26). The addition of black or white to one color creates a darker or lighter color giving artists gradations of one color for shading or highlighting in a painting.

Saturation: the intensity of color, and when the color is fully saturated, the color is the purest form or most authentic version. The primary colors are the three fully saturated colors as they are in the purest form. As the saturation decreases, the color begins to look washed out when white or black is added. When a color is bright, it is considered at its highest intensity.

Form: Form gives shape to a piece of art, whether it is the constraints of a line in a painting or the edge of the sculpture. The shape can be two-dimensional, three-dimensional restricted to height and weight, or it can be free-flowing. The form also is the expression of all the formal elements of art in a piece of work.

Line: A line in art is primarily a dot or series of dots. The dots form a line, which can vary in thickness, color, and shape. A line is a two-dimensional shape unless the artist gives it volume or mass. If an artist uses multiple lines, it develops into a drawing more recognizable than a line creating a form resembling the outside of its shape. Lines can also be implied as in an action of the hand pointing up, the viewer's eyes continue upwards without even a real line.

Shape : The shape of the artwork can have many meanings. The shape is defined as having some sort of outline or boundary, whether the shape is two or three dimensional. The shape can be geometric (known shape) or organic (free form shape). Space and shape go together in most artworks.

Space: Space is the area around the focal point of the art piece and might be positive or negative, shallow or deep, open, or closed. Space is the area around the art form; in the case of a building, it is the area behind, over, inside, or next to the structure. The space around a structure or other artwork gives the object its shape. The children are spread across the picture, creating space between each of them, the figures become unique.

Texture: Texture can be rough or smooth to the touch, imitating a particular feel or sensation. The texture is also how your eye perceives a surface, whether it is flat with little texture or displays variations on the surface, imitating rock, wood, stone, fabric. Artists added texture to buildings, landscapes, and portraits with excellent brushwork and layers of paint, giving the illusion of reality.

Principles of Art

Balance: The balance in a piece of art refers to the distribution of weight or the apparent weight of the piece. Arches are built for structural design and to hold the roof in place, allowing for passage of people below the arch and creating balance visually and structurally. It may be the illusion of art that can create balance.

Contrast: Contrast is defined as the difference in colors to create a piece of visual art. For instance, black and white is a known stark contrast and brings vitality to a piece of art, or it can ruin the art with too much contrast. Contrast can also be subtle when using monochromatic colors, giving variety and unity the final piece of art.

Emphasis: Emphasis can be color, unity, balance, or any other principle or element of art used to create a focal point. Artists will use emphasis like placing a string of gold in a field of dark purple. The color contrast between the gold and dark purple causes the gold lettering to pop out, becoming the focal point.

Rhythm/Movement: Rhythm in a piece of art denotes a type of repetition used to either demonstrate movement or expanse. For instance, in a painting of waves crashing, a viewer will automatically see the movement as the wave finishes. The use of bold and directional brushwork will also provide movement in a painting.

Proportion/Scale: Proportion is the relationship between items in a painting, for example, between the sky and mountains. If the sky is more than two-thirds of the painting, it looks out of proportion. The scale in art is similar to proportion, and if something is not to scale, it can look odd. If there is a person in the picture and their hands are too large for their body, then it will look out of scale. Artists can also use scale and proportion to exaggerate people or landscapes to their advantage.

Unity and variety : In art, unity conveys a sense of completeness, pleasure when viewing the art, and cohesiveness to the art, and how the patterns work together brings unity to the picture or object. As the opposite of unity, variety should provoke changes and awareness in the art piece. Colors can provide unity when they are in the same color groups, and a splash of red can provide variety.

Pattern: Pattern is the way something is organized and repeated in its shape or form and can flow without much structure in some random repetition. Patterns might branch out similar to flowers on a plant or form spirals and circles as a group of soap bubbles or seem irregular in the cracked, dry mud. All works of art have some sort of pattern even though it may be hard to discern; the pattern will form by the colors, the illustrations, the shape, or numerous other art methods.

The Elements of Art Eight tools, infinite expression

All artwork speaks the same language through a vocabulary of eight terms expressed in infinite ways. We all understand the vocabulary of art subconsciously, but recognizing how it’s applied enriches our experience of art and allows for nuanced discussion of artworks and appreciation of the artist's passion and skill. The vocabulary of art is made up of the Formal Elements of Design:  line, shape, form, space, color, texture, motion, and time.

The most basic element of design is the line: a mark with greater length than width, the path traced by a moving point. In mathematics, a line has no width, but in art, lines can be thin, thick, rough or smooth. Lines can convey tremendous emotion, from aggressive zig-zags or tranquil waves to nauseating spirals. Artists can convey confidence in bold lines, or precision with straight lines. 

A shape is formed when lines enclose a space. The edges of the shape are its contour, which can be geometric or organic, open or closed. Like lines, shapes can be expressive, sharp or soft, architecturally rigid or flowing. Simple shapes form a common vocabulary that stretches back millenia, often associated with specific attributes. Roman Architects believed the circle to be divinely perfect, and used it when designing their temples. Triangles were imagined to point to the heavens.   

Form is the real or perceived dimensionality of a shape, expressing length, width, and depth. Spheres, cubes, pyramids are three-dimensional forms, and some of the fundamental building blocks for expression in art. Form can also describe the structure of a work of art. The composition of a painting or the chapters of a book. Form can be used to talk about the arrangement of formal elements that present the whole.

Space is the area between and around objects. In art and design, the space is as important as the forms it surrounds. Space can be two or three dimensional, and is often referred to as negative space. Space holds the objects it contains, providing context. Space is as emotive as lines and shapes, and can create feelings of isolation, claustrofobia, or wide open possibility. 

Color is possibly the most complex tool at the artist's disposal. Color is scientifically defined as the light that reflects off illuminated objects, whose pigmentation absorbs some wavelengths, and the wavelengths that remain enter the eye. The colors we see are part of the visible spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo, but these colors combine into millions of perceivable colors. To talk about the variations of colors, we use the terms hue, value, and intensity. Hue defines the range the color sits within, like a greenish yellow or a yellowy green. Value is the relative lightness or darkness of the color, and intensity is the relative brightness or dullness of the color.

Texture comes from the latin word texo , meaning 'to weave' and refers to the qualities of a material surface. Texture may be seen and felt in dimensional objects, such as canvas or a marble sculpture, and two-dimensional objects can create the illusion of texture, like a photograph of a rough wooden surface. Texture can be evocative. Smooth objects can feel refined, and rough surfaces may create a gritty, aggressive appearance.

Motion is the movement or change of an object over time. In art motion can be applied to sculpture, called kinetic sculpture , and is a natural element of video and performance art. 

The effect of time on artwork is an oft overlooked element of design. All objects change over time, though in different ways. A stone artifact from 30,000 BCE may be nearly unchanged from the time of its creation, but paintings fade. Time is also part of how we consume art. A book may take weeks to read, and that time creates a different context for the experience than an article read in minutes. Video uses time the same way a painter uses negative space, employing pacing, momentum, and balance over the length of the film.

Reed Enger, "The Elements of Art, Eight tools, infinite expression," in Obelisk Art History , Published June 24, 2017; last modified November 08, 2022, http://www.arthistoryproject.com/essays/the-elements-of-art/.

Advanced Composition Techniques

Let's get mathematical

What is Artistic Composition?

Geometry and the Subconscious

Defining ‘Art’

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The 7 Elements of Art

Introduction

Every time you create an artwork there are 7 elements, or components, that your artworks consists of. More often than not we just take these elements for granted, or don't even give them a second thought.

They are however critical to the success of your artwork. By keeping them in mind as plan and create your artwork, you will end up with a much better artwork.

One that will be easier to look at as the person's eye will flow through your artwork more fluently. You will have control over how their eye moves through your painting - you will be able to lead them through the painting.

This is just one of the benefits of knowing the 7 elements of art. Let's dive right in by looking at what these 7 elements are:

What are the 7 Elements of Art?

The seven elements of art are line, shape, form, space, value, color and texture. These elements are the essential components, or building blocks, of any artwork. Any good artwork should consist of these 7 ingredients.

Element 1 - Line

Line is the most basic element of art. Without line the other elements couldn’t exist so let's start here and then we will gradually go more advanced.

A line can be thought of as a moving dot. If the dots overlap, it’s a solid line, if they don’t it’s a dotted line. A line has a beginning and an end and by its existence, creates an edge.

If a line joins up it forms an outline (also called a contour). An outline creates a shape.

Lines can be:

Long or short

Thick or thin A thick line gives emphasis and advances while a thin line recedes.

Straight Straight lines on the other hand are more mechanistic and dynamic and rarely found in nature.

Curved Curved lines change direction gently with no sharp angles and suggest comfort and ease to the viewer. Curved lines most often relate to the natural world.

Zigzag Zigzag lines alter direction fast and create feelings of unrest, turmoil and movement.

Diagonal Diagonal lines, give movement and dynamism to a composition.

Horizontal Horizontal lines create the feeling of stability and calm.

Vertical Vertical lines give the impression of height and strength and often have a spiritual connotation.

Imaginary Lines can be imaginary or implied; for example line of sight can be a very strong albeit invisible line along which the viewer’s eye travels. Also a pointing finger can send the viewers eye on a journey through the painting.

Three Dimensional Lines alone can also be used to create a three dimensional effect, (depth, in a 2-dimensional artwork. Hatching lines (straight or curved) are used to turn shape into form using value as seen the works of the masters like Rembrandt.

In summary lines can:

• Describe 2-dimensional shapes and 3-dimensional forms
• Create feelings of movement and emotion
• Create value and thereby show the direction of light
• Change 2-dimensional shapes into 3-dimensional forms with value
• Depict texture

Element 2 - Shape

When a line meets up to enclose a space, a shape is formed.

Shapes can be:

Geometric or organic.

Shapes are 2-dimensional, i.e. they have height and width but no depth e.g. a square. The best way to remember the shape element is to think of an outline.

Positive or Negative Shapes

The object you draw on your page is a shape enclosed in a frame. This frame may be a box you drew to designate the edges of your drawing area or the edge of the page if you didn’t draw a box. The object you draw is the positive shape. The rest of the space in your box (or if you didn’t draw a box then the rest of the page) is called negative shape.

Element 3 - Form

Form is the next step up from shape as we now add depth to it to create a three dimensional form.

A square (shape) vs a cube, a triangle vs a cone etc. etc. Form encloses volume i.e. height, width as well as depth.

In drawing and painting form can only be implied because they are 2-dimesional (flat) media. Artists must use tricks to fool the viewer’s eye so as to create the illusion of the third dimension i.e. depth. This is known as Trompe l’oeil and is achieved using tools like value (shading), colour and contour lines.

Here you can see how shading has been used to create the illusion of 3-dimensional objects on a flat wall:

Like shapes, forms can be geometric or organic.

Organic forms are common in nature while geometric forms are more characteristic of architecture and man-made items. Nature however also uses geometric forms on occasion. Examples are crystals and honeycombs.

Element 4 - Space

Space is what lies between, around or within an object.

To show space in a 2-dimensional medium the artist must use techniques to create the illusion of space between items that are in reality on a flat surface.

How do artists create this feeling of space between objects?

Overlapping

When an object is drawn or painted on top of another object the viewer’s eye interprets this as one object being in front of another implying there must be a space between them.

Objects higher up in the picture plane will seem to the viewer’s eye to be further away than objects placed low down in the picture frame.

Smaller objects look as if they are further away than larger objects. Notice how much smaller the house is in relation to the flowers.

The further away an object, the less detail is visible to the viewer. By purposely reducing the amount of detail in an object it will appear further away than an object with greater detail.

Colour and Value

Objects in the distance usually appear cooler (bluer) and lighter in colour. Close up objects appear warmer and darker in value.

Perspective

Can be used to create the feeling of depth on a 2-dimensional surface. The most commonly used perspective types are linear and 2-point perspective.

Negative Space

Space can be either positive or negative in the same way as shapes can.

Negative space is all around the object, which is the (positive space) subject of the painting.

Negative space is very important and an artist must plan the negative space as carefully as the main subject.

Is there enough negative space to give the subject room to “breathe” or does it appear boxed in?

Negative space can be cut to a minimum or eliminated entirely for a very close up and intimate focus on the subject.

It can be greater on one side than the other, or greater at the top or bottom.

All choices which will affect how the viewer sees the overall composition.

Element 5 - Value

Value is how light or dark something is.

There is a scale of light and dark from pure white through to pitch black. The value of a colour depends on how light or dark it is compared to the value scale.

Getting the values right is more important than getting the colours right in painting. Value is what makes it possible to show 3-dimensional forms in a 2-dimensional surface.

By increasing differences in value, contrast is increased as well. A highlight will look brighter when surrounded by a dark value. Decreasing contrast will make objects visually recede into the picture plane and draw less attention.

The focal point of a painting is where you want to add the most contrast as this high contrast automatically draws the viewer’s eye.

If a painting is done on the lower (darker) edge of the value scale it is called a “low key” painting. Low key paintings give rise to a heavy, mysterious, dramatic, sometimes brooding feeling in the viewer.

By contrast “high key” paintings take their range of values from the upper end of the value scale and create emotions of lightness, quickness, spirituality etc.

Most paintings however use the full range of values from light to dark.

Value is what artists use to portray light and form. The further from the light the darker the value.

How value changes determines the form of an object.

If there’s a gradual transition in value it conveys to the viewer that the surface is gently rounded. This is called a soft edge.

If however there is a rapid transition between values it means there is an edge. This is called a hard edge.

Value is also used to create shadows which show light direction and anchor the object, preventing it from appearing as though it is floating.

Element 6 - Colour

Colour is created when light is reflected into the viewer’s eye.

In art, colours are arranged on a colour wheel. The colour wheel was developed by Isaac Newton who took the colour spectrum and bent it into a circle.

The colour wheel shows primary colours, (colours that can’t be mixed), secondary colours (made by mixing two primaries) and tertiary colours (made by mixing a primary and secondary colour).

Colour theory helps the artist to mix desired colours from primary colours. It’s only a theory and can’t be proven but it is nevertheless useful to the artist. Colour theory is based on the colour wheel, colour value and on which colours work well together - also called colour schemes.

There are various colour schemes which define the primaries. The most common is the Red, Yellow, Blue model. Another popular scheme uses Cyan, Magenta and Yellow as the primaries. There are several other and each works well in different situations.

Colour is described by its hue – red, green etc. (Hue the name we give a colour.)

A colour has intensity called chroma, also known as saturation, brightness or purity. The more pure the colour is (less of other colours mixed in), the more intense or saturated it is. In painting only small amounts of saturated colours are usually used as accents. Too much saturated colour can give a garish result. The chroma of a colour is not the same as its value.

Colours also have value. Value is how light or dark the colour is, as discussed in Element 5 above. Each colour falls on the value scale from light to dark. Yellow would be near the top (light end) of the scale while purple would be found near the bottom end. To change the value of a colour you follow the Colour Mixing Rules .

Art supply stores sell interactive colour wheels which are essential to the artist working with colour. I recommend this Color Wheel .

Element 7 - Texture

Actual texture is the way an object feels to the touch.

Drawing or painting texture on a 2–dimensional, flat surface is a challenge for artists. The artist must instead convey the illusion of the actual texture to the viewer on the flat surface.

How this is done is by the careful use of value and specific marks / brush strokes which then mimic the actual texture.

Every textured surface reflects light in a very particular way. Think of the difference in texture between a chrome ball and a concrete ball. The artist, through careful observation and the use of light and dark values, recreates this actual texture visually on the picture plane.

You can follow our tutorial in Drawing Weathered Textures to get a feel for how this is done.

It is possible to create actual 3D texture on a flat surface by the addition of texturing compounds which create a raised surface. Impasto paste is one way or you could even add sand etc. to the paint. Even thick paint will leave the texture of the brush marks for the viewer to see.

You can follow our tutorial on Texture Painting Techniques to see how you can add texture to your canvas.

It is also possible to create patterns by the repetition of shapes that creates 2D texture. This is often used in Op Art. (Optical Art).

I think you will agree that you have been using many of the seven elements throughout your artworks without even realising it.

Now that you are however aware of these elements, you can look out for them as well as look out for ways to incorporate more of them into your artworks.

This will add extra depth, dimension, texture and interest to your artworks, taking them to a whole new level.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing Essays in Art History

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

These OWL resources provide guidance on typical genres with the art history discipline that may appear in professional settings or academic assignments, including museum catalog entries, museum title cards, art history analysis, notetaking, and art history exams.

Art History Analysis – Formal Analysis and Stylistic Analysis

Typically in an art history class the main essay students will need to write for a final paper or for an exam is a formal or stylistic analysis.

A formal analysis is just what it sounds like – you need to analyze the form of the artwork. This includes the individual design elements – composition, color, line, texture, scale, contrast, etc. Questions to consider in a formal analysis is how do all these elements come together to create this work of art? Think of formal analysis in relation to literature – authors give descriptions of characters or places through the written word. How does an artist convey this same information?

Organize your information and focus on each feature before moving onto the text – it is not ideal to discuss color and jump from line to then in the conclusion discuss color again. First summarize the overall appearance of the work of art – is this a painting? Does the artist use only dark colors? Why heavy brushstrokes? etc and then discuss details of the object – this specific animal is gray, the sky is missing a moon, etc. Again, it is best to be organized and focused in your writing – if you discuss the animals and then the individuals and go back to the animals you run the risk of making your writing unorganized and hard to read. It is also ideal to discuss the focal of the piece – what is in the center? What stands out the most in the piece or takes up most of the composition?

A stylistic approach can be described as an indicator of unique characteristics that analyzes and uses the formal elements (2-D: Line, color, value, shape and 3-D all of those and mass).The point of style is to see all the commonalities in a person’s works, such as the use of paint and brush strokes in Van Gogh’s work. Style can distinguish an artist’s work from others and within their own timeline, geographical regions, etc.

Methods & Theories To Consider:

Expressionism

Instructuralism

Postmodernism

Social Art History

Biographical Approach

Poststructuralism

Museum Studies

Visual Cultural Studies

Stylistic Analysis Example:

The following is a brief stylistic analysis of two Greek statues, an example of how style has changed because of the “essence of the age.” Over the years, sculptures of women started off as being plain and fully clothed with no distinct features, to the beautiful Venus/Aphrodite figures most people recognize today. In the mid-seventh century to the early fifth, life-sized standing marble statues of young women, often elaborately dress in gaily painted garments were created known as korai. The earliest korai is a Naxian women to Artemis. The statue wears a tight-fitted, belted peplos, giving the body a very plain look. The earliest korai wore the simpler Dorian peplos, which was a heavy woolen garment. From about 530, most wear a thinner, more elaborate, and brightly painted Ionic linen and himation. A largely contrasting Greek statue to the korai is the Venus de Milo. The Venus from head to toe is six feet seven inches tall. Her hips suggest that she has had several children. Though her body shows to be heavy, she still seems to almost be weightless. Viewing the Venus de Milo, she changes from side to side. From her right side she seems almost like a pillar and her leg bears most of the weight. She seems be firmly planted into the earth, and since she is looking at the left, her big features such as her waist define her. The Venus de Milo had a band around her right bicep. She had earrings that were brutally stolen, ripping her ears away. Venus was noted for loving necklaces, so it is very possibly she would have had one. It is also possible she had a tiara and bracelets. Venus was normally defined as “golden,” so her hair would have been painted. Two statues in the same region, have throughout history, changed in their style.

Compare and Contrast Essay

Most introductory art history classes will ask students to write a compare and contrast essay about two pieces – examples include comparing and contrasting a medieval to a renaissance painting. It is always best to start with smaller comparisons between the two works of art such as the medium of the piece. Then the comparison can include attention to detail so use of color, subject matter, or iconography. Do the same for contrasting the two pieces – start small. After the foundation is set move on to the analysis and what these comparisons or contrasting material mean – ‘what is the bigger picture here?’ Consider why one artist would wish to show the same subject matter in a different way, how, when, etc are all questions to ask in the compare and contrast essay. If during an exam it would be best to quickly outline the points to make before tackling writing the essay.

Compare and Contrast Example:

Stele of Hammurabi from Susa (modern Shush, Iran), ca. 1792 – 1750 BCE, Basalt, height of stele approx. 7’ height of relief 28’

Stele, relief sculpture, Art as propaganda – Hammurabi shows that his law code is approved by the gods, depiction of land in background, Hammurabi on the same place of importance as the god, etc.

Top of this stele shows the relief image of Hammurabi receiving the law code from Shamash, god of justice, Code of Babylonian social law, only two figures shown, different area and time period, etc.

Stele of Naram-sin , Sippar Found at Susa c. 2220 - 2184 bce. Limestone, height 6'6"

Stele, relief sculpture, Example of propaganda because the ruler (like the Stele of Hammurabi) shows his power through divine authority, Naramsin is the main character due to his large size, depiction of land in background, etc.

Akkadian art, made of limestone, the stele commemorates a victory of Naramsin, multiple figures are shown specifically soldiers, different area and time period, etc.

Iconography

Regardless of what essay approach you take in class it is absolutely necessary to understand how to analyze the iconography of a work of art and to incorporate into your paper. Iconography is defined as subject matter, what the image means. For example, why do things such as a small dog in a painting in early Northern Renaissance paintings represent sexuality? Additionally, how can an individual perhaps identify these motifs that keep coming up?

The following is a list of symbols and their meaning in Marriage a la Mode by William Hogarth (1743) that is a series of six paintings that show the story of marriage in Hogarth’s eyes.

• Man has pockets turned out symbolizing he has lost money and was recently in a fight by the state of his clothes.
• Lap dog shows loyalty but sniffs at woman’s hat in the husband’s pocket showing sexual exploits.
• Black dot on husband’s neck believed to be symbol of syphilis.
• Mantel full of ugly Chinese porcelain statues symbolizing that the couple has no class.
• Butler had to go pay bills, you can tell this by the distasteful look on his face and that his pockets are stuffed with bills and papers.
• Card game just finished up, women has directions to game under foot, shows her easily cheating nature.
• Paintings of saints line a wall of the background room, isolated from the living, shows the couple’s complete disregard to faith and religion.
• The dangers of sexual excess are underscored in the Hograth by placing Cupid among ruins, foreshadowing the inevitable ruin of the marriage.
• Eventually the series (other five paintings) shows that the woman has an affair, the men duel and die, the woman hangs herself and the father takes her ring off her finger symbolizing the one thing he could salvage from the marriage.

Elements of art

A brief introduction to the building blocks of art.

By Dr. Asa Simon Mittman

Line is the most basic visual element.

Shape and form

There are two main types of shapes—geometric and organic.

Artists can use colors for many reasons, including setting moods and highlighting importance.

Space is used to refer to depth, real or represented.

Texture is the feeling of a surface, real or represented.

Surface and depth

By Art Institute of Chicago

What makes paintings feel as deep as the view from a window or as flat as a wall?

Light and shadow

Whether setting the mood or celebrating the divine, artists play with light. Sometimes, they even sculpt with it.

Your donations help make art history free and accessible to everyone!

Elements of Art

The elements of art are the fundamental components used by artists when creating a work of art. These elements, often referred to as the building blocks of art, include line, shape, value, colour, space, texture, and form. Artists use all of these elements together help create the composition of an artwork, to express meaning and to create the impression of a scene or subject.

In this guide, discover what the elements of art are and how you can use them to create successful compositions.

Disclaimer: Fine Art Tutorials is a reader supported site. When you make purchases through links on this site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Line is one of the most basic elements of art and it can be used to create many different effects. Lines can be straight, curved, angular or organic and they may be thick or thin. They can also denote direction, such as horizontal or diagonal. Lines can also be used to suggest movement, value, depth and texture within a piece of art.

An artwork can be created with just line alone, look at line art drawings, where artists use pens or pencils alongside the hatching or cross hatching techniques to create the impression of light and shadow in different subjects.

Shapes are two-dimensional forms that are defined by an outline or border. They can be geometric such as squares, circles and triangles, or organic like free-form shapes. Artists use shapes to represent a subject, for example, drawing the shape of a leaf in a landscape piece.

Complex shapes draw more attention from the viewer than simple shapes and large shapes draw more attention than smaller shapes, due to the inherent visual weight these types of characteristics have. William Morris repeated shapes and design motifs in his designs to create his famous patterns . The shapes all appear complex, organic and representational .

Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour used in an artwork. Light and dark values create depth and perspective and also emphasise certain elements within a composition. Value is created by mixing black or white with a colour.

Denman Ross created the value scale in 1907. In the Denman Ross value scale, 1 represents white and 9 represents black. Using a value scale can help artists determine relative values in their reference, which can aid them in mixing. For example, it can tell artists how much black or white to mix into their colours to match it to the colours in their reference.

Chiaroscuro is the technique of using highly contrasting light and dark values in an artwork. Oil painters such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt used this technique in their oil paintings to create drama, atmosphere and focal points.

Colour is an important element of art which helps to bring life to an artwork. Colour is the way in which humans perceive wavelengths of light and is further categorised by hue, saturation and luminance.

Primary colours such as red, blue and can be mixed to create secondary and tertiary colours. In art, these primary and secondary colours correspond to particular pigments which can be mixed to create new tones and hues.

Colours evoke different feelings in people and they can be used to help express an artist’s emotional state. Colour theory is the study of the applications of colour in art and is an important concept to understand when creating artworks, as it can help artists to become faster and more accurate at colour mixing and help artists create colour harmony with intent in their designs.

Artists may also choose to use a colour scheme in their artwork to bring unity to a painting. Monet used colour schemes extensively in his paintings. The split complementary scheme in the ‘Banks of the Seine at Jenfosse’ creates variety , whilst unifying different sections of the painting.

Space is the area around, within and between shapes that creates a sense of depth within an artwork. Positive space is defined as the space in artworks occupied by subject or objects, while negative space is the area around and between the subjects. Negative space could include the background, or sky for instance, however this can depend on the context of the artwork. You can see how Escher uses positive and negative space cleverly in his artwork ‘Metamorphosis II’. The repeated elements of the insects on the left morph into appearing as negative space between the fish in the middle, then transform into bird shapes on the right hand side of the artwork. Escher played with using similar shapes and consistent values to create a transformation of occupied space in this artwork.

Depending on how the artist has chosen to position and space elements within an artwork, feelings of harmony , unity and tension can be created. When subjects and objects are placed within close proximity of one another, it can create a sense of tension but also a sense of unity . However, when subjects and objects are more evenly space, the composition will appear more balanced .

Texture refers to the surface quality of an object or material that can be seen and felt. It can make a painting look more three-dimensional or realistic and it also helps to create a sense of depth, movement and rhythm .

Sculptures have inherent texture to them, with paint, artists can add additives to paint to enhance texture. For example, by adding cold wax to oil paint, it will thicken the mixture and make the paint retain brushstrokes on the canvas.

Form is a three-dimensional object that has mass and volume. It occupies space and it can be viewed from any angle. Sculptures are considered to have three dimensional form, while subjects within a painting can have the appearance of form. Forms can be organic or geometric, simple or complex and either abstract or representational. When using media to create two dimensional artworks, such as pencil or paint, artists can create the impression of form by using shape, colour and values to give the illusion of three dimensionality.

Examples: Elements of art

Vincent van Gogh used the elements of art in interesting and unique ways to create novel, symbolic and eye catching compositions. For example, he used the complementary colour scheme of purple and yellow in his famous painting ‘The Starry Night’ to create contrast and dynamism. Additionally, the use of repeated, textured brush strokes creates a sense of movement and rhythm. The brushstrokes appear as lines moving and swirling in the sky, which adds to the sense of atmosphere in the piece.

Gustav Klimt use different elements to create harmony and variety in his artworks. For example, in his painting ‘The Kiss’, he repeats geometric, simple shapes across the clothing of the figures, creating subtle contrast and variety by introducing blocks of colour. The repeated elements unify the design and create rhythm.

Principles of design

The principles of design are the effects that can be created by arranging visual elements in such a way to create a successful composition . These include balance, contrast, emphasis , repetition , variety, proportion , scale , movement, pattern, rhythm and unity.

Balance can be achieved through a symmetrical or an asymmetrical composition ; artists use this by arranging their elements in such a way that it feels harmonious and unified. For example, the artist could repeat a similar shape on one side of the canvas to match a shape on the other. This symmetry offers balance to the composition.

Artists can create the effect of contrast by using elements that are dissimilar to one another together. For example, colours on opposite ends of the colour wheel contrast with each other, because they are dissimilar in hue. By placing orange next to blue, the two colours contrast against and therefore emphasise each other.

Formal analysis

Formal analysis is the process of looking at and examining the elements, principles and techniques used in an artwork. By observing an artwork and breaking it down into its component parts, one can gain deeper understanding of how the elements interact with each other to create a unique composition. Viewers can also elicit important information about the context of the artwork, such as the style of the artist , the date it may have been created and the meaning behind the work. This can help to identify which techniques were used to create the artwork and why.

For instance, Impressionist artists such as Monet used looser shapes to represent subjects, compared to Renaissance artists , with more textured brush strokes and more vivid colours. This is a style that was common during the 19th century. By doing a formal analysis of a painting like this, the viewer could glean information such as the century that the painting might have been from and the intent behind representing the subject in this manner.

Visual weight of elements

The visual weight of an element is determined by its size, shape, colour and value. Larger shapes or darker colours tend to have more visual weight than smaller shapes or lighter colours. This is because they appear to be more dominant on the canvas and draw the eye’s attention more.

For example, in a portrait piece, the artist might use dark tones to emphasise certain features of the subject’s face. This would draw viewer’s attention to these points on the canvas and create focus.

The importance of the elements of art

The elements of art are the building blocks of any artwork. By understanding and using each element effectively, an artist can create compositions that have clarity and purpose. Study how to use them in combination with one another, to create visual effects such as balance or contrast. The visual weight of elements is also important in creating focus and emphasis on particular points of the composition.

Formal analysis is a great tool for understanding the elements of art and how they interact together in a piece. Viewers can understand the style and context of artwork by looking at how the visual elements created it.

Overall, the elements of art are important components in creating a successful artwork. Knowing how to use them effectively will help any artist in creating compositions that have impact and meaning.

Essay on Art

500 words essay on art.

Each morning we see the sunshine outside and relax while some draw it to feel relaxed. Thus, you see that art is everywhere and anywhere if we look closely. In other words, everything in life is artwork. The essay on art will help us go through the importance of art and its meaning for a better understanding.

What is Art?

For as long as humanity has existed, art has been part of our lives. For many years, people have been creating and enjoying art.  It expresses emotions or expression of life. It is one such creation that enables interpretation of any kind.

It is a skill that applies to music, painting, poetry, dance and more. Moreover, nature is no less than art. For instance, if nature creates something unique, it is also art. Artists use their artwork for passing along their feelings.

Thus, art and artists bring value to society and have been doing so throughout history. Art gives us an innovative way to view the world or society around us. Most important thing is that it lets us interpret it on our own individual experiences and associations.

Art is similar to live which has many definitions and examples. What is constant is that art is not perfect or does not revolve around perfection. It is something that continues growing and developing to express emotions, thoughts and human capacities.

Importance of Art

Art comes in many different forms which include audios, visuals and more. Audios comprise songs, music, poems and more whereas visuals include painting, photography, movies and more.

You will notice that we consume a lot of audio art in the form of music, songs and more. It is because they help us to relax our mind. Moreover, it also has the ability to change our mood and brighten it up.

After that, it also motivates us and strengthens our emotions. Poetries are audio arts that help the author express their feelings in writings. We also have music that requires musical instruments to create a piece of art.

Other than that, visual arts help artists communicate with the viewer. It also allows the viewer to interpret the art in their own way. Thus, it invokes a variety of emotions among us. Thus, you see how essential art is for humankind.

Without art, the world would be a dull place. Take the recent pandemic, for example, it was not the sports or news which kept us entertained but the artists. Their work of arts in the form of shows, songs, music and more added meaning to our boring lives.

Therefore, art adds happiness and colours to our lives and save us from the boring monotony of daily life.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Art

All in all, art is universal and can be found everywhere. It is not only for people who exercise work art but for those who consume it. If there were no art, we wouldn’t have been able to see the beauty in things. In other words, art helps us feel relaxed and forget about our problems.

FAQ of Essay on Art

Question 1: How can art help us?

Answer 1: Art can help us in a lot of ways. It can stimulate the release of dopamine in your bodies. This will in turn lower the feelings of depression and increase the feeling of confidence. Moreover, it makes us feel better about ourselves.

Question 2: What is the importance of art?

Answer 2: Art is essential as it covers all the developmental domains in child development. Moreover, it helps in physical development and enhancing gross and motor skills. For example, playing with dough can fine-tune your muscle control in your fingers.

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Art Essay Questions

By yasmina reza, essay questions.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by people who wish to remain anonymous

Why does Yvan try to side with both Serge and Marc?

Yvan is friends with both Marc and Serge and values their friendship immensely, it is his safe place. So when they get into a fight over the all white painting it breaks down the friendship dynamic Yvan is used to. So In order to repair the friendship in order that he will be able to have his sanctuary restored, Yvan tells both Marc and Serge what they want to hear--siding with each of them--believing that this will cause the men to drop the matter and all is well. Ironically this only fuels the fight between the men who now have more ammo to believe they are the one who is right.

Why is the play itself ironic in how it is set up?

Reza's play is about art. What is the standard of art for one person is perhaps completely different for another person. The irony of the play is that it is about two middle-aged white men arguing about what is defined as art. It narrows the focus of what fuels pompous belief systems and the reality that these arguments become the centerpiece of what fuels hatred. We don't like particular people because they have bad "taste"? This question, to me, is evoked in the content of the story, it is a byproduct of these mens unsophisticated tirades.

What is the irony of Marc not liking Serge's painting?

Serge has paid 200,000 francs for a painting that is all white with a few white lines upon it by a painter named Antrios. Marc flat out does not like it and believes it worthless. Ironically, Marc's feelings about the painting have become a personal attack on Serge who fires back; their beliefs become a reason for them to cut one another down piece by piece personally. Thus their differing taste in art has transformed into them ripping one another apart as men in order to defend their stance.

Art Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Art is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Double Yoke By BUCHI Emecheta

I'm sorry, GradeSaver does not have analysis available for the two books you've listed above at this time.

Are there any other works you have read about that the public has been prevented from seeing?

If you read anything about voteing valets, there was a great number of valets thrown into rivers secretly without people knowing. It later came out on facebook that this act had been done to over 400,000 valets.

What obstacles have women faced in being taken seriously as professional artists? What has been done to counteract that inequity?

I'm not that versed on this subject but check this out below:

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/19wa/hd_19wa.htm

Study Guide for Art

Art study guide contains a biography of Yasmina Reza, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• Art Summary
• Character List

Essays for Art

Art essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Art by Yasmina Reza.

• Creating Between Cultural Dichotomies—Cai Guo Qiang, Interpreter of East-West Dialogues

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The Ultimate Collection of Elements of Art Examples and Definitions

Inside:  The ultimate collection of elements of art examples and elements of art definitions, plus helpful resources for teaching the elements of art.

What are the Elements and Principles of Art?

The elements of art and principles of design are the fundamental pieces that make up an artwork. Most works of art will make use of many or all of the elements and principles of art. We often judge art by how effectively the artist used these design fundamentals even before we learn about them.

The elements of art are the building blocks of an artwork: color, line, shape, form, value, texture, and space . They are the tools artists use when creating an artwork.

The principles of design are how those building blocks are arranged: contrast, rhythm, proportion,  balance, unity, emphasis, movement, and variety . They are the ways an artist can organize the elements of art to create a wide range of effects.

Each of these art fundamentals are closely related and many of them overlap. When combined, they produce a complete artistic vision.

Why are the Elements and Principles of Art Important?

Knowing the elements and principles of art boosts visual literacy. Artists and creators make more powerful works when they utilize the principles of art. When viewers are familiar with the elements of art, they become more aware of the details and can better appreciate what they see and the message behind it.

Connecting with art makes us more empathetic and strengthens the fabric of society . In the age of the internet, understanding how and why advertisers make design decisions can empower students with information and make them less susceptible to manipulation.

Teaching the Elements and Principles of Art

I once said that I hate the elements and principles of art , but that’s not quite accurate. The elements and principles of art are a lens through which to view and understand art, but they are not what makes  art education  vital. Art inspires higher level thinking, focus, a growth mindset, visual literacy, curiosity, respect, and connection. The elements and principles of design are an artist’s toolbox. Knowing the tools not only improves students’ studio art skills and gives them deeper appreciation when viewing artworks, it helps make them better, more informed citizens and prepares them for a visually complex and culturally interconnected modern world in need of creative problem solvers.

Below you’ll find an explanation of each of the elements and principles of art, including artwork examples and links to helpful materials for teaching the individual concepts. 

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack

Free Resource!

Elements & Principles Printable Pack

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Elements of Art Examples and Definitions

Scroll below for each element or click the link to be taken to the appropriate section:

Color is the visual property of the pigment of an object that is detected by the eye and produced as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light. The human eye is capable of seeing millions of colors, making it one of the most diverse and powerful elements of art.

Each color has three properties—hue, value, and intensity. Hue is the name of a color. Value is a color’s lightness or darkness, which is altered when black or white is added. Intensity refers to the intensity of a color, often measured by boldness or dullness.

In this example of color in art , Paul Klee shows contrast between high intensity and low intensity colors by using more or less water with his paint.

Primary Colors

All colors come from the three primary colors—red, blue, and yellow. You cannot mix any colors to create a primary color. They are the base hues for all other colors.

In this example of primary colors in art , Jacob Lawrence uses only neutral colors with the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow.

Looking for more examples of primary colors in art? Check out our post of  color in art examples and definitions  post!

Complementary Colors

To find a pair of complementary colors, simply draw a line from one of the color wheel to the other. Complementary colors are called that because, when placed side by side, they are pleasing to the eye. They create an appealing contrast in artworks. Some of the basic complementary color pairings are red and green, purple and yellow, and orange and blue.

In this example of complementary colors in art , Hiroshige uses red and green to create contrast.

For more examples of complementary colors in art, check out the full color in art examples post!

Analogous Colors

To find a pair of analogous colors, simply choose two colors that are touching on the color wheel. Analogous colors create harmony and unity in art because they are made of the same hues. Some of the basic analogous color pairings are blue and green, red and orange, and yellow and green.

In this example of analogous colors in art , Vincent van Gogh uses colors next to one another on the color wheel–blue, green, and yellow.

Looking for more examples of analogous colors in art? Check out the  Color in Art: Examples & Definitions  post!

Warm and Cool Colors

Warm colors are reds, oranges, and yellows. They pop out towards viewer, and create energy and excitement in an artwork. On the other hand, the cool colors of blues, greens, and violets recede from the viewer’s eye and create a calming effect.

In this example of warm and cool colors in art , Dorothea Tanning contrasts warm with cool colors to show the clash of rest and restlessness in insomnia.

For more examples of warm and cool colors in art, check out the full color post!

Color in Art Resources

• The Ultimate Collection of Color in Art: Examples & Definitions
• Color in Art Lesson
• I Spy Colors in Art (Book)
• Vincent’s Colors (Book)
• My Many Colored Days (Book)
• The Virtual Instructor: Color Theory
• Arty Factory: Color

Art Class Curator has a full color wheel lesson available in the Curated Connections Library including all of following color wheel topics: primary, secondary, intermediary/tertiary colors, analogous colors, complementary colors, monochromatic colors (tints/shades), cool/warm colors, and mood.

Line is an element of art defined as the path of a point moving through space. There are many types of line in art . Lines may be continuous or broken, and can be any width or texture. The great variety of line types make them an especially useful tool in artworks.

Direction of Line

The direction of a line can dramatically alter an artwork. Diagonal lines create movement an energy. Horizontal and vertical lines add stability and strength to an artwork.

In this example of directional lines in art, Artemisia Gentileschi uses both diagonal lines to show the energy and excitement of the scene and vertical lines (in Judith’s attendant) to show strength.

Looking for more examples of directional lines in art? Check out this post about line !

Contour Lines

Contour lines form the outside edge of a three-dimensional shape and clearly defines the area it occupies.

Look at the face of Leonardo da Vinci below; the contour lines around his facial features give his face form.

Looking for more examples of contour lines in art? Check out the  Artworks That Show Line  post!

Gesture Lines

Gesture lines are lines that show movement, particularly of characters in an artwork.

In this example of gesture lines in art, Marino Marini uses big swooshing gesture lines that capture the action and energy of the subject.

Looking for more examples of gesture lines in art? Check out this post of types of line in art !

Implied Lines

Implied lines are not made by a physical mark in an artwork, but rather by visual suggestion. Our eyes often follow them automatically, so they draw attention to specific parts of an artwork.

In this example of implied lines in art , Grant Wood uses implied lines to emphasize the hatchet in the center. Follow the implied lines from the ladder to the father’s hand to George Washington’s hand to the hatchet. The narrator’s hand leads to an implied line as well.

Looking for more examples of implied lines in art? Check out our elements of art line  post!

Expressive Lines

Lines that show feeling and emotion are called expressive lines.

In this example of expressive lines in art, Edvard Munch uses wavy lines in contrast with a strong straight diagonal line to convey anxiety.

Looking for more examples of expressive lines in art? Check out the  Artworks That Show Line  post!

Line in Art Resources

• The Ultimate Collection of Line in Art
• The Art of an Idea: Math and Art Integration with Sol Lewitt’s Instruction
• Arty Factory: Line

Art Class Curator has a full line lesson available in the Curated Connections Library including all of following line topics: contour lines, gesture lines, implied lines, expressive lines, lines in architecture, and characteristics of line.

A shape is an enclosed area of space created through lines or other elements of the composition.

Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes are precise areas that can be made using a ruler or compass. These shapes can be simple or complex and generally give an artwork a sense of order.

In this example of geometric shapes in art , Picasso uses circles, triangles, crescents, and rectangles.

Looking for more examples of geometric shapes in art? Check out the  Artworks That Use Shape  post!

Organic/Free-Form Shapes

Organic shapes are complex and imprecise. They give works of art a natural feeling.

In this artwork, Grace Hartigan uses a variety of examples of organic and free-form shapes.

Looking for more examples of organic shapes in art in art? Check out this list of art using shape !

Shape in Art Resources

• The Ultimate Collection of Shape in Art
• Paper Sculpture Project Inspired by Geometric MADI Art
• When a Line Bends . . . A Shape Begins (Book)
• I Spy Shapes in Art (Book)
• Arty Factory: Shape

Form is an element of art closely related to shape. Like shape, form can be geometric or organic. However, unlike shape, form is always three-dimensional. A form is measurable by length, width, and height, and encloses volume. Forms can be well-defined, such as a cube, or they can be free-form, such as an animal. They can be created by combining two or more shapes and are often defined by the presence of shadow and how light plays against it in an artwork.

In this examples of form in art, Dalí uses geometric forms (spheres) to create his image.

In this example of form in art, Niki de Saint Phalle uses organic form.

Form in Art Resources

• The Virtual Instructor: Form
• Set Free the Angels: How Carved Sculptures Are Made
• National Gallery of Art: Form (3rd-4th Grade Lesson)

Value in art refers to the lightness and darkness of colors and is often described in varying levels of contrast. White is the lightest value while black is the darkest. To create a tint of a color, the artist adds white. To create a shade, the artist adds black.

In this example of value in art, Rufino Tamayo adds white to a color to create a tint in the clothes of the women, one of the baskets, and in the checkerboard on the wall.

In this example of value in art, Dürer creates a wide range of values using the shading techniques of hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling.

Value in Art Resources

• Drawing Dimension – Shading Techniques (Book)
• The Virtual Instructor: Value
• NY Times: Four Ways to Think about Value

Texture refers to the tactile qualities of a surface. This element of art deals with the way objects feel or the way it looks like they would feel.

Tactile or Actual Texture

Tactile texture is the actual feeling of a surface that can be touched. Think of the actual texture of a sculpture or a painting created with the impasto technique.

In this example of tactile or actual texture in sculpture, Meret Oppenheim uses actual fur to cover the saucer, cup, and spoon.

Impasto is the technique of applying paint very thickly to the surface. In this closeup of Water Lily Pond, you can see Monet’s thick application of paint to create actual/tactile texture.

Looking for more elements of art examples of tactile texture in art? Check out the Texture in Art Examples post!

Visual Texture

Visual texture is the illusion of texture in an artwork. Think of a photograph of a forest. The texture of the trees and leaves is seen, but the photograph remains smooth.

Albrecht Dürer mimics creates the visual texture of thick fur in his painting of Hieronymus Holzschuher, but the actual texture is that of oil paint.

For more examples of visual texture in art, check out our post of  texture in art examples !

Texture in Art Resources

• The Ultimate Collection of Texture in Art Examples
• Sophia: Texture
• Arty Factory: Texture
• Rodin’s  The Burghers of Calais

Space is the element of art that is concerned with how an artwork depicts depth. It is how artists make a two-dimensional surface look three-dimensional. Space can give the illusion of objects in an artwork being close, far away, or overlapping one another.

In this example of space in art, John Sloan uses overlapping, foreshortening, relative size, perspective, and more. For more information about this painting and how artists depict space , check out this blog post about the artwork.

Linear Perspective

Linear perspective is the mathematical system by which an artist uses lines to create the illusion of deep, three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface.

Piero della Francesca was one of the forerunners of linear perspective. In Ideal City, he used one-point linear perspective to show the depth of the space.

Looking for more examples of linear perspective in art? Check out the Artworks That Show Space post!

Atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective, sometimes called aerial perspective, refers to how objects that are far away often appear fuzzier or less detailed than objects that are close due to the contrast between light and dark being increasingly reduced by the effects of atmosphere. Artists use value and shading to mimic atmospheric perspective and give their artworks a realistic appearance.

In this example of atmospheric perspective in art, the trees and mountains in the background are fuzzier and less detailed than the items in the foreground.

Looking for more examples of atmospheric perspective in art? Check out this list of space in art examples !

Positive and Negative Space

In addition to space being a way to show depth, artists also use positive and negative space as elements of art. Positive space is the areas of the artwork filled with the content, and negative space is the space in between.

In Rodin’s The Cathedral , the empty negative space between the hands creates as much emotion and power as the positive space of the hands.

For more examples of positive and negative space in art, check out our elements of art space post.

Space in Art Resources

• The Ultimate Collection of Space in Art Examples
• How Artists Depict Space
• Perspective Made Easy (Book)
• Sophia: Space
• NY Times: 5 Ways to Think About Space

More Elements of Art Examples

For more examples of elements and principles of art, check out more from our elements of art examples series below.

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Reader Interactions

13 comments.

January 20, 2019 at 3:37 pm

Terrific resources!!!!

February 26, 2020 at 11:45 am

Cindy, This information is really helpful. Concise yet very informative. Thanks

August 8, 2020 at 11:12 am

I love you!

September 7, 2020 at 5:52 am

Hi Cindy, I love your website! My daughter does HL Art (so challenging!) and as a parent I understand so much more about what she needs to achieve, thanks to your resources. Well done!!

September 27, 2020 at 3:27 pm

I just started poking around on your website today, and multiple places it mentions “download the free resource.” But there is either nowhere to download it, or a button you click on that only brings up a box that says free resource and gives info, but nothing to click on to download? I saw this on multiple pages.

October 1, 2020 at 12:18 pm

Hi Stephanie! Are you on a school computer? Sometimes they block our downloads.

February 7, 2021 at 6:08 pm

I had the same problem and I am not on a school computer. Excellent website and resources by the way. Thank you so much!

February 9, 2021 at 5:59 am

You’re welcome! If you have any troubles downloading something, you can email us at [email protected] and we will send it to you.

April 2, 2021 at 10:17 pm

This website was an enormous help to me not only to appreciate the different elements of art, but also to see how they’re applied in the different artworks depicted. I really enjoyed learning more about the pieces depicted as well as how the elements allow the artist to convey the thoughts, feelings, movement, or perspective that they desire. Thank you for this wonderful, well organized, clear, and informative website! Awesome!

April 6, 2021 at 5:16 am

You’re welcome!

July 22, 2021 at 5:21 pm

Thank you Your resources are wonderful and very educational. It really focus on how to teach visual arts with goal in mind in a fun way.

July 26, 2021 at 7:47 pm

August 24, 2022 at 9:28 pm

This is super amazing 🙂 Love this so much

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Art Essay Examples

Art Essay Examples to Get You Inspired - Top 10 Samples

Published on: May 4, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

Share this article

Are you struggling to come up with ideas for your art essay? Or are you looking for examples to help guide you in the right direction? 

Look no further, as we have got you covered!

In this blog, we provide a range of art writing examples that cover different art forms, time periods, and themes. Whether you're interested in the classics or contemporary art, we have something for everyone. These examples offer insight into how to structure your essay, analyze art pieces, and write compelling arguments.

So, let's explore our collection of art essay examples and take the first step toward becoming a better art writer!

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Good Art Essay Examples

In the following section, we will examine a selection of art essay examples that are inspiring for various academic levels.

College Art Essay Examples

Let’s take a look at college art essay examples below:  

The Intersection of Art and Politics: An Analysis of Picasso's Guernica

The Role of Nature in American Art: A Comparative Study

University Art Essay Examples

University-level art essay assignments often differ in length and complexity. Here are two examples:

Gender and Identity in Contemporary Art: A Comparative Study

Art and Activism: The Role of Street Art in Political Movements

A Level Art Essay Examples

Below are some art paper examples A level. Check out: 

The Use Of Color In Wassily Kandinsky's Composition Viii

The Influence of African Art on Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles D'avignon

A Level Fine Art Essay Examples

If you're a student of fine arts, these A-level fine arts examples can serve as inspiration for your own work.

The Use Of Texture In Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night

Exploring Identity Through Portraiture: A Comparative Study

Art Essay Examples IELTS 

The Impact of Art on Mental Health

The Effects of Technology on Art And Creativity

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AP Art Essay Examples

A Comparison of Neoclassical and Romantic Art

An Examination Of The Effects Of Globalization On Contemporary Art

Types of Art Essay with Examples

Art essays can be categorized into different types. Let's take a brief look at these types with examples:

Art Criticism Essay : A critical essay analyzing and evaluating an artwork, its elements, and its meaning.

The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali: A Critical Analysis

Art History Essay: A comprehensive essay that examines the historical context, development, and significance of an artwork or art movement.

The Renaissance: A Rebirth of Artistic Expression

Exhibition Review: A review of an art exhibition that evaluates the quality and significance of the artwork on display.

A Review of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Exhibition

Contemporary Art Essay: An essay that explores and analyzes contemporary art and its cultural and social context.

The Intersection of Technology and Art in Contemporary Society

Modern Art Essay: An essay that examines modern art and its significance in the development of modernism.

Cubism and its Influence on Modern Art [insert pdf]

Art Theory Essay: An essay that analyzes and critiques various theories and approaches to art.

Feminist Art Theory: A Critical Analysis of its Impact on Contemporary Art [insert pdf]

Additional Art Essay Example

Let’s take a brief look at some added art essay samples:

Artwork Essay Example

Artist Essay Example

Advanced Higher Art Essay Example

Common Art Essay Prompts

Here are some common art essay topics that you may encounter during your coursework:

• Describe a piece of artwork that has inspired you.
• A comparative analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David.
• Analyze the cultural significance of a particular art movement.
• Discuss the relationship between art and politics.
• Compare and contrast two works of art from different time periods or cultures.
• The representation of identity in art
• The Evolution of Artists' Paintings:
• From Traditional to Contemporary Art
• The representation of identity in Frida Kahlo's self-portraits.
• The significance of oil on canvas in the history of art.
• The significance of the Mona Lisa in the Italian Renaissance

Art Essay Topics IELTS

Here are some art essay topics for IELTS students. Take a look: 

• The value of art education.
• The role of museums in preserving art and culture.
• The impact of globalization on contemporary art.
• The influence of technology on art and artists.
• The significance of public art in urban environments.

Tips For Writing a Successful Art Essay

Here are some tips for writing a stand-out art essay:

• Develop a clear thesis statement that guides your essay: Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely state the main argument of your essay.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of the artwork you are writing about : This includes examining the visual elements of the artwork, researching the artist, and considering the historical significance.
• Use formal and precise language to discuss the artwork: Avoid using colloquial language and instead focus on using formal language to describe the artwork.
• Include specific examples from the artwork to support your arguments: Use specific details from the artwork to back up your analysis.
• Avoid personal bias and subjective language: Your essay should be objective and avoid using personal opinions or subjective language.
• Consider the historical and cultural context of the artwork: Analyze the artwork in the context of the time period and cultural context in which they were created.
• Edit and proofread your essay carefully before submitting it: Ensure your essay is well-organized, coherent, and free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Use proper citation format when referencing sources: Follow the appropriate citation style guidelines and give credit to all sources used in your essay.
• Be concise and focused in your writing: Stick to your main thesis statement and avoid going off-topic or including irrelevant information.
• Read your essay aloud to ensure clarity and coherence: Reading your essay out loud can help you identify inconsistencies or any other mistakes.

The Bottom Line!

We hope that the art essay examples we've explored have provided you with inspiration for your own essay. Art offers endless possibilities for analysis, and your essay is a chance to showcase your unique opinions.

Use these examples as a guide to craft an essay that reflects your personality while demonstrating your knowledge of the subject.

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Elements Of Art Essay Example

• Pages: 2 (289 words)
• Published: October 30, 2017
• Type: Essay

This artwork, Moonrise Hernandez, will be critiqued based on the elements and principles of art to determine its meaning. The author, Ansel Adams, created this piece in 1941 in southern Mexico.

Here, Adams used black and white film to make an original gelatin silver 16 by 20 photograph. The artwork consists of a moonlit dark sky above a small camp with mountains in the background. The sky appears stormy because the clouds stand out, while the half moon shines well above. The town looks really boring and poor.

Plus, the mountains in the background are very tall and appear to be touching the sky. All of these factors contribute to a wonderful photograph. In this piece both elements and principles of art are prominent. The color of the sky is pitch black, which creates emphasis on the clouds,

which are bright white. Also, the sky takes up a lot of space in the photograph and it towers over everything. This creates an uneven proportion throughout the piece.

Finally, the texture of the clouds appears smooth, while the foreground is very rough. This creates variety throughout the photo.In all, this piece portrays many of the elements and principles of art. The mood in this photograph is depressing because almost half of this picture is black.

See above paragraph. The moon against the dark sky in the picture is a symbol of the constant battle against evil that all of us face. The story it tells is that there will be bad times for the town because they’re about to get rained on. In conclusion, this artwork employs mostly emotionalism.

This is because it makes the viewer feel

sad and lonely. In all, I think this is a brilliant piece of artwork.

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Elements of arts essay (483 words).

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Line Line is one of the elements of art. You can find lines “O’Hare you look. There are many different kinds of lines. Here are some common lines: ay joining lines together, you can make shapes. Lines can also be used to create textures. Glossary Term: Shape Shape is one of the elements of art. When lines meet, shapes are formed. Shapes are flat. Some shapes are geometric, such as squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, and ovals. Other shapes are organic or irregular. These are geometric shapes. Organic shapes look like things from nature. Glossary Term: Space Space is one of the elements of art.

Space is an empty place or surface in or around a work of art. Space can be dimensional, tatterdemalion’s, negative and/or positive, You can easily see the positive Dawson-Tobago, 1996 and negative space in this sculpture. Public art sculpture (title unknown) by Ace Artists also create positive and negative space in two-dimensional artworks, Glossary Term: Texture Texture is one of the elements of art. Texture is the way something feels when you touch it. Artists also create the illusion of texture in artworks such as paintings, drawings and prints. How would you describe these different textures?

Glossary Term: Value Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. You can get different values Of a color by mixing its shades and tints. Principles of Art Glossary Term: Balance Balance is one of the principles of art which describes how artists to create visual weight. Artists think about how to make their works balanced by using elements such as line, shape and color. There are several ways to balance an artwork: Symmetrical (formal) balance means both sides of an imaginary line are the name, Asymmetrical (informal) balance means each side of an imaginary line are different yet equal.

Glossary Term: Contrast Contrast is one of the principles of art which creates excitement and interest in artworks. Two things that are very different have a lot of contrast. White and black have the greatest contrast. Complementary colors also have high contrast. Artists use high contrast to make something show up. In Whitfield With Ravens, Vincent van Gogh used high contrast colors to make the yellow wheat fields stand out against the dark blue sky. Glossary Term: unity unity is one of the principles of art. unity is the feeling that everything in the work of art works together and looks like it fits. Gustavo Collegiate used shape to create unity. Repetition of shape and color can make an artwork unified Glossary Term: Variety Variety is one of the principles of art. Variety occurs when an artist creates something that looks different from the rest of the artwork. An artist may use variety to make you look at a certain part or make the artwork more interesting. Jasper Cropper painted a large tree to create variety in his landscape, “In the Valley,”

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Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — Italian Renaissance — Birth of Venus: Analysis

Birth of Venus: Analysis

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

Words: 695 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

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Historical context, artistic techniques, symbolic elements.

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