ELEMENTS OF ART: VISUAL

OBJECTIVES OUTCOMES
• Identify the other players in the • Identified the other players in
world of art; the world of art;
• Recognize the importance of • Recognized the importance of
the prominent roles in the art the prominent roles in the art
world with their mandatory world with their mandatory
relationships and the agencies relationships and the agencies
who recognizes artists; and who recognizes artists; and
• Create simple logo for future art • Created simple logo for future
gallery or business. art gallery or business.
• •
54 | ABONG • Art Appreciation
 INTRODUCTION
In the Lesson on Subject and Content, it was mentioned that arts have a specialized
language. And to be able to understand this language, the familiarity with some of the
elements and principles that make it legible is required. Think of it as the letters – the
stringing of letters to formulate words, and perhaps even the different pronunciations
and enunciations that assist comprehension.

This lesson endeavors to take art and break it into its smaller parts. It will allow for a
better view, not of the final picture; rather, the parts that complete it.

DISCUSSION

The Visual Elements of Art

The elements of art are the aspects of an artwork

that can be isolated from each other. These elements of
art are generally produced when something is done to
the medium after the technique is carried out. It must be
underscored, however, that all works of art requires all
elements to be present. Some art forms also necessitate
some of the elements as they are inherent in the very
nature of them. Elements are the necessary
preconditions for the creation of art.
Design elements are the basic units of any visual design which form its structure
and convey visual messages. There are more elements of arts in terms of visual, to
enumerate some of them, here are the most commonly used in visual art.

Elements of Art and Design

1. Line - A line refers to a point moving at an

identifiable path—it has length and direction.
It also has width. It is one-dimensional;
however, it has the capacity to either define
the perimeters of the artwork (edges) and/or
become a substantial component of the
composition. Although a line is "simple," it
has variations in view of its orientation
direction, shape, and thickness. These

Art Appreciation • ABONG | 55

 variations import not only the visual elements into the artwork, but suggest meaning
or message being conveyed by the artist.

A quality that is ascribed to lines is its ability to direct the eyes to follow
movement or provide hints as to a work's focal point. The orientation in which we
are most accustomed to such as the assertive force of gravity grounding objects,
or the sideways or up-and-down vibration that informs us of an earthquake, the
gustiness of wind from the window, or the direction of the rainfall conjures different
images of lines.

a. Horizontal and vertical lines refer to the orientation of

the line. Horizontal lines are normally associated with rest
or calm. Landscapes often contain these elements as
works like these often connote a visual sense of being
parallel to the ground. It also alludes to position of the
reclined body at rest. Vertical lines, on the other hand,
connote elevation or height, which is usually taken to
mean exaltation or aspiration for action. Together, these
lines communicate stability and firmness.

b. Diagonal and crooked lines - diagonal lines convey

movement and instability, although the progression can
be seen. Crooked or jagged lines, on the other hand, are
reminiscent of violence, conflict, or struggle.
c.
d. Curved lines - these are lines that bend or coil. They allude to softness, grace,
flexibility, or even sensuality.

2. Shape and Form - These two are related to each other

in the sense that they define the space occupied by the
object of art. Shape refers to two dimensions: height and
width, while form refers to three dimensions: height,
width, and depth. Even if shapes are part of a bigger
picture, each can be identified by breaking the visual
components apart and making distinctions based on what
we know and what we have seen. Two categories can be
used as a broad distinction:

a. Geometric - these shapes find origin in mathematical

propositions. As such, its translation and use are often
man-made. These include shapes such as squares,
triangles, cubes, circles, spheres, and cones, among
others.

56 | ABONG • Art Appreciation

 b. Organic – organic shapes are those readily occurring in nature, often irregular
and asymmetrical.

3. Space - Related to shape and form is space. It is usually inferred from a sense of
depth, whether it is real or simulated. Real space is three-dimensional. Like what
has been previously mentioned, sculptures are a perfect example of artworks that
bear this element. However, this can only be manifested in two-dimensional
artworks through the use of different techniques, or the use (or non-use) of area
around a drawing or picture. However, not all works are sculptures. In two-
dimensional artworks, they may be implied.
a. Positive and negative space - usually identified with the white space is the
negative space. The positive space, on the other hand, is the space where
shadow is heavily used.

b. Three-dimensional space can be simulated through a variety of techniques

such as shading. An illusion of three-dimensionality can be achieved in a two-
dimensional work.

4. Color - Color is perhaps one of the elements that

enhances the appeal of an artwork. Its effect has range,
allowing the viewer to make responses based on
memory, emotion, and instinct, among others. This
element is a property of light, as it is reflected off the
object. Color is not intrinsic to an object and without light,
one cannot perceive color. Much of what we know about
colors begins with the notion of a Color Theory that was
first unraveled by the experiments undertaken by Sir
Isaac Newton in 1666. A ray of sunlight passing through
a prism reveals an array of colors akin to that of a
rainbow.

Property of Color:
• Hue - this dimension of color gives its name. It can be
subdivided into: Primary colors - red, yellow, and blue;
Secondary colors - green, orange, and violet; to
Tertiary colors - six in total, these hues are achieved
when primary and secondary colors are mixed.

• Value - this refers to the brightness or darkness of

color. Often, this is used by artists to create the illusion
of depth and solidity, a particular mood, communicate
a feeling, or in establishing a scene (e.g., day and night).

Art Appreciation • ABONG | 57

 • Intensity – this is the color’s brightness or dullness. It is identified as the strength
of color, whether it is vivid or muted. To achieve a specific intensity of a color,
one may add either gray or its complementary color. Bright to warm colors –
positive energy; Dull or cool colors – sedate/soothing, seriousness or calm.
However, color harmonies are also integral considerations not only for pictorial
arts but also for other art forms.

- Monochromatic Harmonies – use the variations of a hue.

- Complementary Harmonies – involve two colors opposite each other
in the color wheel.
- Analogous Harmonies – make use of two colors beside each other in
the color wheel.

- Split Complementary - A variation of the complementary scheme that

uses two colors on either side of a directly complementary color. These
colors have high visual contrast but with less visual tension than purely
complementary colors.
- Triadic - Three colors equally spaced around the color wheel create
vivid visual interest.
- Tetradic - Two pairs of complementary colors. This scheme is popular
because it offers strong visual contrast while retaining harmony.

5. Texture – this element in an artwork is experienced through the sense of touch

(and sight). This element renders the art object tactile. Often, texture is commonly
associated with textiles. This is achieved by using the techniques employed by the
artist in creating the work.

58 | ABONG • Art Appreciation

 a. Textures in two-dimensional
plane – texture can be implied
using one technique or a
combination of other elements of
art.

b. Surface texture – refers to the

texture of the three-dimensional
art object.

SUMMARY
In any art appreciation course, the module or lesson on the elements and
principles of art are considered one of the most rudimentary stages in easing the
student into a meaningful experience with art, regardless of its form. A familiarity with
these building blocks of composition and formal analysis will aid the viewer in his or her
attempt to come into terms with the intention of the artist.

The elements and principles of art are essential to any artwork. Some of them
will be more obvious than others, becoming the anchors in which, the viewer may latch
on to engage with the artwork. The focal point(s) that draw the attention of the viewer
is also interesting to note, as this provides insight as to the interests and values that
are of most weight to him or her. These perhaps will help create a bridge in which a
person, who may not normally find pleasure in looking at art, may consider future
engagements with it. In short, familiarity of the elements and principles has the potential
to break the barriers in which art becomes ineffable.

REFERENCES
Caslib, B.N., Garing, D.C., & Casaul, J.A.R. (2018). Art appreciation first edition. Rex
Book Store, Inc. Sampaloc, Manila. ISBN: 978-971-23-8669-5. pp. 79-92.

IMAGES:

• Color Intensity: http://www.sthda.com/english/wiki/the-elements-of-choosing-

colors-for-great-data-visualization-in-r
• Visual Elements of Art: https://kinderart.com/art-lessons/drawing/principles-
elements-art/
Art Appreciation • ABONG | 59
 • Color Theory:
https://decoart.com/blog/article/318/color_theory_basics_the_color_wheel
• Shape and Form: (Vase)
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/9430; (Grids)
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-piet-mondrian-artist
• Line: (Horizontal & Vertical Line)
https://3vant3nd3rholt.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/element-of-art-the-line/;
(Diagonal) https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/253749760227482508/
• Texture: https://www.henhudschools.org/Page/11928

--- End of Module 2 Lesson 2 ---

60 | ABONG • Art Appreciation

 ACTIVITY
Using the standard drawing paper template, do the following:

Activity 5: ELEMENTS OF ART

Introduction:
In this Activity, a simple freehand drawing in creating the most common element
of art. Lines and Shape and Form will be the two basics to figure out that will practice
freehand sketch and draw without the aid of any instruments or any straight edge. Color
Wheel is where the student identifies and have fun in applying different colors of the
desired medium.

Objective Outcome
- Create an art that resembles the - Made an art that resembles the
elements of arts and design. elements of arts and design.

How to do?
- In your finished standard drawing paper template, draw Line in the center
inside the border line to make two column or box.
- In the left-side, use it for the LINES and for the right-side is for the SHAPE
AND FORM.
- DO NOT USE any straight edge (like ruler) in making lines or objects. Manual
or freehand drawing only.
- Lines are not necessarily need to put color, use HARD LEAD PENCIL (1) or
FELT TIP PEN (black) only.
- Shape and Form need to put any desired color inside the object.
- Label the name of lines, shape and form with their corresponding identity.
- Below is the reference for Activity 5.

62 | ABONG • Art Appreciation

 Activity 6: COLOR WHEEL

How to do?
- Using the standard drawing paper template, create a desired shape for Color
Wheel (e.g.: circle, square, etc.). May use objects to make a perfect shape.
- In left-side of the paper, create the Color Wheel and to generate equal shape
for 12 colors.
- In the right-side of the paper, create the sole Primary and Secondary colors.
- Use desired medium (e.g.: crayons, pastel, watercolor, pen, etc.)
- Label the name of color outside the Color Wheel.
- Refer to the arrangement below.

PRIMARY COLORS

COLOR WHEEL SECONDARY COLORS

In both Activity, place or draw your

favorite PERSONAL LOGO below the
right corner of your drawing paper in a
size of 1.5-inch box or 1.5x1.5.

THIS IS OPTIONAL.

Art Appreciation • ABONG | 63