What Is the Surface of a Work of Art?

The elements of art are components or parts of a piece of work of art that tin exist isolated and defined. They are the edifice blocks used to create a work of fine art.

The list below describes each element of fine art. Larn about the principles of design here.

Download a pupil handout containing a list of the elements of art and their definitions. (PDF, 168KB)

Line

A line is an identifiable path created by a point moving in infinite. It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a course. Lines tin exist horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or sparse. They lead your center effectually the limerick and can communicate information through their graphic symbol and direction.

Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of rest or repose considering objects parallel to the world are at rest. In this landscape, horizontal lines as well aid give a sense of space. The lines delineate sections of the landscape, which recede into infinite. They besides imply continuation of the landscape beyond the pic plane to the left and right.

Vertical lines often communicate a sense of height considering they are perpendicular to the earth, extending upwardly toward the sky. In this church interior, vertical lines suggest spirituality, ascension across human reach toward the heavens.

Horizontal and vertical lines used in combination communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms with 90-caste angles are structurally stable. This stability suggests permanence and reliability.

Diagonal lines convey a feeling of movement. Objects in a diagonal position are unstable. Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either about to fall or are already in motion. The angles of the transport and the rocks on the shore convey a feeling of movement or speed in this stormy harbor scene.

The curve of a line tin can convey free energy. Soft, shallow curves retrieve the curves of the homo body and ofttimes have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening upshot on the composition. The edge of the pool in this photograph gently leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon.

Shape and grade

Shape and grade ascertain objects in space. Shapes have two dimensions–elevation and width–and are usually divers by lines. Forms exist in iii dimensions, with height, width, and depth.

Shape has only height and width. Shape is commonly, though not always, defined by line, which can provide its contour. In this image, rectangles and ovals dominate the composition. They describe the architectural details for an illusionist ceiling fresco.

Form has depth as well equally width and height. Three-dimensional form is the basis of sculpture, article of furniture, and decorative arts. Iii-dimensional forms can be seen from more than than one side, such every bit this sculpture of a rearing equus caballus.

Geometric shapes and forms include mathematical, named shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and cones. Geometric shapes and forms are often man-made. All the same, many natural forms also take geometric shapes. This cabinet is decorated with designs of geometric shapes.

Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetrical. Organic shapes are often plant in nature, but man-fabricated shapes can also imitate organic forms. This wreath uses organic forms to simulate leaves and berries.

Space

Real infinite is 3-dimensional. Space in a piece of work of art refers to a feeling of depth or three dimensions. Information technology can too refer to the artist'south utilize of the area within the picture aeroplane. The surface area around the primary objects in a work of art is known as negative space, while the space occupied by the primary objects is known every bit positive infinite.

Positive and negative space
The relationship of positive to negative space tin can greatly affect the bear on of a work of art. In this cartoon, the man and his shadow occupy the positive infinite, while the white space surrounding him is the negative infinite. The asymmetric corporeality of negative infinite accentuates the figure's vulnerability and isolation.

Three-dimensional space
The perfect illusion of three-dimensional space in a 2-dimensional work of art is something that many artists, such as Pieter Saenredam, labored to achieve. The illusion of space is achieved through perspective drawing techniques and shading.

Color

Calorie-free reflected off objects. Color has three primary characteristics: hue (cherry, green, bluish, etc.), value (how lite or nighttime it is), and intensity (how vivid or dull it is). Colors can be described as warm (scarlet, yellow) or cool (blue, gray), depending on which stop of the color spectrum they autumn.

Value describes the brightness of color. Artists use color value to create different moods. Dark colors in a composition advise a lack of light, as in a dark or interior scene. Dark colors can oftentimes convey a sense of mystery or foreboding.

Light colors oft describe a low-cal source or light reflected within the composition. In this painting, the dark colors suggest a night or interior scene. The artist used low-cal colors to draw the calorie-free created by the candle flame.

Intensity describes the purity or force of a color. Bright colors are undiluted and are often associated with positive energy and heightened emotions. Slow colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood. In this epitome the artist captured both the seriousness and the joy of the scene with the boring gray stone interior and the bright red pall.

Texture

The surface quality of an object that we sense through touch. All objects have a physical texture. Artists can also convey texture visually in ii dimensions.

In a two-dimensional piece of work of art, texture gives a visual sense of how an object depicted would experience in real life if touched: hard, soft, rough, shine, hairy, leathery, sharp, etc. In three-dimensional works, artists use actual texture to add a tactile quality to the piece of work.

Texture depicted in ii-dimensions
Artists use colour, line, and shading to imply textures. In this painting, the human being'south robe is painted to simulate silk. The ability to convincingly portray cloth of different types was one of the marks of a corking painter during the 17th century.

Surface texture
The surface of this writing desk is metallic and hard. The hard surface is functional for an object that would have been used for writing. The smooth surface of the writing desk reflects lite, adding sparkle to this slice of article of furniture.

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Source: https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/formal_analysis.html

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