What to Think About When Anaylyzing a Piece of Art

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

The listing below describes each element of art. Learn nigh the principles of design hither.

Download a student 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 space. Information technology is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. Lines tin can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, direct or curved, thick or thin. They atomic number 82 your centre around the limerick and can communicate information through their character and direction.

Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of remainder or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest. In this mural, horizontal lines besides help give a sense of space. The lines delineate sections of the landscape, which recede into space. They too imply continuation of the landscape beyond the picture aeroplane to the left and right.

Vertical lines oftentimes communicate a sense of acme considering they are perpendicular to the earth, extending upwards toward the sky. In this church building interior, vertical lines suggest spirituality, rising beyond human reach toward the heavens.

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

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

The curve of a line can convey energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of the human trunk and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the composition. The border of the pool in this photograph gently leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon.

Shape and form

Shape and form define objects in space. Shapes have two dimensions–height and width–and are ordinarily defined by lines. Forms exist in 3 dimensions, with height, width, and depth.

Shape has but height and width. Shape is usually, though not e'er, defined by line, which tin can provide its contour. In this prototype, rectangles and ovals boss the composition. They describe the architectural details for an illusionist ceiling fresco.

Form has depth besides equally width and height. Three-dimensional form is the basis of sculpture, piece of furniture, and decorative arts. Iii-dimensional forms can exist seen from more than one side, such equally this sculpture of a rearing horse.

Geometric shapes and forms include mathematical, named shapes such every bit squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and cones. Geometric shapes and forms are frequently homo-made. However, many natural forms besides accept geometric shapes. This cabinet is decorated with designs of geometric shapes.

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

Space

Real space is three-dimensional. Infinite in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth or three dimensions. It can also refer to the artist's apply of the area inside the picture plane. The surface area effectually the master objects in a work of art is known as negative infinite, while the space occupied by the primary objects is known as positive space.

Positive and negative space
The human relationship of positive to negative space tin can greatly touch on the touch on of a piece of work of art. In this drawing, the man and his shadow occupy the positive infinite, while the white infinite surrounding him is the negative space. The disproportionate corporeality of negative infinite accentuates the effigy'southward vulnerability and isolation.

3-dimensional infinite
The perfect illusion of 3-dimensional space in a two-dimensional piece of work of art is something that many artists, such every bit Pieter Saenredam, labored to achieve. The illusion of infinite is achieved through perspective drawing techniques and shading.

Color

Low-cal reflected off objects. Colour has 3 main characteristics: hue (blood-red, green, blueish, etc.), value (how low-cal or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or deadening it is). Colors can be described as warm (ruddy, yellow) or cool (blue, gray), depending on which end of the color spectrum they fall.

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 night or interior scene. Dark colors tin ofttimes convey a sense of mystery or foreboding.

Low-cal colors often describe a light source or light reflected within the limerick. In this painting, the dark colors suggest a night or interior scene. The artist used light colors to describe the calorie-free created by the candle flame.

Intensity describes the purity or strength of a color. Bright colors are undiluted and are ofttimes associated with positive energy and heightened emotions. Deadening colors accept been diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood. In this prototype the artist captured both the seriousness and the joy of the scene with the boring grey stone interior and the brilliant red drapery.

Texture

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

In a two-dimensional piece of work of fine art, texture gives a visual sense of how an object depicted would feel in real life if touched: difficult, soft, crude, smooth, 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 two-dimensions
Artists apply color, line, and shading to imply textures. In this painting, the man'due south robe is painted to simulate silk. The power to convincingly portray fabric of dissimilar types was i of the marks of a great painter during the 17th century.

Surface texture
The surface of this writing desk-bound is metallic and difficult. The hard surface is functional for an object that would have been used for writing. The polish surface of the writing desk reflects light, adding sparkle to this piece of furniture.

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

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