elements of art notes & assignment sheets

Elements of Art Worksheet

Don’t just write definitions of the elements of art, color the words with what each means instead. visual learning to the rescue.

Why Learn about the Elements of Art?

The seven Elements of Art help students think and talk in more detail about their art. By considering the Line, Shape, Form, Space, Color, Value and Texture in your work, they are able to analyze each category so they can understand them better. After all, if someone says, “I like your drawing because it has so much color and texture in it”, isn’t that a whole lot more helpful than if someone just says, “That’s a nice drawing”? Here are some simplified definitions of each Element of Art. LINE: One point moving around in space. SHAPE: A shape that looks flat, or two-dimensional. FORM: Something that appears to be three-dimensional. SPACE: When something has a sense of depth. COLOR: Made of three properties: hue, value, and intensity. VALUE: The lightness or darkness of colors. TEXTURE: The way things feel, or look as if they might feel, if touched.

Join “The Daily Draw” below to download this template!

For more ideas, check out my elements of art ebook.

How about an ebook then that is full of art projects that already have one or more of the Elements built right in? If so, you might be interested in this ebook that is designed to work with my Recycled Art Journal system (making art on half sheets of drawing paper) but can easily work on full sizes as well. There are 38 ideas with step-by-step tutorials inside!

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Elements of Art Worksheet: Download 10 Free Worksheets

Table of contents, elements of art worksheet.

Elements of Art Worksheet is a vibrant tapestry woven with various fundamental components known as the “Elements of Art.” These elements serve as the building blocks of artistic creation, guiding the way artists perceive, communicate, and express their ideas. From the foundational strokes to the final brushstrokes, understanding these elements is crucial for both novice creators and seasoned artists.

Introduction to Art Elements

Artistic creation is a symphony composed of various elements, each contributing its distinct note to the masterpiece. The Elements of Art encompass line, shape, form, space, texture, color, value, emphasis, balance, rhythm, pattern, harmony, and unity. These elements serve as the alphabet of art, enabling artists to construct visual language.

Understanding Line

The humble line, the simplest yet most powerful element, is the starting point in any artistic endeavor. It defines shapes, directs the eye, and conveys emotion. From straight to curvilinear, lines play a pivotal role in art, allowing artists to create depth, movement, and character in their works.

Lines are the foundational elements in art, setting the stage for creativity. They’re not just marks on a canvas; they define shapes and guide the viewer’s gaze through a piece. Artists use various types of lines—straight, curved, thick, or thin—to convey different emotions and energies in their work. A single line can express movement, create boundaries, or even evoke certain feelings. Think of lines as the artist’s starting point—a way to outline their ideas and give form to their imagination.

Exploring Shape and Form

Elements of Art Worksheet shows Shapes, the basic building blocks of art. It offers structure and contour to artistic compositions. Meanwhile, form adds depth and volume, transforming 2D artworks into three-dimensional creations that resonate with the audience.

Shapes are the building blocks of art. They’re the outlines that give structure and form to an artwork. From basic circles and squares to more complex shapes, they define the edges and boundaries of objects within a composition. On the other hand, form is about taking these shapes and giving them depth and volume, making flat images feel three-dimensional. By playing with light, shadow, and perspective, artists breathe life into their creations, making them leap off the canvas.

Space and Texture

The concept of space in Elements of Elements of Art WorksheetArt Worksheet is not merely the absence of matter but a canvas where artists play with depth and perspective. Texture, on the other hand, adds richness and tactility, engaging the viewer’s senses.

Space isn’t just empty; it’s a canvas in itself. Artists use it to create depth and perspective, making some elements appear closer while others recede into the background. It’s like crafting a world within the confines of the artwork. Texture, in contrast, adds a tactile quality, inviting the viewer to feel the piece. It’s the roughness of a stone, the softness of a petal—adding a sensory dimension to the visual experience.

Color Theory in Art

Color, the emotional language of art, holds immense power in conveying moods, emotions, and symbolism. Understanding the color wheel and the psychology behind different hues is fundamental for artists to evoke desired responses in their audience.

Colors are the emotional language of art. Understanding the color wheel and the psychology behind different hues is key. Each color carries its own emotional weight, from the vibrancy of red to the calmness of blue. Artists use this emotional power to convey moods, create atmospheres, and even symbolize concepts within their work.

Value and Tone in Art

Value, the scale of lightness and darkness, shapes the depth and atmosphere in artworks. It is complemented by tone, which brings harmony and balance to compositions.

Value, the scale of lightness and darkness, isn’t just about black and white; it’s the spectrum that shapes depth and mood. Tone, on the other hand, is about finding the right balance in these shades, creating harmony and depth within an artwork.

Emphasis and Balance

Emphasizing elements creates focal points, guiding the viewer’s gaze through the artwork. Achieving balance in compositions ensures a harmonious visual experience.

Emphasis is like the spotlight in a performance—it draws attention to specific elements in the artwork, guiding the viewer’s eye. Achieving balance ensures that the composition feels harmonious and complete, with no one element overpowering the others.

Rhythm and Pattern in Art

Rhythm, akin to music, sets the pace and movement in artistic pieces, while patterns add visual interest and coherence.

Rhythm gives artworks a sense of movement and flow. It’s like the beat in music, setting the pace for how the eye moves across the piece. Patterns, on the other hand, add visual interest and coherence, bringing a sense of order and repetition that can be soothing or dynamic, depending on the artist’s intent.

Harmony and Unity

Creating harmony in art elements results in a coherent and pleasing visual experience. Unity brings together various elements, transforming them into a cohesive whole.

Harmony in art means creating a visual experience that feels unified and coherent. It’s about bringing all the elements together in a way that feels pleasing to the eye. Unity ties everything together, turning individual elements into a cohesive whole that resonates with the viewer.

The Role of Art Elements in Various Art Forms

The elements of art transcend mediums, playing vital roles in paintings, sculptures, design, and various other art forms.

These elements aren’t confined to just one type of art. Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, design, or any other form, these fundamental elements play a vital role. They’re the language every artist speaks, regardless of the medium they choose to express themselves.

Elements of Art Worksheet: Download Now (10 Worksheets)

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Teaching via Elements of Art Worksheet

For aspiring artists, learning these elements involves practical exercises and effective teaching strategies to grasp their significance.

Teaching Elements of Art Worksheet involves a creative journey, guiding students through the language of art. It begins by introducing the basic building blocks: lines, shapes, forms, space, texture, colors, values, and more. The focus is on demonstrating how these elements work together, allowing students to experiment and understand their significance in creating art. Teachers often use hands-on activities, visual examples, and discussions to help students grasp these concepts, encouraging them to explore their creativity within the framework of these fundamental elements.

Utilizing Elements of Art Worksheet in Personal Artwork

Implementing these elements in personal creations enhances artistry, lending depth and meaning to the artist’s vision.

For artists, harnessing art elements is like wielding a toolkit of creative possibilities. They use lines to define, shapes to structure, and colors to evoke emotions. Each element is a brushstroke on the canvas of their imagination. Artists experiment with these elements to convey their unique perspectives, making deliberate choices in how they use space, texture, and form to tell their stories. The art elements serve as the vocabulary through which artists communicate their ideas, ensuring that each piece reflects their personal style and vision.

Real-Life Applications of Art Elements

Beyond the canvas, art elements find application in advertising, branding, and various aspects of daily life, influencing perceptions and emotions.

Art elements aren’t confined to galleries or studios; they’re omnipresent in our daily lives. From the architecture of buildings to the design of everyday objects, art elements play a crucial role. Consider how lines and shapes define the structures we live in, or how colors and textures influence our preferences and emotions in fashion and interior design. Art elements also underpin digital interfaces, advertising, and branding, shaping our visual experiences and impacting our perceptions without us even realizing it.

Challenges and Pitfalls in Understanding Art Elements

Misconceptions and hurdles in comprehending these elements are common. Overcoming these barriers is key to mastering the language of art.

Understanding Elements of Art Worksheet can pose challenges, especially for beginners. One common hurdle is grasping the abstract nature of these concepts. For some, comprehending how lines, shapes, or colors translate into artistic expression can be daunting. Moreover, balancing these elements within a composition, ensuring harmony and visual appeal, can be a struggle. Artists may also face the challenge of breaking traditional norms and exploring unconventional uses of these elements, which demands courage and experimentation. However, these challenges offer opportunities for growth and innovation, pushing artists to expand their creative boundaries.

Elements of Art Worksheet Learn Now!

The Elements of Art Worksheet serve as the cornerstone of artistic expression, offering a palette for creators to communicate and resonate with their audience. Understanding these elements empowers artists to breathe life and meaning into their creations. Find more worksheets at this link .

Kids can alsi be introduced to abstract art and abstract art techniques by knowing main fundamentals.

Why are the elements of art crucial in artistic creation?

Elements of Art Worksheet serve as the foundational tools that artists use to express their ideas and emotions. They provide the framework for creative expression, allowing artists to communicate and evoke specific feelings or concepts within their work. Whether it’s the use of lines to convey movement or the manipulation of color to set the mood, these elements form the language through which artists bring their visions to life. Without these elements, artistic creation lacks structure, depth, and the ability to effectively communicate with the audience.

How can one teach the elements of art effectively?

Teaching art elements effectively involves a hands-on and comprehensive approach. It’s essential to engage students in practical exercises that allow them to experiment with each element. Using visual aids, demonstrations, and examples from various artists helps in illustrating how these elements are employed in different artworks. Encouraging discussions and analysis of famous pieces or cultural artworks helps students understand how art elements function across various styles and periods. Providing a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application nurtures a deeper understanding of these elements.

Do art elements apply universally across different cultures?

Art elements possess a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. While artistic styles and preferences may vary across cultures, the fundamental principles of art elements remain consistent. Lines, shapes, colors, and textures are utilized in diverse ways by artists from different cultures, reflecting their unique perspectives and cultural influences. However, the basic concepts of these elements remain constant, offering a common ground for artistic expression and understanding across various cultural contexts.

What role do art elements play in modern design and branding?

Art elements are fundamental in modern design and branding. They form the basis for creating visually appealing and effective designs. Lines, shapes, and colors are strategically employed to convey brand messages and create visual identities. Consistency in using these elements helps in establishing brand recognition. In digital and graphic design, elements like space, rhythm, and balance are crucial for creating engaging user experiences. The thoughtful use of these elements in modern design and branding influences consumer perceptions and shapes their interactions with products and brands.

Are there any common misconceptions about art elements?

One common misconception is that art elements have strict rules or formulas that artists must follow. While there are principles and guidelines, there’s ample room for creative interpretation and innovation. Another misconception is overlooking the interconnectedness of these elements. Sometimes, artists may focus too heavily on one element, neglecting its relationship with others, which can impact the overall composition. Understanding how these elements work together is essential for creating compelling and harmonious 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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3 Helpful Elements and Principles Downloads

How to teach the Elements and Principles of Art continues to be a hot discussion topic among art teachers. Some of us feel they are the building blocks of solid lesson planning and should be featured prominently. Others feel that they come naturally to students and can merely be referenced in passing.

Some of us love the traditional E’s and P’s but just can’t get on board with the Contemporary Elements. For others, it’s the opposite. Whatever your stance is on the Elements and Principles, we support you! It’s important you do what works best for you and your students.

Therefore, we’ve created some helpful downloads that can be used in a variety of ways in your classroom. Pass them out as reference guides for your students, hang them in your classroom, or use them for your own lesson-planning purposes.

Traditional Elements and Principles

Download your copy of Traditional Elements.

Download your copy of Traditional Principles.

Contemporary Elements (aka Postmodern Principles)

In addition to the traditional Elements and Principles, over the last few years there has been a growing and changing list of Contemporary Elements (or Postmodern Principles). Many teachers have been using these at the secondary level. Although the list is continuously in flux, we have compiled the seven most common ideas in the field for you in an additional download. These ideas would be great to include as vocabulary or to use as themes in your classroom. They are a great way to expand your students’ art language beyond the typical elements and principles definitions.

Download your copy of Contemporary Elements.

If you’re interested in reading more on this topic, check out these articles:

• New Ideas in Art: Time as an Element
• New Ideas in Art: Perspective
• New Ideas in Art: Text as an Element
• New Ideas in Art: Destruction

And, if you’re looking for even more ways to bring new ideas into your art curriculum, check out the course Designing Your Art Curriculum where you’ll dive deep into different teaching philosophies to find the one that best suits your students and your teaching style.

How do you incorporate the Elements and Principles in your art room?

Do you use Contemporary Elements/Postmodern Principles in your curriculum?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Tracy Hare, a middle school art educator, is a former AOEU Writer. She strives to deepen students’ 21st-century skills by encouraging them to practice critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

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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.

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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.

Free Worksheets!

*Free Bundle of Art Appreciation Worksheets*

In this free bundle of art worksheets, you receive six ready-to-use art worksheets with looking activities designed to work with almost any work of art.

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FREE Worksheets for Elements of Art Sketchbook

Subject: Art and design

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Unit of work

Last updated

8 February 2023

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The elements of art are the building blocks of an artwork: colour, line, shape, form, value, texture, and space. They are the tools artists use when creating an artwork. Each of these art fundamentals are closely related and many of them overlap. When combined, they produce a complete artistic vision.

INCLUDED: 7 Printable Elements of Arts Sketchbook Pages

This Download Includes:

✓ Free PDF of Elements of Art Sketchbook Pages

TERMS OF USE We like to keep things simple.

Material included in this download may be use for

✓ Personal (To use within your classroom or personal creations)

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WI State Standards:

• AA Cr10h Investigate: Engage in critical thinking, problem solving, and research through elements and principles of art and design studio practices and processes. (aesthetics / problem solving)
• AA Cr11h Plan: Formulate original concepts by practice, experimentation, and revision. (planning/experimentation)
• AA Cr12h Make: Create works of art that introduce students to media, care of tools, and basic craftsmanship skills. (skills)

what will you learn?

The elements and principles of design are the building blocks used to create a work of art.

Elements of Art are the visual "tools" that artists use to create an art work - they are what makes up an image or an art object: line, shape/form, value, color, space, and texture.

Principles of Design are the ways artists use the Elements of Art in an artwork - this is "what we do with the Elements" - how we arrange them, how we balance them, what is being emphasized, etc. The principles are: balance, contrast, repetition, emphasis, and unity.

elements of art

Elements of Art are the visual "tools" that artists use to create an art work

Artists manipulate these elements, mix them in with principles of design and compose a piece of art. Not every work has every last one of these elements contained within it, but there are always at least two present.

For example, a sculptor, by default, has to have both form and space in a sculpture, because these elements are three-dimensional. They can also be made to appear in two-dimensional works through the use of perspective and shading.

There are six Elements of Art:

• Shape / Form

principles of design

Principles of Design are the ways artists use and arrange the Elements of Art in a composition.

The Principles of design is what we do to the elements of art. How we apply the Principles of design determines how successful we are in creating a work of art.

ASSIGNMENTS

Strange noise...

Imagination drawings

Limited drawing

Popcorn factory

About me Mind Map

formative assignments (practice)

Line Repetition Design

Drawing with lines

Lines & Emotions

summative assignment

Focal point line drawing

Tangram basics

Tangram images

Name design

Hand study 1

Hand study 2

Flower study

Colored pencils

summative assignments

Tessellations

Value scale

Form construction & shading

Observational drawing

Grid drawing

White on Black

Half picture

Cutout shading

Pointillism

Layers and holes

Scratch art

Photorealism

Ribbon design

semester 1 evaluation

focus on value

focus on coloring skills

portfolio assessment

Landscape coloring

Color wheel practice

Color wheel

Color schemes

Practice color scheme

Color scheme designs

Color scheme triptych

color cubes

obscure color wheel

Monochromatic painting

Complementary painting

color scheme painting

color scheme portrait

1 point perspective

1 pt. perspective

additional w/s

Checkerboard

Post in perspective

1 pt grid plan

Name in perspective

Room in perspective

Buildings in 1 pt. perspective

2 point perspective

2 pt perspective

2 pt grid plan

3 point perspective

3 pt perspective

city block with a story

Texture Study

Textured apples

Texture patterns

Textured cylinder

Creative patterns

Optical design

Textured circles

semester 2 evaluation

skills assessment

focus on 3 elements

Balances design

Printmaking

pattern problem

patterns experiment

Pattern design

Subway train

Double drawing

Linoleum printing

Oil pastels

Wisconsin essential standards rubric

1. All assignments must be completed on or before the due date. 2. Unfinished artwork is graded as such. 3. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up all work. You can sign out art supplies if needed. 4. If your project requires extra time to be completed, you have to make arrangements with me prior the due date. This is your responsibility. 5. Each project has a rubric with specific requirements and guidelines. Follow them. 6. Unless an assignment specifically requires copying, it will be interpreted in the same manner as plagiarism. 7. You are also graded for your in-class studio work.

CLASSROOM RULES

1. Food, drinks, candy, gum are not allowed in the Art rooms. A bottle of WATER is permitted in room 206 (only). 2. Cell phones are not allowed at any time. Phones should be turned off and put away. 3. Be in the room before the bell rings. Dropping your stuff and leaving does not qualify you as being on time. 4. Sit at your assigned seat unless I give you OK to move. That means you do not walk around the room during the class. 5. Talk quietly with students at your table. Do not talk during the instructional time. 6. Draw, paint, etc. on your artwork only! 7. Use materials from your tote-tray only... don't go into other people's trays. 8. You can bring your work home anytime. You are responsible for having it back next day. 9. If you must swear, please do it elsewhere... Thanks. 10. You are responsible for cleaning your work area and the tools that you used. 11. If you are in the Graphics lab, use the printers for the current ART assignments only!!! 12. Encourage your fellow classmates in a positive way... treat them fairly and nicely. This room should be a fun and comfortable place for everyone.

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Elements of Art Interactive Worksheets for Distance Learning

• Color - Descriptive and Expressive Color
• Color - The Color Wheel
• Color - Color Schemes
• Value - Tints and Shades
• Value - Hatching and Stippling
• Line - Expressive Line
• Texture - Real and Implied
• Shape - Intro to Shape
• Shape - Shape Puzzles (Level One)
• Shape - Shape Puzzles (Level Two)
• Shape - Shape Puzzles (Level Three)
• Form - Intro to Form
• Space - Positive and Negative
• Space - Creating the Illusion of Depth

Will the students be able to interact with the slides or is that element just for the instructor? Thanks!

Yes! Students interactively complete the slides while in edit mode.

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Art elements and principles worksheets

Explanations of the art elements and principles with worksheets to enforce the understanding in a practical way.

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elements of art assignment

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Elements of art assignment

Elements of Art Digital Assignments Elementary Level

• Google Slides™
• Internet Activities

Visual Journal Assignments Collection 1: Art Elements and Principles of Design

• Word Document File

Elements of Art Worksheets/Skillbuilders - Sketchbook Assignments

Elements of Art presentation with definitions, visual examples, and assignments

Grade 4-8 Art - Elements of Art : Art Cube Assignment

Elements of Art Visual Notes Assignment

Drawing Unit Elements of Art Theme (Google Slides: 8 lessons/ assignments )

• Google Drive™ folder

Elements of Art - Line Assignment

Classification of Matter Elements Compounds Mixtures Pixel Art Digital Review

• Google Apps™

Elements of Art - 15 Art Worksheets with Slides & Posters for K-5 Learners

Elements of Art and Principles of Design - Worksheet Bundle

Elements of Art Interactive Google Slides: Line

Elements of Art Interactive Google Slides: Texture

Elements of Art "Value" - 30 5-Minute Warmups, Bellwork, and Sketchbook Prompts

Elements of Art "Texture" - 25 5-Minute Bellwork and Sketchbook Warm-Ups

The Outsiders - Subway Art Project / Writing Prompt

Visual Art Elements and Principles of Art - Vinyl Album design project

Elements of Art Interactive Google Slides: Value

Art Elements and Principles 9+ Week Unit

Elements of Art Interactive Google Slides: Form

Elements of Art Interactive Google Slides: Color

Elements of Art - Half Page Worksheets for Introduction or Review

Implied Texture - Element of Art Practice Drawing Worksheet

Line, Texture, Form - Elements of Art Drawing Pages BUNDLE

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Elements and Principles of Art Worksheets for Middle/High School Art -110+ Pages

Mini-Lessons and Informational Sheets that take students through the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Students complete activities to demonstrate their knowledge. Worksheets can be used as sub lessons, enrichment to your art lessons, or as mini-lessons on their own. An essential for any art classroom.   See individual packets for a detailed video showing what's inside each packet!

Elements of Art worksheets included:

LINE   (9 Sheets)

INFORMATION SHEETS

Definition of Line and Line Types

• Geometric, Organic, Variety, Movement, Texture

Repetition and Lines

• Examples of 9 Repeating Line Designs

Lines in Drawing

• Examples of Contour, Blind Contour, Cross Contour and Continuous Line

Emotion of Line

• Examples of 4 emotion of line designs

ACTIVITY SHEETS

• Geometric, Organic and Variety Design worksheet
• Repeating line design activity (9 designs)
• Re-create your favorite line design worksheet
• Drawing Lines Worksheet
• Contour, Blind Contour, Cross Contour and Continuous Line
• Emotion of Line Designs (4 designs)

SHAPE   (14 Worksheets)

• Shapes - Geometric and Organic
• Henri Matisse Analysis Key
• Tangram definition and Examples
• Final Tangram Artwork Example
• Create your own Geometric and Organic Design
• Identify Geometric and Organic Shapes in Matisse’s “Beasts of the Sea” Collage
• Create your own shape collage based on a vacation/favorite place memory
• Tangram for printing
• Create tangram creatures/designs (3 practice sheets)
• Final tangram design sheet

COLOR   (11 Worksheets)

• Color Wheel
• Color Theory with Color Scheme Examples
• Tints, Shades and Intensity Examples

WORKSHEET ACTIVITIES

• Fill in the color wheel
• Color scheme scales
• Tints, shades and intensity scales
• Color scheme designs
• Create your own design and color scheme
• Emotion of color
• Color scheme design student example
• Emotion of color digital example

VALUE   (11 Worksheets)

• Definition of Value, examples of shading techniques and artist examples

ACTIVITY SHEETS:

• Introduction to Drawing Tools
• Value Scales (blending, stippling, hatching/cross-hatching) & Shading Sphere Worksheet
• Shade by Number Pear
• Shade Apple
• Blending/Stippling/Hatching Practice
• Blending value with shadow examples - 3 Forms
• Stippling value - 3 Forms
• Hatching/Cross-Hatching value - 3 Forms
• Abstract Value Composition

EXAMPLE SHEETS:

TEXTURE   (10 worksheets)

INFORMATION SHEET

• Definition of Texture, examples of drawn textures and artist examples
• Re-create 6 textures from info sheet and 3 student choice textures
• Applying texture to form examples and students apply textures to spheres and cubes.
• Replicate textures
• Replicate large water drop
• Name actual and draw implied texture worksheet
• Rubbing and drawing of rubbing worksheet
• Close up Animal Eye worksheet
• Rubbing/Drawing Example
• Two Animal Eye Examples

SPACE   (15 Handouts)

• Definition of Space in Art with Positive/Negative and Illusion of Space Examples
• 6 Ways to Create Depth Example Sheet
• 6 Compositional Rules Example Sheet
• Negative Space Example
• Negative Space Drawings
• Negative Space Enlargement Drawing
• Create a Notan Activity Sheets (no paper needed!)
• Space Analysis of a Cezanne Painting Worksheet and Key
• One-Point Perspective Boxes Activity Sheet
• Create a Composition Activity Sheet and Key
• Definition of Form with how to create form through shading, contour line and sculpture.
• Shade a sphere, cube and pyramid using shading and then contour line
• Shade three additional shapes using shading and contour line
• Vase activity - Use contour lines on vase and shading on background shapes
• Drawing activity - Use an object in the room to draw and shade to create form
• Vase Activity
• Drawing Activity

Principles of Design Worksheets Included:

CONTRAST/VARIETY 

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7 Elements of Art Worksheets, Activities, and Printable Posters

$ 15.00 $ 11.25

Description

Are you an art teacher looking for fun and engaging elements of art worksheets?  This elements of art worksheet and activity pack cover the 7 elements: color, shape, form, line, texture, space, and value. This is a great lead to the principles of art design and developing a work of art for young artists. This printable pack has information on the front and activities on the back. They will be the perfect addition to your art lessons.

There basic elements of art worksheets can be used in a variety of different ways. They are perfect for early finishers, sub plans, distance learning, or introduction to projects. This printable resource will work for elementary art, middle school art and high school art classes.

This elements of art worksheets pack covers all seven of the elements of art, including:

Do you love these hand-drawn activity worksheets? Check out my principles of design worksheet pack here.

The front of each worksheet includes visual examples and information about each element of art. The back of the worksheet is full of activities for the students to complete to help reinforce the information covered on the front. In addition, there is a poster version of each handout that is easy to print and display in your art room.

This elements of art activity pack is perfect for a mini elements of art lesson before starting a project, for your early finishers, or as a way to test your students’ understanding of the elements of art. 

These worksheets include handwritten, typed, color, and black and white versions as well as poster sizes. The posters are a great way to display art techniques in your classroom.

• Want to cover the elements of art in another class? Use a different set of here . This set was designed digitally and also includes visual examples and info on the front and activities on the back.
• Don’t worry, I also have digitally designed principles of design worksheet set here. There is a Google Classroom / Google Drive option with this pack.
• Looking for even more handouts for substitute days and early finishers? Check out my shading worksheet pack here  and my zentangle worksheet  here.

Check out a preview of this elements of art worksheets pack here: Elements of Art Worksheet Preview

Check out my other products here.

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