Is Function a Part of Visual Analysis in Art
The elements of art are components or parts of a work of art that 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. Larn nigh the principles of design here.
Download a educatee 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. It is i-dimensional and tin vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often ascertain the edges of a form. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. They pb your center effectually the composition and tin communicate information through their character and direction.
Horizontal lines advise a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest. In this mural, horizontal lines besides assistance give a sense of space. The lines delineate sections of the landscape, which recede into space. They also imply continuation of the landscape beyond the picture plane to the left and right.
Vertical lines oftentimes communicate a sense of height considering they are perpendicular to the earth, extending upward toward the heaven. In this church interior, vertical lines advise spirituality, ascent beyond human attain toward the heavens.
Horizontal and vertical lines used in combination communicate stability and solidity. Rectilinear forms with 90-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. Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either well-nigh 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 can convey energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of the human body and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the composition. The edge of the pool in this photograph gently leads the eye to the sculptures on the horizon.
Shape and form
Shape and class define objects in space. Shapes have two dimensions–acme and width–and are commonly defined by lines. Forms exist in three dimensions, with meridian, width, and depth.
Shape has only elevation and width. Shape is ordinarily, though not always, divers past line, which can provide its profile. In this image, rectangles and ovals dominate the limerick. They draw the architectural details for an illusionist ceiling fresco.
Form has depth every bit well as width and meridian. Three-dimensional form is the basis of sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts. Three-dimensional forms tin can be seen from more than than one side, such as this sculpture of a rearing horse.
Geometric shapes and forms include mathematical, named shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, and cones. Geometric shapes and forms are often man-fabricated. However, 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 oft constitute in nature, but human-made shapes tin can as well imitate organic forms. This wreath uses organic forms to simulate leaves and berries.
Space
Existent infinite is 3-dimensional. Space in a work of fine art refers to a feeling of depth or three dimensions. Information technology can also refer to the artist's apply of the area within the motion-picture show airplane. The surface area around the main objects in a work of art is known as negative infinite, while the infinite occupied by the primary objects is known as positive infinite.
Positive and negative infinite
The relationship of positive to negative infinite can profoundly affect the bear on of a work of art. In this drawing, the human and his shadow occupy the positive space, while the white space surrounding him is the negative infinite. The disproportionate amount of negative infinite accentuates the effigy's vulnerability and isolation.
Three-dimensional space
The perfect illusion of 3-dimensional space in a two-dimensional work of art is something that many artists, such as Pieter Saenredam, labored to reach. The illusion of space is achieved through perspective drawing techniques and shading.
Color
Light reflected off objects. Color has three primary characteristics: hue (ruby-red, green, blue, etc.), value (how low-cal or night information technology is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is). Colors can be described as warm (ruddy, yellowish) or absurd (blue, grayness), depending on which end of the color spectrum they fall.
Value describes the brightness of color. Artists use color value to create unlike moods. Dark colors in a composition suggest a lack of calorie-free, equally in a nighttime or interior scene. Dark colors can ofttimes convey a sense of mystery or foreboding.
Low-cal colors often depict a light source or light reflected within the composition. In this painting, the dark colors advise a dark or interior scene. The creative person used calorie-free colors to describe the lite created by the candle flame.
Intensity describes the purity or strength of a color. Brilliant colors are undiluted and are often associated with positive free energy and heightened emotions. Dull colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood. In this paradigm the artist captured both the seriousness and the joy of the scene with the ho-hum grey rock interior and the brilliant red drape.
Texture
The surface quality of an object that we sense through bear on. All objects have a physical texture. Artists can besides convey texture visually in two dimensions.
In a two-dimensional work of art, texture gives a visual sense of how an object depicted would feel in real life if touched: hard, soft, rough, polish, hairy, leathery, sharp, etc. In three-dimensional works, artists use bodily texture to add a tactile quality to the work.
Texture depicted in two-dimensions
Artists employ color, line, and shading to imply textures. In this painting, the human being'south robe is painted to simulate silk. The power to convincingly portray fabric of different types was one of the marks of a great painter during the 17th century.
Surface texture
The surface of this writing desk is metallic and difficult. The hard surface is functional for an object that would have been used for writing. The smooth surface of the writing desk-bound reflects light, adding sparkle to this piece of furniture.
Source: https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/formal_analysis.html