The Elements

Dot ... Just Dot It

With every dot that is placed on the page, the artist begins to form his/her image. The element of "Dot" is the artist's first and perhaps essential tool. From "Dot," an artist then
expands into the other elements: line, texture, etc.

• Stipple - repeated dashes in slanted manner

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• Dash - an elongated dot made quickly
• Blot - ink splashed from brush
• Dot - brush tip lightly doting paper

Line...Where Will It End?

"Line" is a series of repeated dots and/ or linear planes in space. The "Line" is universal and infinite in its length, as well as its use. It is endless in its emotional qualities and its ability to help us express ourselves. Whether in writing our name or creating an engraving, "Line" is the beginning.

Shape...All Around Us

Shape can be geometrical or organic in form. Nature influences us greatly in our use of shape. We incorporate the organic qualities of natural forms, but we also look to the man made angles of our world as we form geometric shapes.We form our world with shape and use it to represent the images we see.         

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Color...Add Color to the World

Color has a unique quality of expression. We can feel hot, cold, open space or closed in by certain colors. In the use of color, an artist can alienate it's viewer or attract them over and over again. We can manipulate the closeness of an object or make it seem far beyond the horizon. Color is all around us and controls much of our lives,whether we recognize it or ignore it.

Texture...It Feels So Good

When creating a visual pattern or a tactile surface, image quality is enhanced through the element of texture. Whether you are interested in how an object feels to touch or how an image looks like it feels, the visual senses are heightened with texture.

Space...Its all Around Us

The intervals between the positive objects in your work of art are as important as the shapes or forms themselves. Look to the spacing of objects in a work of art and think composition.

Principles of Art and Design in composition:

Composition: The placement of images, shapes or positive and negative areas within a picture plane create an arrangement or composition.

Emphasis:The object, color or point of interest in a work of art that draws the eye immediately. The point of interest in the piece.

Eye Movement: The path the eye takes throughout the work of art. The movement of the eye attracted by the details and elements.

Value: Value is the level of light and dark in an area or color. The range in scale of value is measured by how much white or black is added.

Balance: (types of balance: symmetry & asymmetry) The level of comfort in the arrangement of images or shapes and spaces with a composition that create a stable feeling of balance. Are the images evenly distributed throughout the picture plane? Does a shape appear to be falling? Art images crowed to one side or a corner of the picture plane? Only our eyes and intuitive sense of balance can make that judgment for us.

Contrast: Contrast represents the idea of sharp or great differences between images, colors, and areas of interest in a work of art.