Elements and Principles of the ArtsAs a tool for analysis, it is helpful to discuss the elements and principles which artists typically use. The elements are the building blocks the art form, while the principles are how these elements are used. Elements and principles exist in many works of art, including the visual arts, music, theater, dance, sculpture, etc. Sometimes the elements are merely descriptive of the substance from which the art work is made.
As an example, we can discuss the elements and principles of painting:
Elements
Color: three properties- Hue, Value, intensity
Hue: Refers to color name- placement in the color spectrum
yellow, red, brown, etc.
Value: Refers to lightness and darkness of a color
changed by adding white or black to a color
Intensity: Refers to the quality of a color, its brightness, dullness or purity
changed by adding it's complement to make duller
Shape: an area defined by one more elements
shape can be created with line, or with color
Form: Three dimensions, height,width, depth
Line: continuous mark made by a moving, pointed instrument
lines can create movement: vertical leads up and down, horizontal creates a sense of tranquility,diagonal creates tension and instability, curved creates a sense of flowing movement
axis lines are imaginary lines created by the shapes and figure in the art work
Texture: Surface quality of feel
actual texture of the paint
simulated texture by the paint
Principles
Balance: combining elements to acheive a sense of equilibrium. May be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is achieved by a mirror image, asymmetrical balance can be achieved by a certain distribution of different shapes.
Repetition: combining elements so that one or more is used over and over again.
repeated circular shapes
repeated rectangular shapes
Rhythm: Combining elements to create a sensation of movement
Proportion: Refers to the relationship of one element to another
Contrast: Combining elements to emphasize differences.
Complexity: Combining elements to create intricate relationships and variety
Simplicity: Combining elements to stress similarity and harmony
Gradation: Combining elements through a series of gradual changes (light to dark, thick to thin, color to color)
Space: Illusion of depth, achieved through the use of lines, values and shapes, etc.
Another concept which may affect how the elements are used and how the principles are applied is
Unity, the result which the artist achieves by combining elements and principles to secure an overall sense of wholeness or oneness.
The next step is to use the elements and principles chart to explore if and how the artist applies the principles to the elements of the work in question.