1.2 The Elements of Art

Building blocks

The elements of art are the visual building blocks: line, shape, form, value, texture, space, and color. In drawing, line and value are especially central.

Value and light

Value is the range of light to dark. Controlling value creates the illusion of form (three-dimensionality), light, and mood through shading.

Line and mark

Line and mark-making carry expression: thick or thin, smooth or broken, hatched or gestural. Your marks are a personal visual voice.

Key terms

Elements of art

line, shape, form, value, texture, space, color

Value

the range of light to dark

Form

the illusion of three-dimensionality

Line / mark-making

expressive marks — your visual voice

Hatching

parallel lines that build value

Try an AP-style question

Value in drawing refers to…

1. line thickness only
2. the color's hue
3. lightness and darkness
4. the price of the work