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Video:What Are the Elements of Art?

with Shelley Esaak

The elements of art are line, shape, form, space, texture, value and color. Learn more about the elements of art, including why they are important.See Transcript

Transcript:What Are the Elements of Art?

What Are the Elements of Art?

The elements of art are line, shape, form, space, texture, value and color. 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.

Why Are the Elements of Art Important

Why are the elements of art important? The elements of art are important for several reasons. A person can't create art without utilizing at least a few of them. Also, knowing what the elements of art are enables us to describe what an artist has done and analyze what is going on in a particular piece and then communicate our thoughts and findings using a common language.

Knowing these elements will allow you to analyze, appreciate, write and chat about art, as well as being of help should you create art yourself.

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