Elements and Principles of Art

Stages of Clay

100

This stage of clay is the final stage of clay when the clay has been fired and glazed. 

Glazeware

200

This stage of clay can be described as wet, sticky, and moldable to the touch.

Plastic/Wet

300

This stage of clay is described as 100 % clay and has dried completely. It is ready for the kiln. 

Bone-dry 

400

This stage of clay is best for carving and cutting

Leatherhard

500

This stage of clay is when the clay has been fired once. 

Bisqueware

Elements

100

Name the two types of shape

geometric and organic

200

Name an example of a geometric shape

circle, square, rectangle, triangle

300

Unlike shape, this element has a third dimension of depth

form

400

Name all seven elements of art

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

500

The lightness or darkness of an object

value

Principles 1

100

This refers to the focal point or the area in an artwork that an artist stresses.

emphasis

200

When all the elements and principles work together to create a cohesive artwork. 

Unity

300

A painting that utilizes only the colors black and white is a good example of this principle

contrast

400

If the viewers eye does not follow a path through an artwork, then the artwork lacks this principle of art

movement

500

What is the role of the principles of art?

The principles of art are what we use to organize or arrange the elements of art

Principles and vocabulary

100

A type of sculpture that has one flat surface and one that is 3-D. 

Relief

200

The art materials that an artist uses to make an artwork

Medium or media

300

Uses the elements of art in planned or random repetitions of enhance the surface of a work of art

pattern

400

Art that is non-representational and merely includes lines, shapes, colors or textures to achieve its purpose. 

Abstract

500

Hand-written books with painted decoration that generally includes precious metals such as gold or silver

Illuminated Manuscript

Steps of Art criticism

100

This stage of art criticism includes stating opinions about an artwork. 

Judegement or Evaluation 

200

This stage of art criticism is about stating what you see within an artwork. 

Description

300

During this stage of art criticism, the critic explains how the artist used the elements and principles of art. 

Analysis 

400

During this stage of art criticism, the critic explains the meaning or the purpose of the artwork. 

Interpretation 

500

What is the purpose of art criticism? 

To understand an artwork and further investigate the meaning, purpose, and visual qualities of an artwork and whether or not it is successful.