Elements
This element can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, straight, curved, dotted, or thick and thin
What is: Line?
This principle gives special importance or focus to one part of an artwork, making it the focal point.
What is: Emphasis?
This refers to the lightness or darkness of an image or part of an image
What is: Value?
A grid filled with rows of identical black maple leaves repeated in neat lines demonstrates this principle.
What is Pattern?
While Elements are the "tools" to make art, Principles are this.
What is how to use the tools?
This element is flat and 2D, and can be organic or geometric.
What is: Shape?
Using recurring elements to lead the viewer’s eye through an image toward a focal area.
What is: Rhythm/Movement?
The arrangement of elements to give the viewer the feeling that all parts of the piece form a coherent whole.
What is Harmony?
Drawing a black maple leaf right next to a bright white maple leaf is an example of this principle.
What is Contrast?
Hue, value, intensity, and temperature (warm/cool) are all properties of this element.
What is Colour?
This element involves positive and negative areas, and relates to the space around, within, or between objects.
What is: Space?
A regular arrangement of alternated or repeated shapes, lines, or colors creates this principle
What is: Pattern?
A feeling that results when elements are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to create equality in weight.
What is: Balance?
A drawing showing a maple leaf outline blowing in a windy curve across a page guides your eye using this principle.
What is Rhythm/Movement?
Leaves, trees, animals, and clouds are examples of this specific type of shape or form.
What is Organic?
Unlike a flat 2D shape, this element is 3D and includes items like cubes, spheres, or real objects like tables and chairs.
What is Texture?
The relationship between objects in an artwork with respect to size and number.
What is: Scale?
When all parts of an image work together so it is seen as one complete whole.
What is Unity?
Drawing a giant maple leaf next to a tiny maple leaf shows a difference in this principle.
What is Scale?
Two principles that sound similar: one means parts forming a coherent whole, while the other means all parts working together as a whole.
What are Harmony & Unity
Unlike a flat 2D shape, this element is 3D and includes items like cubes, spheres, or real objects like tables and chairs.
What is: Form
Placing dark values next to light values, or rough textures next to smooth ones, creates this principle.
What is: Contrast?
Using different elements in an artwork to create visual interest.
What is Variety?
A wooden block carved into the 3D shape of a maple leaf represents this element of design.
What is Form?
If an artwork has one big red maple leaf surrounded by small gray leaves, the red leaf is receiving this principle.
What is Emphasis (or Focal Point)?