This is an Image Dictionary of Elements and Principles of Art and Design.

 

Line: Connection between points (physical, visual, or mental points).

 

Shape: Relation between the object and the space it occupies.

 

Texture: Feeling of the material/surface that an object is made of. It can be physical or visual.

 

Value: Difference between intervals of light.

 

Color: Refraction of light with certain hue, saturation, and value.

 

Plane: Flate surface generated by two axes. When adding a 3rd axis it appears a 3rd plane that generates 3D space (or its illusion).

Volume: Relation between the shape and the space.

 

Mass: What creates volume (the actual “material body”).

 

Space: Area where objects are distributed.

 

Light: Creation of contrast.

 

Time/ Motion: Vector/path of perception.

 

Unity/Varity: Interaction of objects in the space. When unified the interaction is harmonic, when they vary the interaction is diverse.

 

Balance: Relation between line, shape, value, color, volume, and space.

– Symetric: Equal distribution of balance.

– Asymetric: Unequal distribution of balance.

– Radial: Symetry or asymetry in relation to a central point.

 

Scale/ Proportion: Size related to the whole or norm. Scale is between object and other(s). Proportion is between object and itself.

 

Rhythm: The way motion/time relates to space.

 

Emphasis: Importance of a certain element of the composition. Focus of the subject.

 

 

*Images for Color, Plane, Volume, and Mass were all taken by me.

**The rest of the images were sent to me by Elliot Adams (http://sites.stedwards.edu/eadams),  Allison Dean (http://sites.stedwards.edu/adean), and Andrea Wheelock (http://sites.stedwards.edu/awheeloc)