Elements of Art (personal definitions developed in our group, and photographed examples):

1) Line: a space or connections between two points

 The dark line crosses the composition directly and boldly, making it a prominent element of the image. The more subtle lines present (of the wood) also present the qualities of line.

2) Shape: illusion or actual connection of lines in a compositional space 

 

3) Texture: noticeable visual/physical feeling/repetition/representation of a surface

The repetition of the bristles of the hairbrush (as well as the hair intertwined with the bristles) develops a bumpy and unique arrangement of the surface.

4) Value: gradients of color, from light to dark (and vice versa)

The pumpkin displays a range of brightness across its skin, from the light top, all the way to the darkened middle and bottom.

5) Color: absorption/reflection of light, communicates different tones

The boas exude a vibrant array of tones and reflections of light, from bright yellows to foamy pinks and blues.

The skirts in this photograph also communicate a comparison of colors. This image shows the differences by comparing the different colored tutus side by side in similar lighting.

6) Plane: flat dimension of space, can exist in layers

This image displays multiple three-dimensional planes (diagonal, vertical and horizontal) because of the situation of the stone walls and the surface of the ground. The viewers takes in the image from a “looking-down” point of view, which enables him/her to understand the arrangement of these planes in the space from that certain point of view.

This image contains a more prominent horizontal plane (the darker ledge) that stretches in different directions. Even the relatively horizontal lines on the furthest “plane” (the lighter wall) conveys the depth of that certain plane in space.

7) Volume– how much an object takes up space

The association of the cup and liquid, as well as the visual amount of space the cup takes up within this composition (as well as the roundness of the edges) notably portrays the volume of an object.

8) Mass– how heavy an object appears

This image conveys the form of an object (pillows wrapped in a sheet) within the compositional space. The differences in value and lack of lines attribute to the formation of a sense of the heaviness of the form.

9) Space: area that an object takes/does not take up, or is developed by a line

The white area is developed in this image through the placement of the object (a pill bottle) and the values and lines which create the depth in which the “space” takes up.

10) Light: source that defines forms, creates shadows

 

11) Time/Motion: measure of a sequence; displacement of an object within a composition

   

(Above) Taken by: Emma Drumright

These images represent motion through the noticeable displacement of the squirrel  across the frames.

   

(Above) Taken by: Michelle DeSantiago

These images represent more of a conceptual and visual idea of time through the differences between the images as the plant “grows”.

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Principles of Design (personal definitions developed in our group, and photographed examples):

 

1) Unity/Variety: repetition of elements and principles (such as color, line, and shape) that create a sense of cohesion; use of different elements and principles that develops diversity across a composition 

The small flowers within the image all sit in various planes of the images as well as in different shapes (variety). However, they also consist of similar colors and values (unity) which carries the eye across the image.

This image consists of a variance of objects within the composition (the brush, the fork, the light, the orb, the fan). However, the lines of the fan repeat with the lines fork prongs, as well as the lines of the brush and fork handle. The circular nature of the lamp, the curve of the fan, and the orb also tie the piece together.

2) Balance: objects/shapes have and/or create the same volume and/or mass within a composition

The rectangles of the tiles are highly symmetrical, and are each present within the image in an equal way (more or less). The perpendicular intersections of the light grey lines also produce a very geometric, standing balance to the image.

3) Scale/Proportion: size of objects; size of objects in relation to each other

The tree within the foreground of this image in comparison to the repeated trees in the background presents a stark difference in scale because of the presentation/viewpoint.

Like the image before, there is a noticeable difference in scale between the tables in this image.

4) Rhythm: repetition of an element or an idea that can develop the illusion/sensation of movement

The repetition of the lines and dots (with varied colors) create a movement across the image by allowing the eye to follow the shapes as they advance.

5) Emphasis: use of the elements of art to bring attention to an object/idea