Chapter 1.1: Line, Shape, and the Principle of Contrast

Question 1

Elements of Art

Answer 1

1. the basic vocabulary of art

2. line is a fundamental element of art

Question 2

Principles of Art

Answer 2

1. the grammar that artists apply to turn the elements into art
2. a set of rules that explain how the elements of a work of art are organized

Question 3

Two- Dimensional Art

Answer 3

1. line, shape

2. a remarkably elegant way to express ideas and share our mental pictures of the world

Question 4

Definitions & Functions of Line

Answer 4

1. connects two points
2. defines the boundaries betweens planes
3. defines shapes
4. directs the viewers eyes
5. conveys a sense of movement and energy

Question 5

Lines to Regulate and Control

Answer 5

1. the variety of different types of line is virtually infinite
2. whether straight or curved, a line can be regular and carefully measured
3. regular lines express control and planning -> architectural
4. regulated line communicates objectively, and accuracy

Question 6

Lines to Express Freedom and Passion

Answer 6

1. lines can be irregular, reflecting the wilderness of nature, chaos, and accident
2. such lines-free and unrestrained- seem passionate and full of feelings that are otherwise hard to express

Question 7

Regular and Irregular Lines

Answer 7

1. most works use both regular and irregular lines

Question 8

Implied Line

Answer 8

1. line can be implied by a series of marks
2. implied line gives us the impression we are seeing a line where there is no continuous mark
3. no actual solid line is present; just the idea of a line is created

Question 9

Directional Line

Answer 9

1. artists can use line to direct a viewers attention to a particular part of a work

Question 10

Contour Line

Answer 10

1. a contour line is the outer edge or profile of an object

2. contour lines can suggest a volume in space by giving us clues about the changing character of a surface

Question 11

Communicative Line

Answer 11

1. the directions of lines both guide our attention and suggest particular feelings
2. vertical lines tend to communicate strength and energy
3. horizontal lines can suggest calmness and positivity
4. diagonal lines are associated with action, motion, and change

Question 12

Shape: Geometric and Organic Shapes

Answer 12

1. a shape is a two-dimensional area the boundaries of which are defined by lines or suggested by changes in color or value
2. shapes can be classified into two types: geometric and organic
   - organic shapes are made up of unpredictable, irregular lines that suggest the natural world
   - a geometric shape is mathematically regular and precise

Question 13

Implied Shape

Answer 13

1. implied shapes are shapes we can see where no continuous boundary exists
2. just as line can implied, so too can shape

Question 14

Contrast

Answer 14

1. when an artist uses two noticeably different states of an element, he or she is applying the principle of contrast
2. strong differences in the state of an element can be very useful effect for an artist to use
3. it is especially effective to use opposites

Question 15

Conclusion

Answer 15

1. artists use line, shape, and contrast to communicate in two dimensions
2. within two dimensions we can communicate nearly every interaction in mankind’s history of understanding