Elements Flashcards
Point
Indicates a position in space
Basic mark: point/pixel/brush stroke/focal point
Line
Can join link, support, surround, intersect, describe edge, articulate surfaces
Directs the eye: horizontal/vertical/diagonal/curved
Has greater length than width
Can be obvious lines or borders of edges of shapes
Can be an actual line or an implied line
Can be a mark made by a moving point
Plane
Contained area
Shapes of a plane can be rectilinear (square, triangle, circle) or curvilinear (leaves, humans, ants) → geometric vs. organic
Can be representational or non-representational/abstract
Can be static or dynamic
Volume
Area within or around a substance
Volume - “empty” 3D form, solid form - mass
Area used or unused in a composition (2D)
Positive space: the area an object takes up
Negative space: the area around an object
Foreground (closest)/middle ground and background (farthest)
Defines importance and leads the eye
Colour
Can alter the overall mood/feeling
Terminology:
Hue: refers to the name of the colour
Saturation: refers to the intensity or amount of temperature cool/warm, etc.
Value: adding drama to a composition - black and white and the greys in between
Emotional, psychological and symbolic effects of colour are important
Texture
Appearance of how a surface feels: rough/smooth/bumpy/sharp, etc. Variations in surface Multiple senses engaged Can be visual and/or tactile Visual texture cam be real or invented
Light
Can obscure or enhance the understanding of a form
Can be a sculptural medium in its own right
Values - variations of light and dark - is a primary needs of perceiving space
Interaction with materials is important for the designer - transparent/reflective/translucent, etc
Time
Every object/space occupies a position in time as well as space
We can combine actual time and implied time, and actual space and implied space in various ways to create compelling objects
Viewing time is a consideration
