The Elements of DesignLine Shape Value Color Space Texture

Line

The path of a point. Lines create contours and form, and are often used to convey a specific kind of feeling or point to an important feature in a design.

In this image, Leonardo da Vinci used a soft, sensitive soft line to create a graceful image.

Line

This image has the same subject. However, Willem DeKooning has created a very different feeling by using a heavy, gestural line.

Line

The woman's face in this image is created with a mechanical line creating an emotionally-detached feeling.

Line

Although the subject matter is the same in all three works, the differences in line quality have created works with very different impact. How line are used is one of the most important decisions to be made in creating a visual work.

Shape

Shape (form) is a closed contour, an element defined by its perimeter. The three basic shapes are: circle, rectangle (square) and triangle.

Shapes can be created by line, or by color and value changes which define their edges.

Shape

Consider the two images below.

Shape

The shapes in the image on the left are clearly defined. By contrast, the ship's shape on the right is barely discernable. This difference in clarity of shape is part of the meaning of these works - one conveys a sense of orderliness and confidence, while the other communicates a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty.

Shape

Value

Relative light and darkness. This could be of either light or color.

Value

Consider the two images below.

Value

The overall lightness and lack of contrast in the left image conveys a sense of spirituality and harmony between the tree and the circular sky. The dramatic mood of the other work by Gustave Dore is created, in large part, by the high contrast of light and dark.

Value

Color

See previous Powerpoint.

Space

A visual field has two actual dimensions -height and width. In addition, an artist can create an illusion of depth, using overlapping, diminishing scale, atmospheric perspective, vertical placement, warm and cool colors, diagonals and linear perspective.

Positive and Negative Space

Positive and negative space refers to the positioning of subject and background in a composition. The objects in the environment represent the positive space, and the environment itself is the negative space.

Negative

Positive

Texture

Texture is used to create surface appearance, and relates to the physical make-up of a given form. Texture often refers to the material that something is made of, and can be created using any of the elements previously discussed. Texture is both a visual and a tactile phenomenon.

Typography

Typography is the art of arranging typefaces, selecting style, line spacing, layout and design as a means of solidifying language.

What is the impact of these different fonts?

Ancient times

School Days

Sunday Funnies

Elegance

Craziness

Clarity