The Elements of Art: What are they and why should you care?

Aug 31 / Cindy Wise
Simply put, the Elements of Art are the ABC's or building blocks of a work of art.  
There are 7 elements or components that an artist uses to create their art piece.
These are:
Line
   Shape
      Color
         Texture
            Space
               Value
                  Form
Just like the ABC's make up words. 
Words make up sentences. 
       Sentences make up paragraphs.  
              Paragraphs make up incredible stories, correspondence,                          articles, everything!

Look at something nearby - your clothing, bottom of your shoes, furniture, the window, the ceiling, pretty much anything. 
What elements of art were used?  Can you describe the item using the Elements of Art.  
What Lines do you see?  Did any lines create Shapes? Are they geometric or organic?  How did the artist use Color?  Are some of the colors lighter or darker than the others (Value)? Is there visible Texture (that you can touch) or Implied Texture (looks as if it feels a certain way)?  How did the artist use the element of Space?  What you can see/touch is known as "positive space" and the "empty space" is known as "negative space".   Is the item flat (2D) or does it have Form - three dimensional (3D).

How the artist uses the Elements of Art is called the Principles of Design.  These will be covered in a separate post!
Right now, start familiarizing yourself with the 7 Elements of Art. 
Hone your powers of observation - start noticing them in your world! 
Pay attention to how you use the Elements as you create your own works of art!

Paper Line Sculpture

 Simple Supplies come together to create a fun and engaging sculpture that reinforces Line, Shape, Color and Form.

Two Projects that
utilize Line, Shape and Form!

These have been two of my favorite projects to teach and create myself!!! 

Whoa - There's a Sculpture in my Pocket!

Recycled cardboard/file folders, markers and scissors create a sculpture that can be taken apart and slipped into your pocket!
Created with