CHAPTER 4

Elements and
Principle of Art
 Learning Outcomes
By the end of this Chapter, students should be able to:
1. Analyze the various elements present in visual and auditory arts;
2. Identify the principle of design;
3. Identify and differentiate the various planes in art ;
4. Define and translate principles of design in an artwork;
5. Create an artwork depicting the various elements and principle of
design; and
Visual Elements
The Element of Line
 We see lines everywhere: along the streets, inside our
homes, in all of nature, and in the many infrastructure that make our
cities.
Lines add to the quality of all visual stimuli.

Lines make objects stand out against a background, they

challenge our perception, and arouse emotions, and they may
enhance or lessen the aesthetic effect of our surroundings.
 Different
types of Lines
 Horizontal Lines

These are parallel to the horizon, they do not

slant. In artwork usually indicate calmness and
rest. Landscape and seascape are primarily
horizontals.
 Vertical Lines

They start from bottom going up or vice

versa, they do not lean at all. Verticals show
strength, balance, and stability. Vertical lines
often communicate a sense of height because they
are perpendicular to the earth, extending upwards
toward the sky.
 Diagonal Lines

These lines are between a vertical and

horizontal line. Diagonals look as if they are either
rising or falling and have both positive or negative
implication. Diagonal lines convey a feeling of
movement. Objects in a diagonal position are
unstable.
 Zigzag Lines

These are completed from a mixture of

diagonal lines. Zigzag indicate chaos, conflict, and
confusion as an be perceived in pictures of war and
pictures of most anime characters.
 Curved Lines

Curviliniear, they are organic and natural and

adjust direction regularly. A curved line that goes around
itself forms a spiral oftentimes seen in seashells. When
curved lines continuously move in opposite directions, they
form wavy lines that show graceful movements.
 Actual Lines and Implied Lines

Actual lines – the artist intentionally show the

lines in an artwork, a painting for instance, to give the
viewer an interesting aspect of the composition.

Implied lines- are used by the artist to make the

viewer feel their involvement in interpreting the
composition by seeing and connecting lines where none
actually exist.
The Element of Color
 Color is the most expressive element of
art. It shares powerful connection with emotion.
Colors play a vital role in art. Color enhance the
beauty in all things. Color are only seen when
light surrounds an object.
Physical Properties of
Color
 Hue

This
v pertains to the name for which the color is
known. The hue is determined by the wavelength of light
physically given by the color.
 Value describes the
brightness of color. It pertains

Value the absence of white or black.

Artists use color value to create
different moods. Dark colors in a
composition suggest a lack of
light, as in a night or interior
scene.
 Intensity

Intensity it refers to the purity of the color.

Color with high saturation tend to be bright, and color
with low saturation tend to be dull.
 Additive and
Subtractive Colors

Colors of light are additive in the sense

that when you combine the colors the result will be
white. Colors of pigments are subtractive.
Different types of
Colors
 Primary Colors
A set of primary colors is a set
of colorants or colored lights that can be
combined in varying amounts to produce
a gamut of colors.
 Secondary Color is a
color made by mixing
of two primary colors
in a given color space.

Secondary Color
Intermediate Color
and
Tertiary Color
  Intermediate color can
result to the combination of a
primary and secondary colors.
Tertiary colors are
created by the combining any
two secondary colors.
Neutral Color

Neutral colors can be defined as

those colors to which you can't give a
definite colorname. These colors include
beige, cream, ivory, white, grey, brown
and natural wood.
Warm Colors
and
Cool Colors

Colors also have “temperature” that may be

used as another way to organize a
composition. Colors associated by sun and fire
are considered as warm color. Any colors
associated by with air, sky, earth and water
are considered as cool colors.
The Element of Shape
 -Shape is the next interesting element of the visual arts.
-According to Fichner(2013) shape result from the
coming together of lines enclosing an are and separating it
from its surroundings.
Real space is three-dimensional.
According to German Gestalt psychologists have
discovered that the way the human brain process information
is done by organizing objects into groups based on similarity,
nearness, and figure-ground relationships.
Kinds of Shape
Geometric
shapes 

Geometric shapes for
instance, are regular and precise
and present an industrial feel to the
viewer. 
Geometric shapes are made
out of points and lines including the
triangle, square, and circle.
 Organic shapes are
said to have a natural
appearance and are
usually curvilinear and
irregular.
Biomorphic and Amorphous
Shape
Biomorphic manifest
some qualities of biological
organism whereas
amorphous exist without
any basis from either nature
or geometry.
The Element of Space
Space is a tricky element of the visual arts. It involves both
the physiological capability of the visual system and the
physical manipulation of the two dimensional surface
(picture plane) to give the viewer an illusion of depth or
distance.
Space in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth or three
dimensions. It can also refer to the artist's use of the area
within the picture plane. The area around the primary
objects in a work of art is known as negative space, while
the space occupied by the primary objects is known as
positive space.
 Physiological
Perception of Space
 On the physiological aspect, two process should be
understood. One involves stereoscopic vision and the other,
kinaesthetic vision (Ocvirk, 2002). Stereoscopic vision gives
the viewer a perception of depth because of the distance
between the two eyes. This distance allows the viewers to see
two presentation of the object, one from each eye. This is
known as retinal disparity.
 Two presentation of object from each eye:

Retinal disparity gives the viewer two images of the object

than physiologically merges them into one images, thus,
giving the viewer a perception of depth or distance.
Kinaesthetic vision on the other hand, involves the
movement of the eyes when looking at or viewing the
object.
 The Illusion of Space

They have come up to with the

techniques that allow viewers to perceive
space on the picture plane when actually
none exist (hence, the illusion).
 The following are some ways of
presenting depth on a picture plane:
Overlapping
•when objects are grouped, not all
parts of some object will be seen.
This gives impression of near and
distant objects allowing the viewer
to perceive space in the
composition.
Relative size and
Linear Perspective
•objects that are big will
be perceived as near
compared with objects
that are far.
 Atmospheric
Perspective
This is also known as
aerial perspective.
The illusion of depth
is created by
techniques known as
a gradient (a gradual
change).
 The effect of Space
Space as an element of the visual art have fascinated both the
artist and the viewers. Artist’s fascination is based on
discovering any other ways to manipulate the picture plane and
create the illusion of “endless” space. Artist’s allowed them to
see space with the eye when the mind deems its existence
improbable. According to Ovirk (2002) , “art is a product of
human creativity and is always dependent on individual
interpretation and responses.”
The Element of Value
(Light and Shadow)
 The visual arts is known particularly because of
the element of light. Light makes viewing any
artwork possible, and it is sad to say that without
light this cannot be done. The focus of the discussion
will particularly be on kind of value known as
achromatic value.
•Achromatic value refers to a changes in the amount of reflected light from
white to grey to white.
Cast shadow may have different degrees of values ranging from gray to black.
The technique of using light and shadow in painting is known as
CHIAROSCURO.

Leonardo da Vinci exploited the effects of chiaroscuro in his masterpiece. He

also introduced a technique called SFUMATO in which the gradual blending
of light and shadow gave the figures in his composition a more realistic form
and depth, which is quite evident in the Mona Lisa.
•Another renowned artist of the 16th century called CARAVAGGIO went a
step further with chiaroscuro and exaggerated the use of the shadow in his
paintings known as the DARK MANNER.

The Dark Manner of the painting was what characterized painting of the
Baroque period. Dark Manner or the exaggeration of chiaroscuro is known as
TENEBRISM.

It was the artist Rembrandt who perfected tenebrism in his paintings.

The Element of
Texture
•it is the elements that were discussed would indicate that line, color, shape,
space and value all deal with the sense of sight.
texture derived from latin word to "waiving " it is important element both
for two dimensional and three dimensional arts.
texture without touching ,it is what is known as usual texture .
this are two instance that show how light is affected by characteristic of
surface thus, allowing the viewer to know texture not only by touch but also
by sight.
Types of Texture
Actual Texture

 =Refers to the real feel and look

of the surface of the object.
=This is now we called as collage.
=This technique was first
introduced by Picasso and Braque
in their abstract compositions.
Simulated
Texture

=According to Ocvirk(2002) it
refers to a surface character that
looks real but it’s not.
=Most of the Interior Designer
used this technique to imitate the
surface and appearance, for
instance, of real marble.
Abstract
Texture

=In this type of texture, the artist

would focus on one aspect of the
real texture and emphasize it,
thus modifying the texture of the
whole composition.
Invented Texture

=Is a product of the artist’s

imagination.

=It solely from the artist’s mind,

invented texture may still
represent something that is real.
The Element of Time
and Motion
 =According to Fichner (2008) motion occurs
through time.
=Over the centuries, artist have collaborated to
the bring to the viewer the concept of movement
and the time in their artworks.
=This techniques are actual motion and implied
motion.
 Actual
Movement
=types of artworks, that
the artist incorporate actual
movement in art known as kenetic
art.
=Actual movement may
achieved in several ways: through
the aid of nature, such as air and
water current.
 Implied
Movement

=To show implied movement in

art, a variety of lines may be used
together with some degree of repetition,
changes in the position, scale, or size of
the objects, and varying proportions that
can create the perception of movement.
ARTWORK
ANALYSIS
 The analysis would turn away
from erratic, whimsical, purely
subjective, and impressionistic
reading of the artwork.
Three Planes in Reading Image
 Semiotic

This is like a
credit line, which
lists important
facts about a work
of art.
 Iconic

Type, kind,
source, and how
the artist
described the
subject.
Contextual

Meaning of the
work, symbols,
ideas and
concept.
The Rule of Thirds
 The rule of thirds is a
“rule of thumb” or guideline
which to the process of
composing visual images such
as design, films, painting, and
photographs.
Principles of Art
Balance

It is one of the
principle of the design; it is
classified into three:
Symmetrical, Asymmetrical,
and Radial.
SYMMETRICAL
=Also known as formal
balance.

ASYMMETRICAL
=Also known as informal
balance.

RADIAL
=Balance where all
elements radiate out from a center
point in a circular fashion to all
four quadrants of the shape’s
constraining plane
Harmony

In the principle of design, this can

be described as sameness, the
belonging of one thing with
another.
Proportion

This is the size relationship of

forms and shapes. Good
proportion causes a sense of unity
and harmony.
Dominance/
Emphasis

This happens when the artist

creates an area of the composition
that is visually dominant and
commands the viewer’s attention.
Variety

This is a principle of design that

refers to a way of combining visual
elements to achieve intricate and
complex relationships
Movement

This is the result of using the

elements of art such that they move
the viewer’s eye around and within
the image.
Rhythm

In the principle of design, this is a

continuance, a flow, or feeling of
movement achieved by the
repetition of regulated visual
information.
Element of Art:
Auditory
 -Music is considered to be the least tangible of the arts. It is defined as an
arrangement of sounds to create a continuous and unified composition.
-There are two dominant musical traditions. Popular music and classical
music.
-Popular Music – involve the use of electric instruments to enhance
instrumental and vocal sounds. It also involves lyrics, which is the probable reason
we frequently associate popular music with music with a person or a group of persons
singing.
-Classical Music – is more frequently essentially instrumental although there
is some classical composition that involve the human voice such as opera.
Nevertheless, the expression of meaning involves the use of pure sound. It also uses
instrument that generate sound in a natural way. In contrast to popular music classical
music usually has duration of 30-40 minutes and there is more variation within a
classical composition.
 -According to Johnson (2002) the preference of popular music to
classical music maybe related with the person’s obsession with anything
material and anything that can be easily to seen.

-Aside from this popular music in our contemporary culture tend to

avoid polyphony and discursive musical genres, like the sonata and
symphony.

-According to Johnson (2002) a person has to simply understand

and to place oneself in the shoes of the performer or the composer.
Element of Music
 Rhythm

-This has something to do with the patterns in time. It

has three qualities: tempo, meter, and rhythmic pattern.
-Tempo describes how fast or slow the music is. On
other hand, meters refer to the unit of time that is made up of
a group of accented and unaccented beats or pulses. The time
signature of the music is ¾. Music with this time signature is
in triple meter.
 Melody

-A succession of consecutive notes or tones

changing in pitch and duration. It is also considered
to carry the overall theme of music. Melody is
inseparable with rhythm.
 Harmony

-A combination of different tones or pitches

played or sung together. Notes played or sung
together at the same time are called chord. Harmony
may also involve playing chords successfully.
 Texture

-The relationship of melodic and harmonic line

in music. Music is considered to have a ticker texture
if it has more melodic lines. Music can be
monophonic, homophonic, or polyphonic.
 Dynamics

-The degree of softness and loudness of music.

This may also include the way of changing from soft
to loud or vice versa.
 Timbre

-The quality of sound generated by an

instrument or by a voice.
Classification of Musical Instrument
In the Western orchestra can be categorized into
four: string, woodwind, brass, and percussion.

The following are the types of musical instrument based

on the Hornbostel-Sachs classification:
Idiophones
Membranophones
Chordophones
Aerophones
Electrophones
Idiophones
Membranophones
Chordophones
Aerophones
Electrophones
Form
The arrangement of musical events or themes
throughout the composition. Using the interplay of statement
of the theme, repetition, contrast, and variation, patterns of
musical form can be formed, which are the following:
=Strophic
=Binary
=Ternary
=Rondo
=Theme and variation
=Sonata-allegro
Historical Genres of Classical Music

=During the Middle Ages (476-1450), music was

generally sung or played in three places: inside the monastery,
inside the cathedral, and the court.
=Prominent composers include Josquin Despers and
Giovanni Pierlugi de Palestrina (1525-1594)
 Baroque Music
Early and middle Baroque music (1600-1710) had
melodic patterns that were specifically written for certain
musical instruments.
On other hand, music during the Late Baroque
period (1690-1750) had melodic patterns that showed a
more progressive development compared with music
during the earlier times of Baroque period.
Baroque period included the opera, chamber cantata,
sonata, concerto, grosso, solo concerto, and dance suite.
 Johann Antonio Johann George Friedrich
PachellbelVivaldiSebastian Bach Handel
 Classical Period Music
It is important to emphasize the difference
between classical music from Classical Music period.
Classical Music Period refers to Musical
composition written from 1750-1820. Melodies during
the period had short but balanced phrases, which were
inspired by vocal style. The melodies were considered to
be tuneful and had a light airy feeling.
Wolfgang
Amadeus Joseph Haydn Franz Schebert
 Romantic Music

We already know by now that Romanticism is

associated with love, idealism, nature, and expressiveness.

The following were the leading composers during the Romantic

Period and their famous works:
Ludwig Van Franz Rebert Clara
Beethoven Schubert Schumann Schumann
 Impressionism

Impressionism (1880-1920) was a transition from

Romanticism to Modernism in music. It involves the use
of dabs of unmixed colors and applying it using quick
strokes to portray the effect of natural light on the
subject matter.
Claude Debussy Maurice Ravel
 Modern Music

We should know by now that modern music is technically

music created from 1900 to the present day, not just music that we
know today. Symphonies, solo concertos, choral music, ballet music,
opera, and string quartets are typical genres during the Modern Period.
 Igor Arnold Aaron
Stravinsky Schoenberg Copland
 Postmodern Music

Postmodern music (1945-present) overlaps with

modernism. Ultimately, postmodern is considered as a
art that has gone beyond tradition and modernism.
John Cage Phillip Glass John Adams
THANK YOU!!!!
Prepared by:
Stella Velasquez
Lhen-Lhen Pacrin
Dessa Chin Maguad
Rachel Manlangit
Jake Jolacao

(BHSM 2A)