Andres Soriano Colleges of Bislig

Andres Soriano Avenue, Mangagoy, Bislig City

College Department

Teaching Arts in Elementary Grades

Elements and Principles of Art

By the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to:
1. Enumerate the different elements of Visual Art
2. Differentiate the principles of art
3. Provide examples of the interrelatedness of some of the elements and principles of art in the
study of art and its products (artworks); and

Introduction
In this module on Subject and Content, it was mentioned that arts have a specialized language.
And to be able to understand this language, familiarity with some of the elements and principles that
make it legible is required. Think of it as the letters—stringing of letters to formulate words, and perhaps
even the different pronunciations that assist comprehension.
The next chapter endeavors to take art and break it into smaller parts. Like a scientist who takes a
splice or a sample and places it under a microscope, the next lesson will allow for a better view, not of the
final picture; rather, the parts that complete it.

PRE-TEST
Directions: Read and analyze each item and select the best option that will adequately answer each question.
Write the letter of your choice in your answer sheet.

1. It refers to a point moving at an identifiable path—it has length and direction.

a. Space b. Line c. Color d. Value

2. It refers to three dimensions: height, width, and depth.

a. Shape b. Line c. Texture d. Form

3. These are lines that are normally associated with rest or calm.
a. Crooked b. Curved c. Horizontal d. Vertical

4. What element of art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?

 a. Line b. Value c. Space d. Shape

5. These types of lines convey movement and instability. What element of visual art is being described?
a. Vertical b. Horizontal c. Diagonal d. Crooked

6. John wants to create an artwork that depicts violence and conflict. Which of the following types of
lines should he use?
a. Straight b. Diagonal c. Curved d. Crooked

7. Which of the following elements of art best describes the object shown below?

a. Form b. Shape c. Value d. Texture

8. These are the lines that bend or coil. They allude to softness, grace, flexibility, or even sensuality
a. Straight b. Diagonal c. Curved d. Crooked

9. The shapes leaves, clouds and trees are considered as __________________.

a. Geometric b. Organic c. Mathematical d. Natural
10. The most important element in sculptures is ______________.
a. Space b. Color c. Value d. Texture

11. This element of art allows the viewer to communicate, emotion, and instinct, among others. Which
element of art is being described?
a. Space b. Color c. Value d. Texture

12. What element of Art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?

a. Texture b. Value c. Harmony d. Intensity

13. It is identified as the strength of color, whether it is vivid or muted. It is called ___________.
a. Color b. Intensity c. Texture d. Balance

14. What type of color harmony is present in the artwork below?

a. Monochromatic b. Analogous c. Complementary d. Split Complementary

15. What type of color harmony is present in the artwork below?

a. Monochromatic b. Analogous c. Complementary d. Split Complementary

16. What Principle of art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?

a. Proportion b. Emphasis c. Balance d. Contrast

17. This refers to the direction of the viewing of the eye as it goes through the artwork, often guided by
areas or elements that are emphasized
a. Emphasis b. Unity c. Variety d. Movement

18. The artwork shown below illustrates the element ______________.

a. Proportion b. Scale c. Pattern d. Balance

19. What principle of art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?

a. Variety b. Movement c. Rhythm d. Proportion

20. What type of perspective is illustrated in the artwork shown below?

a. One-point b. Two-point c. Three-point d. Four-point

Elements of Art
Taking off from the scientific reference, elements of art are akin to atoms are defined as the units or
“building blocks” of matter. Together, in a variety of combinations and formations, they have the ability
to create molecules such as water, or the more complex sucrose. These formulations are almost the same
as elements of art when they are joined together, in a variety of ways. In the same line of reasoning, the
elements of art are the aspects of an artwork that can be isolated from each other.
These elements are generally produced when something is done to the medium after the technique is
carried out. It must be underscored, however, that all works of art require all elements to be present. Some
art forms necessitate some of the elements as they are inherent in their very nature. For example,
sculptures automatically have the following elements with or without a decision of the artist to include
them: shape, form, and space. Without these elements, there is no sculpture, to begin with. Elements are
the necessary preconditions for the creation of art.
1. Line
A line refers to a point moving at an identifiable path—it has length and direction. It also has
width. It is one-dimensional; however, it has the capacity to either define the perimeters of the artwork
and however, it has the capacity to define the perimeters of the artwork (edges) and/or become a
substantial component of the composition. Although a line is “simple,” it has variations given its
orientation/direction, shape, and thickness. These variations import not only the visual elements into the
artwork, but suggest meaning or message being conveyed by the artist.
Known for using lines to provide the outline or contour of the figures he portrays in his work,
Keith Haring first executed the public mural “Todos juntos podemos parar el sida” (Together We Can
Stop AIDS) in Barcelona in 1989. In 2014, it was recreated at the foyer of the Museum d’Art
Contemporani de Barcelona (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art) to commemorate it. Haring
battled with HIV/AIDS to which he succumbed in 1990.
A quality that is ascribed to lines is its ability to direct the eyes to follow the movement or
provide hints as to the work’s focal point. The orientation in which we are most accustomed to such as the
assertive force of gravity grounding objects, or the sideways or up-and-down vibration that informs us of
an earthquake, the gustiness of wind from the window, or the direction of the rainfall conjures different
images of lines.
a. Horizontal and Vertical lines- refers to the orientation of the line. Horizontal lines are
normally associated with rest or calm. Landscapes often contain these elements as works like
these often connote a visual sense of being parallel to the ground. It also alludes to the position of
the reclined body at rest. Vertical lines, on the other hand, connote elevation or height, which is
usually taken to mean exaltation or aspiration for action. Together, these lines communicate
stability and firmness.
b. Diagonal and Crooked lines- diagonal lines convey movement and instability, although the
progression can be seen. Crooked or jagged lines, on the other hand, are reminiscent of violence,
conflict, or struggle.
c. Curved lines- these are the lines that bend or coil. They allude to softness, grace, flexibility,
or even sensuality.
2-3. Shape and Form
 These two are related to each other in the sense that they define the space occupied by the object
of art. Shape refers to two dimensions: height and width, while form refers to three dimensions: height,
width, and depth. Even if shapes are a part of a bigger picture, each can be identified by breaking the
visual components apart and making distinctions based on what we have seen. Two categories can be
used as a broad distinction:
a. Geometric- these shapes find their origin in mathematical prepositions. As such, its translation
and use are often man-made. These include shapes such as squares, triangles, cubes, circles,
spheres, and cones, among others.
b. Organic- organic shapes are those readily occurring in nature, often irregular, and
asymmetrical. The design of the vase in the figure below
Geometric Shapes Organic Shapes

4. Space
It is usually inferred from a sense of depth, whether it is real or stimulated. Realspace is three-
dimensional. Like what has been previously mentioned, sculptures are a perfect example of
artworks that bear this element. However, this can only be manifested in two- dimensional artworks
through the use of different techniques, or the use (or non-use) of the area around a drawing or
picture.

a. Positive and negative space- usually identified with the white space is the negative space. The
positive space, on the other hand, is the space where shadows are heavily used.
b. Three-dimensional space- can be stimulated through a variety of techniques such as shading.
An illusion of three-dimensionality can be achieved in a two-dimensional work.

Positive and Negative Space Three-dimensional Space

5. Color
• Color is perhaps one of the elements that enhance the appeal of an artwork.
• Its effect has a range, allowing the viewer to make respondents based on memory, emotion, and
instinct, among others.
6. Hue
This dimension of color gives its name. It can be subdivided into:
• Primary colors- red, yellow, and blue
• Secondary colors- green, orange, violet
• Tertiary colors- six in total, these hues are achieved
when primary and secondary colors are mixed.
7. Value
Value- this refers to the brightness or darkness of a color. Often, this
is used by artists to create the illusion of depth and solidity, a
particular mood, communicate a feeling, or in establishing a scene
(e.g., day and night).
• Light colors- taken as the source of light in the composition
• Dark colors- the lack or even absence of light

8. Intensity
• This color’s brightness and dullness. It is identified as the strength of color, whether it is vivid or
muted. To achieve a specific intensity of a color, one may add either gray or its complementary
color.
• Bright or warm colors- positive energy
• Dull or cool colors – sedate/soothing, seriousness or calm.
9. Color Harmonies

• Monochromatic harmonies- use the variations of a hue. An example is Claud Monet’s “Houses
of Parliament.”
 • Complementary harmonies- involve two colors opposite each other in the color wheel. Since
they are in contrary positions, the reaction is most intense.

Three saints: Roch

Notice the altarpiece featuring Saint Anthony Abbot and Saint Roch. Along with them Saint
Lucy, patron of the blind, whose red and green garb beautifully showcases an example of
complementary harmonies.

• Analogous harmonies- Make use of the two colors beside each other in the color wheel.

10. Texture
Like space, texture can be either real or implied. This element in an artwork is experienced
through the sense of touch (and sight). This element renders the art object tactile.
• a. Textures in the two-dimensional plane- texture can be implied using one technique or
a combination of other elements. By creating this visual quality in the artwork, one can
imagine how the surface will feel if it was to be touched. Some of the words used to
describe texture are the following: rough or smooth, hard or soft, hairy, leather, sharp or
dull, etc.
 • b. Surface texture- refers to the texture of the three-dimensional art object.

Principles of Art
1. Balance
The principle refers to the distribution of the visual elements given their placement in relation to
each other.
Platforms of Balance
A. Asymmetrical- the elements are not the same (or the same weight) on each side,
putting the heaviness on one side

B. Radial- there is a central point in the composition, around which elements and objects
are distributed.

C. Symmetrical- means that the work of art is the same on one side as the other, a mirror
image of itself, on both sides of a centerline.
2. Scale and Proportion
Scale pertains to the size in relation to what is normal for the figure or object in
Proportion, on the other hand, is the size of the components, or objects in relation to one
another when taken as a composition or a unit. This can also refer to values such as
amounts or number of elements or objects in the composition.
Types of Proportion
a. Natural- relates to the realistic size of the visual elements in the artwork, especially for
figurative artworks. When it is the accuracy in relation to the real world that the artist
after, this is now referred to as the principle of scale.
b. Exaggerated- refers to the unusual size relations of visual elements, deliberately
exaggerating the immensity or minuteness of an object. In relation to this, there are notions
in scale that differentiate when an element is smaller than expected (diminutive), and when
something appears to be larger than what is presumed (monumental).
c. Idealized- most common to those that follow canons of perfection, the size-relations of
elements of objects, which achieve the most ideal size relations.
Natural Exaggerated Idealized
3. Emphasis and Contrast
Emphasis allows the attention of the viewer to a focal point(s), accentuating or drawing
attention to these elements or objects. This can be done through the manipulation of the elements or
objects. or through the assistance of other principles, especially that of contrast.
Contrast is the disparity between elements that figure into the composition. One object
may be made stronger compared to other objects (hence, emphasis). This can be done in many ways using
the elements of art. For instance, space, specifically the use of negative and positive space, is an example
is the use of complementary colors in a work of art.
Contrast Emphasis

4. Unity and Variety

• Unless intended to be otherwise, compositions are intended to imbue a sense of accord or
completeness from the artwork. This is unity.
• Variety, on the other hand, is the principle that aims to retain the interest by allowing
patches or areas that both excite and allow the eye to rest.
Unity Variety

5. Harmony
Like what is hinted above, unity and variety are related to the principle of harmony, in which the
elements or objects achieve a sense of flow and interconnectedness.
6. Movement
This refers to the direction of the viewing of the eye as it goes through the artwork, often guided
by areas or elements that are emphasized. These focal points can be lines, edges, shape, and color within
the work of art, among others.

7. Rhythm
• This is created when an element is repeated, creating implied movement. Variety of repetition
helps invigorate rhythm as depicted in the artwork.

8. Repetition and Pattern

• Lines, shapes, colors, and other elements may appear in artwork in a recurring matter. This is
called repetition. In addition, the image created out of repetition is called a pattern. With
repetition, there is a sense of predictability that is conveyed, which in turn imbues the feelings of
security and calmness.
Planes and Perspectives
Picture Plane is the actual surface of the painting or drawing, where no illusion of a third
dimension exists. Here, the elements lay flat, as if one was looking through a window into what lies on
the other side of the glass
Three types of perspective
1. One-point perspective- often used in depicting rocks, roads, tracks, hallways, or rows of
trees; this type of perspective shows parallel lines that seem to converge at a specific and lone vanishing
point, along the horizon line.
2. Two-point perspective- pertains to a painting or drawing that makes use of two vanishing
points, which can be placed anywhere along the horizon line. It is often used in depicting structures such
as houses or buildings in the landscape that are viewed from a specific corner.
3. Three-point perspective- in this type of perspective, the viewer is looking at a scene from
above or below. As the name suggests, it makes use of the three vanishing points, each corresponding to
each axis of the scene.
One-point perspective Two-point perspective Three point- perspective

Printmaking is the process of creating artworks by printing, normally on paper, but also on fabric, wood,
metal, and other surfaces.
Activity no. 1
Illustrate the different elements of art by creating a collection of artworks. You can choose your own
subject. See sample below.

Rubrics
Creativity ----------------------------50%
Use of Elements and Principles----30%
Cleanliness----------------------------20%
Total-----------------------------------100%

Activity no. 2
Research for artworks that emphasizes the following elements and principles. One artwork for
each element/principle. Write the title, artist, and description of each artwork.
1. Complementary Harmony
2. Organic/Geometric shape
3. Exaggerated proportion
4. Value
5. Asymmetrical scale
POST-TEST
Directions: Read and analyze each item and select the best option that will adequately answer each question.
Write the letter of your choice in your answer sheet.

1. These types of lines convey movement and instability. What element of visual art is being described?
a. Vertical b. Horizontal c. Diagonal d. Crooked
2. What element of art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?

a. Line b. Value c. Space d. Shape

3. It refers to three dimensions: height, width, and depth.

a. Shape b. Line c. Texture d. Form

4. These are lines that are normally associated with rest or calm.
a. Crooked b. Curved c. Horizontal d. Vertical

5. It refers to a point moving at an identifiable path—it has length and direction.

a. Space b. Line c. Color d. Value

6. The most important element in sculptures is ______________.

a. Space b. Color c. Value d. Texture

7. The shapes leaves, clouds and trees are considered as __________________.

a. Geometric b. Organic c. Mathematical d. Natural

8. Which of the following elements of art best describes the object shown below?

a. Form b. Shape c. Value d. Texture

9. These are the lines that bend or coil. They allude to softness, grace, flexibility, or even sensuality
a. Straight b. Diagonal c. Curved d. Crooked

10. John wants to create an artwork that depicts violence and conflict. Which of the following types of
lines should he use?
a. Straight b. Diagonal c. Curved d. Crooked

11. What type of color harmony is present in the artwork below?

 a. Monochromatic b. Analogous c. Complementary d. Split Complementary

12. What type of color harmony is present in the artwork below?

a. Monochromatic b. Analogous c. Complementary d. Split Complementary

13. What element of Art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?

a. Texture b. Value c. Harmony d. Intensity

14. It is identified as the strength of color, whether it is vivid or muted. It is called ___________.
a. Color b. Intensity c. Texture d. Balance

15. This element of art allows the viewer to communicate, emotion, and instinct, among others. Which
element of art is being described?
a. Space b. Color c. Value d. Texture

16. What type of perspective is illustrated in the artwork shown below?

a. One-point b. Two-point c. Three-point d. Four-point

17. What principle of art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?

a. Variety b. Movement c. Rhythm d. Proportion

18. This refers to the direction of the viewing of the eye as it goes through the artwork, often guided by
areas or elements that are emphasized
a. Emphasis b. Unity c. Variety d. Movement

19. The artwork shown below illustrates the element ______________.

a. Proportion b. Scale c. Pattern d. Balance

20. What Principle of art is being emphasized in the artwork shown below?
 a. Proportion b. Emphasis c. Balance d. Contrast

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Performance Tasks (Based on the Curriculum Guide)

1. On a short bond paper, create a composition or design of a tricycle or jeepney that shows unity
and variety of lines, shapes, and colors

2. On short bond paper, sketch one natural or man-made places in the community with the use of
complementary colors.
3. Creates a useful 3-Dimensional object/sculpture using found objects and recycled materials
4. Create a 2–5-minute video presentation of your outputs. Apply concepts on the use of new
technologies (hardware and software) in creating an audio-video art/animation. The video will be
submitted through Gmail.

Rubrics
Creativity ----------------------------50%
Use of Elements and Principles----30%
Cleanliness----------------------------20%
Total-----------------------------------100%