Joanna James
Art is the universal expression of human perceptions and experiences. While art is essentially a free-flowing mode, there are six distinct elements of art that artists use to create. These elements apply to any work of art and belong to a set of categories. Let's take a look at the six elements of art.
If you ever go to see the works of Sri Lankan artists at places like the Sri Lankan Art Gallery, you'll see colours blending in gentle harmony. Colours and how they interact with each other in myriads of combinations make art delightful. The modern colour wheel shows us how these different hues work well in art. The primary colours are red, yellow, and blue. We mix two primary colours together to get secondary colours. The outermost layer of the colour wheel shows tertiary colours made with a primary colour blended with an adjacent secondary hue.
The shape defines pieces of art, with their two- or three-dimensional heights and weights (or the illusion of it). The form could be free flowing, and craft the scopes of art. Generally, shapes are considered two-dimensional while the form is three-dimensional. Shapes sometimes stand out in their own right or fit in with the design to be part of the entire work.
In its primary form of expression- a line can be a dot or a series of dots. These form the line, varying in thickness, hues and shape depending on what the artist is trying to convey. A single piece of art would contain several types of lines. Lines can sometimes imply action, lending art more depth and personality. The vital factor in lines is the quality and how the artist uses these to inspire the imagination and convey expressions.
Space is the area surrounding the focal points of the piece of art. The space itself could be positive or negative, shallow or deep. Space lends the artwork its shape, creating open or closed areas. Space can either indicate physical dimensions or depth. It can also demonstrate the empty area within and inside an object. Space adds uniqueness to a particular work of art.
Texture brings art to life, indicating softness or hardness or even heat and cold. Artists use texture to bring about roughness or smoothness. It imitates sensations and helps viewers to perceive the surface. When artists use different textures in their work, they bring to their art the elements of life's senses. The texture is how artists bring rocks, feathers, wood or even landscapes into life in their work. They use texture to create an illusion that closely imitates life.
Balance is the ultimate test of an artist's talent. Balance is how all the elements of an artwork are in harmonious contrast to create the artwork. Artists weigh up each element against each other to convey their innermost expressions. They can use balance symmetrically or asymmetrically to create their own vision for viewers.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
