Man has always expressed his thoughts and feelings through some means or the other. Sometimes this expression is through written writing, sometimes in a sung song, and sometimes in a created picture. Art is the beautiful name for this expression. No work of art comes into existence suddenly, but is created on some basic principles. These principles are called the elements of art. Experts from all over the world have declared seven elements as the most important. These are:
1. Line
2. Shape
3. Volume
4. Color
5. Value
6. Texture
7. Space
Now we understand all of them separately and in simple language.
1. Line
Line is the first element. The path that is created by running a pencil or brush on paper is called a line. Despite being very simple, it is the basis of every drawing. There are many forms of lines:
* Straight line: Shows strength, weight and hardness.
* Curved line: Creates movement and energy.
* Wavy line: Gives the impression of softness and flow.
* Broken line: shows anxiety or uncertainty.
When an artist draws a mountain, straight lines come in handy, tree branches are made of crooked lines, water or clouds are made of wavy lines, and a troubled atmosphere is made of broken lines.
Lines not only create the structure of the picture but also show emotions. A sharp line can show anger and excitement, while a light line can show softness and calmness.
When lines come together to complete a drawing, shape comes into being. Shapes come in two main types:
* Geometric: circle, square, triangle. These are according to order and calculation.
* Natural: leaves, clouds, animals, birds. These are connected to the natural environment.
Shape is the basis of any work of art. If a building is built, it will mostly show geometric shapes, and if a tree or a person is built, natural shapes will come to the fore.
3. Volume
The difference between shape and volume is that shape is two-dimensional, meaning it has only length and width, while volume is three-dimensional, including depth.
For example:
* A circle is a shape, but a ball is a volume.
* A square is a shape, but a box is a volume.
When an artist uses light and shadow, the image is created with depth and appears more realistic. In sculpture, the entire work is done on volume because everything is made three-dimensional there.
Color is the element that brings an image to life. Color not only attracts the eye but also awakens emotions.
There are three main characteristics of color:
* Hue: such as blue, green, red.
* Intensity: light or dark.
* Temperature: Some colors give a feeling of coolness, such as blue, green, while some give a feeling of heat, such as red, yellow.
Red gives the impression of excitement and love. Blue shows peace and tranquility. Green is a sign of freshness and life. When the artist uses them together, the image creates more impact.
5. Value
Value refers to the difference between light and dark. If the same color is sometimes made lighter and sometimes darker, this difference is called value.
Value creates reality in the image. If the sun is shining on a building, one part will appear bright and the other part will appear dark. This difference makes things look as they really are.
The bright part gives a feeling of happiness and hope, while the dark part of sadness or seriousness. The artist changes the atmosphere by increasing this difference at will.
6. Texture
Texture refers to the surface condition of an object. It tells how something looks when you look at it or touch it.
* Real texture: When you touch something and feel its hardness or softness.
* Artificial texture: When a technique is used in an image that makes the viewer think that the object is rough or soft, although it is just a map.
If an animal's skin is shown, fine lines can be used to create a hair-like texture. In a picture of cloth, texture creates the effect of the actual cloth in front of it.
7. Space
Space or space is the element that shows the balance of empty and full spaces in the picture.
* Positive space: Where the real thing is made.
* Negative space: That which is left empty.
When an artist draws a tree close and shows a mountain far away, this space creates a sense of depth. The distant object seems small, the close one is large. This impression makes the picture closer to reality.
All these elements together create a complete work of art. If there is no line, there is no structure, if there is no color, there is no life, if there is no value, the difference in light disappears. Texture creates reality, and space maintains order.
The artist uses all of these together to create a new world. When the viewer understands these elements, he feels the true meaning of art.
These seven elements of art are the foundation for every artist and enthusiast. They are not just a way to create images, but a means of expressing ideas. By knowing them, anyone can not only see artwork better, but also create beautiful creations themselves.