- Home
- > Art and Design
- > AO2 - Analyse and evaluate
- > SEMI 2: what are the elements?
The visual and tactile elements are the individual parts that make up a piece of art, craft or design.
In this Revision Bite, we will look at the elements of art, craft and design in more detail. By understanding and using the visual and tactile elements both within your visual work and writing, you will be covering assessment objective 2. The visual and tactile elements are line, tone, colour, pattern, texture, shape and form, and harmony and balance.
Line
"The essence of drawing is the line exploring space."
A line is a point moving in space. A line can vary in width, length, curvature, colour or direction. Take a look at how artists John Piper and Pablo Picasso make use of line in their artwork.
John Piper uses simple white lines on a black background to portray a simple town scene. Look at the detailed use of pattern in the foreground to add a sense of depth to the overall image to the left.
Click on the images above and below to see a bigger version. (If you have Flash, click Magnify to see the detail - to remove the viewfinder just click Magnify again.)
This is a study by Pablo Picasso for his 'Weeping Woman'. He has used simple lines and blocks of primary colours. Note how the eyes have been emphasised with darker, thicker lines.
Continuous line drawing
Have a go at creating a continuous line drawing. Place an object in front of you - consider a stem with leaves, a plant or a flower. Next, do a continuous line drawing using a black biro or fine line pen and don't take your pen off the paper. Don't worry about a few extra lines.
James's continuous line drawing
If you want to add shadow, use heavier pressure and cross hatch. Again, don't take your pen off the paper. The more you look at the object, the better this drawing will turn out.
You could try creating a continuous line drawing with your mouse by visiting www.imokta.co.uk/scribbler.asp. You can even send your continuous line drawing to a friend.
Links
© MMIX