In this e-ssentials eCourse we will on five elements of Design: Line, Value, Color, Shape, Texture. Depending on who you read there can be anywhere from five to eight elements, including three dimensional design elements, but for our purposes we are starting off with the most basic and fundamental five. These concepts are keys for all visual artists to unlock doors of understanding, inspiration, cohesiveness, creativity, composition, and so much more.

The most basic element of art, a line was used by the earliest man/woman right up to the last word you wrote or doodled. Classically speaking, “Line” is the first fundamental element of design, however for art, and abstraction in particular, I include “Mark” as well. A line can be BIG AND BOLD or light and airy. Squiggly or smooth, straight or curvilinear. A line has length by definition; it is “a long narrow mark.” All Lines are Marks, but not all Marks are Lines.

The color (hue) is not important in Value, just how light or dark it is. (Think of a black and white photo of your drawing or painting). The concept of Value is super important to grasp as it is absolutely essential to understanding color as well as indicating contrast in black and white or monochromatic work. The more you understand and can identify values accurately, the easier the use and control of color will become for you.

Often color is the first thing we respond to in a painting. Color creates a mood and can evoke emotions much the same way music affects us, often on a purely instinctual or ‘gut’ level. In this lesson I want to clarify a few color terms so that we are all ‘talking the same language.’

A SHAPE is defined as a two dimensional area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, color, or texture. Shapes are recognizable objects and forms and are usually composed of other elements of design.

Texture is the way a surface feels or is perceived to feel. Tactile texture is the actual three-dimensional feel of a surface. Visual texture is the illusion of peaks and valleys on the surface.