The Elements of Art and Principals of Design

The elements of art are lines, shapes, forms, colors, values, textures, and space. These are the basics things that must be in every piece of art. Also, all objects in life display at least one of these elements. They are an artist's buildings blocks to something spectacular.

The principals of design are balance, contrast, emphasis, patterns, rhythm, and movement. If elements of art are the elementary parts of art, the principals of design are the secondary. They aren't necessarily in every object, but they are the things that make art beautiful. They make us want to look at the piece again, to do a double take. In other words, they are what make art, art.