line
shape
form
value
 texture
color

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Art Elements

 color line

Before creating successful compositions, an artist, or art student, needs to understand some of the basics of art.

The basic components of art are the Art Elements, which can be considered the building blocks of any piece of art, and the Principles of Design, which are how these building blocks are arranged.

Any given artist or art educator will list a different set of art elements or principles but there are some that are more consistently included than others.  Some of the most common elements of art are line, shape, form, value, texture, and color.

Becoming familiar with the art elements will help you consciously organize your artwork into successful visual expressions. Click on the elements at left to learn more about them.

Fifth Grade drawing showing shapes and form.

Some sites about the Elements of Art:

The Elements of Art (Education at the Getty)
Composition and Design Principles