Elements and Principles of Art

Here is a picture of seahorses. The color of the seahorses has great constrast to the white floor and the purple rocks. Contrast can be differences in colors, value, shapes, texture, as well as other elements. Contrast adds excitement and interest to a work of art.

This is a picture of ice hanging off the side of a barn. This is a good example of the element lines. Lines are made by a pointed tool. They can be all different sizes. The length and width can differ as well as how thick or thin the line is. These ice lines show all the different types of lines.

I like the idea of using photography because the students can relate well to it. I would have students bring in photos from home. They would then work with a partner and try to find the elements and principles in their own photos. They would then share a few of their photos with their classmates.