Objectives

In this chapter the authors introduce and explain to the reader the elements of art: line, color, texture, mass, shape, light, space, time, and motion. These elements are the vocabulary of art that we use to describe works of art. These terms can be used to analyze and describe anything from a realistic painting to a nonrepresentational sculpture.

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Name the elements of art.
• Describe and define the methods an artist uses to create illusions of space or depth.
• Discuss how lighting may affect an artwork.
• Discuss the use of mass and space in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work.
• Discuss time and motion in works of art.
• Define color and discuss color theory.