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The focus of this drawing is line, one of the elements of design.

What are the Elements of Design?

The elements of design are the tools artists use when creating any piece of art. These tools are given names which are used and understood by other artists. They are:

line, shape, color, texture, value, form, and space.

Why We Need to Understand the Language of Art

We use the word hammer to describe a tool that is used to put nails into a board and, I am sure, in many other ways. Some, more complicated than others. If you do not know what the tool was designed for, you can still use the tool, only you may not use in the correct way (Pick it up by it’s head and start using it as a pool cue).

The same applies to the tools of art, which are the elements of design. These tools have hundreds of books written on how to use them. I have taught students out of such books. They start with the basic ways in which you can use the tools. As the child matures and learns the basics the lessons become harder and harder. Eventually some students start mastering the tools and create their own style and method of using the tools.

That is why it is important that you learn to understand what these words mean so you can:

1. Create better art.
2. Describe your ideas to others.
3. Develop new ways of looking at your own art.
4. Pick out the elements and understand how they are used effectively in other forms of art.
5. Develop a greater appreciation for the work of other famous artists

Let’s begin learning about these important tools.

Further Reading

About.com – elements of design.
John Lovett – elements of design