Art Elements

Art is like any language—it is composed of basic building blocks arranged to communicate an idea. In writing, for example, these basics are words, sentences and punctuation. In the language of music, they’re instruments and musical notes. So what’s the language of art?

Art is a visual language. Artists have used a consistent method to convey ideas, but it’s not really a secret code. That’s because everyone already knows it. All of us used the artist’s system from the first time we picked up a crayon and scribbled on paper. The methods for creating art are so basic, some call them the ”building blocks of art.” Just remember that every work of art is constructed of these basic elements that the artist manipulates to express ideas. When you become familiar with the basic elements of art you can decode and enjoy art from any period or culture. 

You’ll be surprised that you already know the basic elements — lines, colors, values, textures, shapes and space. To arrange these elements we use the elements of composition. Together these give viewers of our art ideas, meanings and messages. This section of the website will contain simple projects designed to introduce you to the language all artists use. Soon you could be using the language of art.

Click on each major element below to learn something about it.