by Lynn Mohney of
Prunella’s Workshop
Whether consciously or unconsciously, every artist, artisan,
or craftsperson considers the Seven Elements of Design in their work. It is an
important lesson one learns in class in art school, usually towards the
beginning of their journey. Using these elements can be instinctual, but the
more we are aware of them, the easier it is for us to manipulate them in our
craft. Being able to identify the different elements can also help a potential
buyer better appreciate the difference between a good design and a bad design.
We have all looked at something and said to ourselves, “that
isn’t quite right, but I can’t figure out why?” Utilizing knowledge of Line,
Color, Shape, Texture, Form, Value, and Space can help us better evaluate our
visual field and determine why something works or flat out does not.
Line
Line is perhaps the most basic of the Elements, and one we
are all the most familiar with. We consider whether we can draw a straight line
or a stick figure. Lines do not actually exist in nature. Look around you. The
world does not look like an old cartoon with dark lines outlining everything.
However, drawing with lines helps define the other six elements. Line can
produce space, movement, and feelings. A soft curving line can be calming and
soothing, where as a very jagged line can give a feeling of anxiety. Lines can
be very geometric and clean, or very organic and free flowing.
Lines give a sense of order to our world. Look around you.
The very letters we write are a series of lines placed together to take on
meaning. We drive in lines of cars. We wait in lines for our turn.
Color
Unless if you have the misfortune of being color blind (and
I cannot think of a sadder disability to befall an artist!) you are familiar
with the joy of color or lack thereof. A piece of work may be black and white,
a very powerful contrast, or it can be bursting with color. Some artists choose
to work with a very monochromatic color variation (several shads of the same
color) with one bust of color to catch the eye. One can work with light tints
of colors (white or light added) to give an airy feeling to the work, or they
may use shades to give a more robust feel. Colors may be pleasing to the eye,
or intentionally garish.
Color gives life to our world. Picture a flower garden with
no color. Colors can be playful and child-like. Why else would coloring be a
favorite activity by so many children?
Shape
When discussing shapes on terms of design we are not only
limited to geometric shapes such as squares, circles, and hexagons, though they
are included. We are talking about the closed area created by our lines. Shapes
can be very organic and free flowing or they can be very rigid. Both will bring
on a very different feel to a final design.
We are always talking about how we want to get into shape.
We want to change the organic outline of out bodies to take a different form or
feel, one that we believe is more pleasing to the eye. Of course, getting into
shape has health benefits too!
Texture
Even when creating a two dimensional image, we as artists
try to give the illusion of a surface. Regardless of whether the work is flat
or a three dimensional object, the surface is a consideration. A surface could
be soft, smooth, rough, wet, dry, fuzzy, etc. The texture of a piece draws the
viewer in, allowing them to experience it through their sense of touch, even if
they are not actually able to touch it.
In an art museum there is an overwhelming desire to touch
certain pieces we see. A cold hard marble statue can appear so lifelike that we
swear if we touched it we would be able to feel warm blood coursing through
it’s veins. Oil painters use layer upon layer of paint, one could feel the
coarse canvas with their eyes closed, marveling that the image itself appears
perfectly smooth.
Form
Form is the
combination of line, shape and texture as they are brought together, but it is
more than that. Will the creation be a flat surface? Or will it be three dimensional,
such as a sculpture, a pot, or a piece of jewelry. What size will the piece be?
An artist or craftsperson will try many different forms over their lifetime as
they find the one that works best for them.
We fill out paper forms almost every day. A form is a way of
acknowledging that there is an infinite amount of information available, and
constrains us to just what is needed. In the same way, the form of a piece of
art does the same thing.
Value
The contrast between light and dark can be very dramatic or
it can be gently subtle. The value sets the tone for the piece. Will it be dark
and moody? Is it light and cheery? Does it make you think deep thoughts, or
does it just bring a smile to your face? An artist can greatly play with these
contrasts, which affect the overall appearance.
We are always speaking of someone’s values. Are they a moral
good person? Or are they always doing horrid things? Good advice is no one’s
values are black or white, but many shades of grey.
Space
Consider the depth and volume of a piece. Even a two
dimensional picture can give the feeling of depth through the play of the
negative and positive spaces. Landscape photographs can appear to go on for
miles through the use of all of the other elements. A necklace can be grand and
elaborate, or it can be minute drawing attention to one small focal point. A
silk scarf can cascade around one’s body, playing with light, texture, and
color though it is a thin sheet of fabric.
We are always identifying the amount of space something
takes up. Will there be enough room for my furniture? Is there too much empty
space? Are you taking up too much space in my life?
One could easily
argue that the elements of design are also important elements in our lives. Through them, we bring meaning and balance to our work as well as to our life. Similarly, our completed work can bring balance and harmony to the lives of others who purchase our work.
