Design elements and principles form the foundation of visual language.
These elements and principles are used in all visual design fields and are the core concepts used to create meaning visually.
Visual Design is the organized arrangement of one or more elements and principles (e.g. line color or texture) to create a visual message.
LINE: the continuous movement of a point along a surface.
The edges of shapes and forms also create lines.
SHAPE: an area enclosed by line. It is two-dimensional and can be geometric or organic.
FORM: occupies space. The attributes of form are mass and volume
SIZE: the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another
TEXTURE: the surface quality of a shape such as rough, smooth, soft, hard, or glossy.
VALUE: the lightness or darkness of a color.
COLOR: is used to create illusion of depth
From UCI Libraries, Irvine, CA
RHYTHM: is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement
CONTRAST: the juxtaposition of opposing elements
BALANCE: the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and the space.
EMPHASIS: Point of focus in a picture of area that draws attention.
VARIETY: Different elements are combined to create visual interest: notably use of contrast, emphasis, difference in size and color.
HARMONY: The quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art
From UCI Libraries, Irvine, CA
This is an interesting, deliberately paced presentation about the color wheel and other topics related to color theory from Iowa State University.
Is an art dictionary for artists, collectors, students and educators in art production, criticism, history, aesthetics, and education.
Drawspace covers basics, contours, shading, perspective, figures and eclectic mediums.
Books
The non-fiction and reference collections of the library are arranged by Dewey Decimal Classification.
Books related to Visual Arts will be found in the following areas:
|
700 |
|
| 710 | Landscaping |
| 720 | Architecture |
| 730 | Sculpture, ceramics, metalwork |
| 740 | Drawing, decorative arts |
| 750 |
Painting |
| 759 |
Painting and painters by region/country |
| 760 | Graphic arts, printmaking |
| 770 | Photography, computer art |
| Note: |
Don't forget about other sections of the library collection that may contain useful information. For example, history books for information about the period, or works of fiction such as "The girl with the pearl earring". |
The Handy Art History Answer Book by 
Arts and Humanities Through the Eras by 
