The dot
The line
The plane
The dot is the smallest and most basic visual element. All lines and shapes are made of an infinite succession of dots.
A dot on a surface provides a “focal point”, or tension that we focus on. These tensions give us sensations or impressions like…
Balance
Instability
Lightness
Connection
Images always have one focus point that draws our attention more than others. This is called the point of interest. ď‚ž Where is the point of interest in this work? ď‚ž
By placing many dots together we can express complex feelings and ideas. › We can create abstract or realistic images
with dots
› We can shade images to give a sense of
volume.
The line is a continuous succession of dots. It is a fundamental graphic element. Lines can be straight, curved, broken, zigzagged…
Tension lines direct eyes toathe ď‚ž As we discussed earlier,our images have point of of interest. Wein can follow invisible point interest a work: tension lines to find the point of interest.
› One of the most important functions of a line
is to create shapes in order to create images. This is done with a contour line › We can also create texture and shading with lines
The plane is the third basic graphic element. It is the area defined by a closed line. Planes we sometimes call figures. Planes can be:
› Geometric
or
Organic
Depending on it’s size, contour and arrangement to provide expression. For example, a plane made of wavy lines is more expressive than one of straight lines.
A bigger figure seems more important than a smaller one.
Texture is the final basic graphic element. ď‚ž It is the visual and tactile quality of all surfaces. Surfances can be smooth, rough, hard, soft, etc. ď‚ž
Textures can be natural, like…
Textures can be artificial, like…