Art Techniques | 24 January 2017Back to Basics: The 7 Elements of Art Share article facebook twitter google pinterest Sometimes you just have to get back to basics. Beginning Acrylic teaches you the importance of the 7 elements of art, which is a great starting place for beginners and a wonderful refresher for experts. 1.Lines are essentially long marks. Lines vary in length, thickness, and direction. They can be broken, geometric, organic, straight, curved, or zigzag; they can be implied by spaces between objects; and they can be layered until they form masses of value and tone. 2. Shapes are enclosed spaces. The basic shapes are a circle, a triangle, and a square. All other shapes are a variation or combination of these three. Shapes can be geometric, organic, or a combination. 3. As mentioned on page 28, value refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a color. Shapes would remain flat without the gradations of light to dark values. 4. Color refers to the perception of light waves by the brain that reflect into our eyes. A hue is a color in its purest form. 5. Texture is the literal sensation experienced when an object’s surface is touched. Implied texture exists when the visual illusion of that surface quality is created by art elements. 6. & 7. Form and space refer to the illusion of 3D objects in drawings or paintings using line, shape, value, and color. The areas around and within shapes are called “negative spaces.” Buy from an Online Retailer US: From the first brushstroke to the finishing touch, let the Portfolio series guide you as you begin your artistic journey in acrylic painting. Beginning Acrylic teaches aspiring artists everything they need to know to get started painting in acrylic. From choosing the right paper, brushes, and paints to basic painting tips and techniques, this beginner’s guide to acrylic painting is bursting with valuable exercises and advice to help artists master this colorful and approachable medium. Beginning Acrylic guides beginners through an exploration of acrylic painting with easy-to-understand concepts and step-by-step methods, including how to paint a variety of skies, trees, mountains, roads, clouds, and waterscapes from start to finish. Building on these basic, fundamental techniques, novice artists can practice their craft with step-by-step painting projects that are broken down and explained with large, detailed images and examples. With comprehensive instruction and artist tips and tricks, Beginning Acrylic is the perfect resource for artists just getting started. Share article facebook twitter google pinterest If you have any comments on this article please contact us or get in touch via social media.