- The 8 main elements of visual language
- 1- The point
- 2- The line
- 3- Value
- 4- Color
- 5- Texture
- 6- Figure
- 7- Shape
- 8- Space
- References
The elements of visual language are the elements that are used for artistic expression. Visual elements in art are equivalent to words in the realm of language.
These elements are complemented by the principles of visual language, which are equivalent to the sentences of spoken language. The elements form the principles. Artists use elements and principles to communicate ideas and feelings.
Just as spoken language is based on letters, sounds, and grammar, visual is based on elements and principles that, when used together, create works that communicate ideas and meaning to the viewer.
They are the basic components of composition in visual art. A composition is the organized distribution of an image or objects according to the rules of design.
The 8 main elements of visual language
1- The point
It is the visual element on which the others are based. It can be defined as a singularity in space.
In geometric terms, it is the area where two lines meet. When an artist makes a simple point on a surface, he is creating a relationship between the figure and the surface.
There is also the use of the point as a style in itself; Pointillism was made famous by the French artist Georges Seurat in the late 19th century.
2- The line
When two or more points meet a line is created. A line is the edge of a shape or body, or the direction of something in motion.
There are many types of line, all characterized by their length being greater than their width. They can be static or dynamic depending on how the artist decides to use them.
They are used to determine the movement, direction and energy of a work of art. The lines are everywhere: the telephone cable, the branches of the tree, the wake of an airplane, the winding roads.
The line may be implicit; the implicit line is a line that does not exist but appears to be present. There is also talk of a real or concrete line, which is the one that is present.
3- Value
The values are the shades and shadows, ranging from light to dark. Variations of these values give a feeling of space and depth in an object.
Values are characterized by emphasizing the three dimensions of objects. A strong difference in values can create emphasis in an image.
4- Color
Color is the light reflected off a surface. It can create emphasis, harmony, emotions, unity, and movement.
The same color can have different shades, tones (light and dark values of a color), and intensity. Intensity is the level of brightness or opacity of a color.
5- Texture
This quality is related to the sense of touch. You can create emphasis, movement, pattern, emotion, among other effects.
The implicit texture is one that appears to be present but is an illusion. The actual or concrete texture is what you can really feel to the touch.
6- Figure
The figure encompasses a two-dimensional area. There are two types of shapes: organic and geometric.
Organic figures are those with curved or continuous edges. For their part, geometric figures have sharp and angular edges.
7- Shape
It is expressed in a three-dimensional area or with volume. Variations of light and shadow emphasize the shape.
8- Space
It is the illusion of depth and perspective. The ways to create space are by superimposing figures or shapes one in front of the other.
Space is also achieved by gaps and cavities.
References
- JAP Jorge, EP Glinert, "Online parsing of visual languages using adjacency grammars", Visual Languages Proceedings. 11th IEEE International Symposium on, pp. 250-257, 1995, ISSN 1049-2615.
- Editor (2011) The Basic Elements and Principles of the Visual Language. 11/29/2017. newton.k12.in.us
- Saylor (2003) The elements of Art. 11/29/2017. Saylor. sbctc.edu
- RE Horn (1998) Visual Language. 11/29/2017. Library.mpib-berlin.mpg.de
- EJ Golin (1990) The specification of visual language syntax. Journal of Visual Language and computing. Vol 1, Issue 2. sciencedirect.com