7 Elements of Art
I have curated a list of elements through my journey as an artist, author, and photographer. I am constantly re-evaluating these elements but from my experience these are the core principles that must be considered when creating or observing art. I would love to hear feedback on your perspective. Together we will gain a better understanding of the journey of being artists.
1. Impact
Art creates a response within a person with a designed purpose of intent. It can be representational, an allegory or metaphor, tell a story, reference other art or significant meaning, make a statement, or simply visually pleasing. The complete purpose of art is to drive impact to the hearts and minds of the entity interacting with it. We cannot define the medium or the method but what results. Impact is something more powerful than ourselves which causes us to pause and evaluate.
2. Perspective
Your style and creativity in inherently yours. No one can see or feel the world like you do. The ability to insert your persona into a work of art is part of the message. You are a part of it as much as it is a part of the world. You are birthing an entity that will have an effect of the world and its peoples. This ability is curated over time and reflects the space in which we live as a person and artist. We evolve. How well we can impart our energy into a work of art must be evaluated.
“Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.”
3. Technical Craftsmanship
The quality of the actual work itself as it’s presented for experiencing is evaluated and judged based on the precision of knowledge and skill. Time and patience are required to excel in any craft and the level of effort placed into the resulting work will determine to value of the experience the individual receives.
The core aspects of a work of art should be determined by:
Digital Expertise (software, retouching, audio/video)
Medium Manipulation (purpose, tone, mood)
Technical Excellence (understanding, use, technique)
Material (quality, selection, relation)
Color (value, harmonies, use)
Psychology (meaning, message, creativity)
Principles (form, line, shape, space, texture)
Perception (intent, relevance, execution)
4. Composition
Organization of visual elements within a space creates the ability to communicate, express, and direct. The communication between art and its experiencer is developed and intended. The evaluation of this skill is based on knowledge of components, mathematics, geometry, and psychology. Understanding the relationship between our senses and the universe allows us the ability to pursue meaning on a deeper level which can be relayed to the observer.
5. Presentation
Releasing works of art in the chosen form, medium, and manner weigh heavily on how the observer builds a relationship with it. An exceptional work of art can be ruined by the manner in which it is displayed or the lack thereof. We must consider the intent of the experience and how well that intent is conveyed to the experiencer. The ability to create a way to house, relay, hold, or display art is as important as the work itself.
6. Point of Interest
The point of interest is the focus of the work. The ability to create a method to arrive there requires intelligence and skill. It doesn’t need to be overly complex but must be harmonious and purposeful.
7. Subject Matter
Choice of subject or subject matter must be considered when crafting a work of art. When art attempts to define a message or tell a story its subject weighs heavily on its effectiveness. If subject matter does not support the overarching theme it lends itself to disharmonious interpretation. This detracting element could be intentional but must be chosen and understood otherwise results in failure to fulfill the intended experience.
As stated before this is not an exhaustive or definitive list but a working journey. Together we can establish a better understanding of what it means to be artist across all genres. The interpretation of what is art has continued for centuries and I believe it will be an evolving philosophy as we develop as a species. Our place in the universe and understanding within ourselves. I look forward to the discovery and growth and am blessed to be a part of it. Let me know what you think. How it relates to you, and I would love to hear your journey. Download the file below and send me your thoughts.
