The document discusses various artistic elements and principles of design including: 1) Shape, which is a defined area with form that creates negative space. 2) Leading lines, which guide the eye through a composition. 3) Texture, which is the surface quality of shapes. 4) Color and how each has value. 5) Balance, symmetry, gradation, direction, repetition, pattern, contrast, proportion, unity, size, negative space, dominance, and the rule of thirds principle for composing images.

1. By: Amber Conklin

2. Shape A shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape.

3. Leading Lines A leading line is a line formed by a pair of marks, which are generally man-made, that are used in position fixing and navigation, to indicate a safe passage through a shallow or dangerous channel

4. Texture Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical or visual.

5. Color Each color has its own value.

6. Symmetrical Balance When everything is perfectly and evenly balanced out.

7. Asymmetrical Balance Balance in the design is similar to balance in physics A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. A large light toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned shape.

8. Gradation Gradation of size and direction produce linear perspective. Gradation of of colour from warm to cool and tone from dark to light produce aerial perspective. Gradation can add interest and movement to a shape. A gradation from dark to light will cause the eye to move along a shape.

9. Direction All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquillity. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Oblique suggests movement and action.

10. Repetition Repetition with variation is interesting, without variation repetition can become monotonous.

11. Pattern A repeated decorative design.

12. Contrast Something in juxtaposition or close association.

13. Proportion A part considered in relation to the whole.

14. Unity The state of being united or joined as a whole.

15. Size Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another.

16. Negative Space The space around and between the subject of an image.

17. Dominance An object or color that stands out.

18. Rule Of Thirds The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts.

19. Visual Center The visual center is to the right and above the actual center of the page.