The Seven Elements of Art

Book excerpt: Visual Art is a comprehensive universal language. It aids in bridging the communication gap between generations and nationalities. It is the unique expressions of ideas, beliefs, and feelings. Also, it visually records projected visions, current and historical moments. The two types of fine arts are visual and applied art. Examples of visual art are painting, drawing, and sculpting. Visual art gives only visual pleasure to its patrons. Examples of applied art are architecture, fashion design, photography, and ceramics. It refers to artistic designs that serve a practical purpose but is also aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Applied artists are called artisan, craft persons, or designers. There is a vague line between fine art and applied art. Fine artist and applied artist create and design works of art by employing the seven elements of design, the eight principles of design, and the three aesthetic theories of design. Finally, art is a brain developer. Creativity can enhance perception, conception, cultural awareness, self-expression, and cognition. It is important to become familiar with words such as space, line, shape, value, form, color, and texture. These words describe the unique visual language that is known as the seven elements of design. These basic elements are the essential components of the universal language of art.