Rather than losing ourselves in abstract arguments regarding beauty, monetary value, and other irrelevant subjective opinions the essential characteristics of art can be defined in a way that gives us control rather than being subject to the whim of perception.
Like mathematics or musical notation, The 7 elements of art are a common language. Understanding the relationships between elements of art gives you the ability to make intentional decisions in your own art as well as a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art made by others.
The word “art” itself is heavily loaded with confusion and misunderstanding. This confusion causes great anxiety on the part of the artist so it is important to separate the art from these emotional burdens and take control of our decisions. It is important to think of art as a set of protocols that are totally under your control rather than something controlled only by the perception of others.
What is the Most Important Element of Art?
Every piece of visual art no matter how it is made will combine at least 2 of the elements of art but they are all dependant on the viewer’s ability to see the art in the first place.
Value is the most important element because it is the foundation of our visual perception. Without the separation between light and dark, we would not be able to see anything at all.
For this reason, value will be the element of art that creates the greatest impression on the viewer, whether they are aware of it or not. When making a piece of art the choices made in determining the relationship of values will support the weight of every other element in the piece. Even when we are making are that is totally abstract, the effect of light and dark is inescapable. In other words, every other element of art can be disregarded but value will inescapably affect the visual experience of the artwork.
How To Find Your Art Style
Using an understanding of the 7 elements of visual art to study the work of masters and other highly experienced artists will give you the ability to identify the reasons why the artist made specific decisions on which elements to include and how to arrange them.
By analyzing the work of other artists you will learn new techniques and skills to include in your own work. When combined with imaginative exploration these new abilities will create surprising results and lead to unique and original ideas.
This process of gathering information from the lessons and experiences of other artists and combining them with your own is a powerful way to develop your own artistic voice. In art, there is not much that is left to discover which is truly original but there are always new ways to explore and present an idea even if it resembles what has come before. We don’t have to re-invent the wheel, we just have to find new ways of making the ride enjoyable for ourselves and others.
As a seasoned art enthusiast and expert, my extensive knowledge in the realm of visual art allows me to delve into the intricate details of the essential characteristics that define the world of art. The 7 elements of art, much like the language of mathematics or musical notation, serve as a universal communication tool in the artistic domain. These elements provide a structured framework that empowers artists to make intentional decisions in their creations and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of art for both creators and observers.
The very term "art" carries a heavy burden of confusion and misunderstanding, contributing to anxiety among artists. It is crucial to disentangle art from emotional burdens and reclaim control over our creative decisions. Art, when viewed as a set of protocols entirely under our control, liberates us from the subjective perceptions of others.
The article rightfully identifies value as the most crucial element of art. Value, representing the contrast between light and dark, serves as the foundation of visual perception. Without this fundamental distinction, the entire visual experience would cease to exist. Every piece of visual art, regardless of its form, combines at least two elements of art, with value playing a pivotal role in shaping the viewer's impression, whether consciously acknowledged or not. The choices made in establishing the relationship of values form the backbone that supports every other element in a piece of art.
Understanding the 7 elements of visual art becomes a valuable tool in finding one's artistic style. Studying the works of masters and experienced artists through the lens of these elements enables artists to decipher the reasons behind specific decisions and arrangements. This analytical approach facilitates the acquisition of new techniques and skills, which, when combined with imaginative exploration, leads to unique and original ideas.
In the quest for artistic identity, the process of gathering insights from the lessons and experiences of other artists and integrating them with personal creativity becomes a powerful method. While the realm of truly original discoveries in art may be limited, there are endless opportunities to explore and present ideas in novel ways. The goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to find fresh, enjoyable approaches that resonate with both the artist and the audience.
