Introduction to Drawing

The Formal
elements of art
and design

Name______________________________
Form__________

Teacher________________________________________
_____

Homework hand in
day_______________________________
Year 7 Unit 1
 The Formal Elements in Art
The Formal Elements are the parts used to make a piece of
artwork. The art elements are line, shape, space, form, tone,
texture, pattern, colour and composition. They are often used
together, and how they are organised in a piece of art determines
what the finished piece will look like. Artists consider each of the
formal elements carefully when making their artwork.

COMPOSITION LINE SHAPE

SPACE TONE FORM

TEXTURE COLOUR PATTERN

HOMEWORK 1
 Line
Line is the path left by a moving point. For example, a pencil or a brush
dipped in paint.

A line can take many forms. It can be horizontal, diagonal or curved. It

can also change over its length, starting off curved and ending up
horizontal, for example.

Line can be used to show many different qualities, such as:

• contours – showing the shape and form of something

• feelings or expressions – a short, hard line gives a different
feeling to a more flowing one
• movements

When analysing artwork, we look at the artist’s use of the formal elements
and the ‘quality’ of line used.
Study for the head of leda - by Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci is famous
for his many drawings of the
human form, animals, nature
and inventions. Look how the
artist has used different
qualities of line to describe this
figure. He uses curved
hatching lines that follow the
form of the face showing the
contours, and cross hatching
to make darker areas of
shadow. The figure’s hair has
more expressive, soft, loose
lines in addition to further
detailed, directional hatching
lines within the plaits.

HATCHING CROSS HATCHING EXPRESSIVE

HATCHING CROSS HATCHING

Continuous Line Drawing
Definition: A continuous line
drawing is produced without
ever lifting the drawing
instrument from the page. This
means that, in addition to
outlines and internal shapes,
the pencil must move back and
forth across the surface of the
paper, with lines doubling back
on each other, so that the
drawing is one free-flowing,
unbroken line. This drawing
method develops confidence
and drawing speed and encourages your eyes and hand and brain to
work together. Continuous line drawings work best with in-depth
observation of your subject, without interference from your thinking mind.

The Formal Elements – Line

Answer the following questions:

1. Name the 9 formal elements of art

________________________________________________________
____

________________________________________________________
____(9)

2. The definition of Line is ‘a path left by a moving________________’.

(1)

3. Which kind or line shows the shape and form of something?

________________________________________________________
____(1)
4. In addition to feelings and expressions, what else can lines show?
________________________________________________________
____(1)

5. Which artist is famous for his many drawings of the human form,
animals, nature and inventions?
-
________________________________________________________
____ (1)

6. Which 3 types of line has da Vinci used in his drawing of Leda?

________________________________________________________
_____(3)

7. In the space below, create a continuous line drawing of a person or

object. You must draw directly from the subject in front of you, not
 from a photograph or tutorial. Remember, you cannot take your
pen/pencil off the paper until you have finished the drawing! (4)
My score /20
20-17 = Excellent 16-14 = Good 13-10 = Inconsistent 9-0 = Poor
Homework 2
Shape and Form
Shape and form define objects in space. Shapes have two dimensions–
height and width–and are usually defined by lines. Forms exist in three
dimensions, with height, width, and depth.

Shape
A shape is created when a line is enclosed. It could just be an outline or
a flat area of shade or colour.

Shapes have only height and width and are therefore two dimensional
(2D).
There are two main kinds of shapes, geometric (mathematical like a
square or triangle) and organic (irregular).

Geometric shapes are mathematical shapes. They are perfect and

regular. They are characterised by straight lines, angles and points. ...
Artists will sometimes use geometric shapes in their artwork to suggest
balance and order or to highlight that something is man-made or
artificial.
Organic shapes are shapes that seem to follow no rules. Organic shapes
generally do not have a name associated with them and are typically not
man-made.

When drawing shapes, you must consider

the size and position as well as the shape
of the area around it. The shapes created
in the spaces between shapes are
referred to as negative space.

Form
Form refers to three dimensional objects (3D). While shapes have two
dimensions (height and width), forms have three dimensions (height,
width and depth).
As with shape, forms can be both geometric and organic.
Form and Shape are related. You can turn a
shape into the illusion of form by using
contour lines or adding tone, and you can
simplify a form from life into a shape.
When drawing representationally, the goal is
to create the illusion of form. We can create
the illusion of form by understanding how light
reacts on the object.

Shape and Form

Answer the following questions:

1. Which is two-dimensional, a shape or a form?

________________________________________________________
______

2. Shapes only have height and width, forms have height, width and…?

________________________________________________________
_____

3. Mathematical shapes such as triangles and circles are known as?

________________________________________________________
_______

4. An irregular shape such as a leaf would be classed as what kind of

shape?

5. What are the shapes created in between shapes referred to?

6. We can create the illusion of form by using contour lines or
adding…?

________________________________________________________
_______

7. What kind of form would a sphere be? Geometric or organic?

________________________________________________________
______

8. Draw and shade each of these shapes using the side of your pencil
to turn them from shapes into forms (3).
 My score /10
10-9 = Excellent 8-7 = Good 6-5 = Inconsistent 4-0 = Poor
EXTENSION TASK – Love drawing or want to become better? Try these for more
practise
 Homework 3
Tone
Tone means how light or dark something is. The tones artists and
designers use and the contrast between them can create very different
moods and visual effects.
In art and design, tone refers to how light or dark something is. Tones
could refer to black, white and the grey tones between. It could refer to
how light or dark a colour appears.

In real life tone is created by the

way light falls on an object.
The parts of the object on which
the light is strongest are
called highlights and the darker
areas are called shadows.

Tone can be used for a range of effects:

• to create the illusion of form

• to create a particular atmosphere
• to create contrast and focus attention
• to suggest depth and distance

Shading
Shading is used to create different tones in a
drawing. A range of different techniques can
be used to build up tones.
Tone can be used to create atmosphere in art and design work. Different
atmospheres will be
created depending
on the value and
contrast of the tones
used.

Value
Value refers to how
light or dark a tone
is.
Dark tones are said
to have low value.
Light tones are said
to have high value.

Contrast
Contrast refers to the difference between tones. A small amount of
contrast, or low contrast, between the lightest and darkest tones will tend
to result in a more subtle or calm image.
The greater, or higher, the contrast of tones, the more dramatic the
atmosphere.

Haystacks (Effect of Snow and Sun), Haystack (Morning Snow Effect). (Meule, Effet
1891, by Claude Monet. de Neige, le Matin), 1891, by Claude Monet.
 Tone
Answer the following questions:

1. Tone means?

________________________________________________________
_______

2. Tone is created by the way ‘what’ falls on an object?

_______________________________________________________________

3. The parts of the object where the light is the strongest are called?
_______________________________________________________________

4. The darker areas of an object are called?

______________________________________________________________

5. Tone can be used to create the illusion of what?

_______________________________________________________________

6. Shading techniques are used to create different tones in a …?

7. Which term refers to how dark or light a tone is?

8. Which term refers to the difference between tones?

________________________________________________________
_______
9. In the space below, make a careful tonal study of this water drop. Take
care to use a sharp pencil and a range of values to show the contrast of
highlights and shadows. (4)

My score /12
 12-10- = Excellent 9-8 = Good 6-5 = Inconsistent 4-0 = Poor
Homework 4
Texture
Texture means how the surface of something looks or feels.

Artists use their skills to create the illusion of an object's texture.

A still life may have a bottle, fruit and drapery. An artist will use their
materials and media in a way which will try and make the bottle look
shiny, the fruit look bumpy or grooved and the drapery soft, flowing and
delicate.
By using different mark
making techniques, artists
can make similar shaped
objects look like very different
textures. They use their skills
of mark making to create the
illusion of different surfaces.
This, combined with an
understanding of tone, can
make very realistic textural
drawings.

Use different mark making

techniques to recreate each of the 3 textures in the boxes below using
just your pencil
 My score /12
12-10 = Excellent 9-8 = Good 7-
5 = Inconsistent 4-0 = Poor
 Homework 5
Colour Theory Recap

1) Name the three primary colours

2) What is special about primary colours?

3) A secondary colour is made by mixing together two …?

4) When two secondary colours or a primary and a secondary colour is

mixed together, they are known as…?

5) What are colours that sit opposite each other in the colour wheel
called?

6) Colours that are next to each other in the colour wheel are known as
…?

________________________________________________________
_______

7) To make a tint you must add …?

8) To make a shade you must add …?

9) A colour scheme that is tints and shades of one colour is known as?

10) What does red and yellow make?

11) What does blue and red make?

12) What does yellow and blue make?

13) Complete the three pairs of complementary colours

a) Red and ____________________________(1)

b) Blue and ____________________________(1)

c) Yellow and __________________________(1)

14) Name three examples of warm colours

15) Name three examples of cool colours

__________________________________________________________
_______

My score /17
17-15 = Excellent 14-11 = Good 10-7 = Inconsistent 6-0 = Poor
 Homework 6
Space

Space in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth or three dimensions. It

can also refer to the artist's use of the area within the picture plane. The
area around the objects in a work of art is known as negative space, while
the space occupied by the primary objects is known as positive space.

In terms of art, space is the area around, above, and within an

object. With consideration to drawings and paintings, our goal is to create
the illusion of space.

The Uses of Space

Many new artists overlook the importance of creating space in a drawing
or painting. The result usually looks flat or objects can appear to be
floating.
There are six ways an artist can create the illusion of space on a 2-
Dimensional surface.
Overlapping - occurs when objects
that are closer to the viewer prevent
the view of objects that are behind
them.

Placement on the paper - Objects

placed higher within the picture plane
will appear further away.

Size - Objects that are smaller will

appear further away from the
viewer.

Detail - Objects that are

further away should have
less detail than objects that
are closer to the viewer.
Colour and Value - Objects
that are further away are
cooler in colour temperature,
while objects that are closer
are warmer. Objects that are
further away are lighter in
value, while objects that are
closer are typically darker in
value.

Perspective - Linear perspective is a drawing method that uses lines to

create the illusion of space on a flat surface. There are three types of
linear perspective.

This is an example of One point perspective. One point perspective uses

one vanishing point to accomplish this illusion of depth and distance.
 Space
Answer the following questions:

1. What is the area that surrounds the objects in an image called?

________________________________________________________
_______

2. When an artist overlooks the importance of space in a drawing it can

look?
________________________________________________________
______

3. How many ways are there that an artist can create the illusion of
space on a 2-Dimensional surface?
________________________________________________________
_______

4. Name 3 ways an artist can create the illusion of space on a 2-

dimensional surface.
________________________________________________________
_______

5. Will objects placed higher within the picture plane appear closer or
further away?
________________________________________________________
_______

6. Will objects that are smaller will appear closer or further away from
the viewer?
________________________________________________________
_______

7. Will objects that are further away have less or more detail than
objects that are closer to the viewer?
________________________________________________________
______

8. Will objects that are further away appear lighter or darker than those
closer?
 ________________________________________________________
_______

My score /8
8 = Excellent 7-6 = Good 5-4 = Inconsistent 3-0 = Poor
Homework 7
Composition
Composition refers to the arrangement of the drawing on the page.

The term composition means ‘putting together,’ and can apply to any
work of art, from music to writing to photography, that is arranged or put
together using conscious thought. In a 2D piece of Art, it is where you
choose to put things on your page, the layout.

The aim is to get the viewer pulled into the painting, their eye drawn
across the whole composition, enjoying the scenery, before returning to
the focal point. A successful composition does this subtly, without us
being aware of it.

The Elements of Composition are, in Western art, generally considered to

be: Balance, Contrast, Focus, Motion, Pattern, Proportion, Rhythm and
Unity.

Balance: Is there a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement? Symmetry

can add a sense of calm, orderliness, whereas asymmetry can lend a
sense of unease, imbalance.

Contrast: Are the dramatic differences in tones, strong darks and intense
lights, or is it minimal?

Focus or Emphasis: Is there a focal point, somewhere that the “most

important bit” where the viewer’s eye will ultimately pause and rest, rather
than wandering around and around.

Motion or Movement: Is the composition static or is there a sense of

movement? This can be done in many different ways, including through
suggested movement with soft edges.

Pattern: If you look at the lines and shapes, is there an underlying

structure that is pleasing or intriguing, or is it chaotic?
Proportion: Do the things in the painting relate to one another, do they fit
together? If it’s realism, does it follow the rules of perspective, are nearby
things bigger than things further away for instance.

Rhythm: Find the beat, as you would in a piece of music. Its job is to lead
and pace the eye across the composition. Look at the fundamental
shapes as well as colour, repetitions and echoes.

Unity: Is there anything in the painting that feels it doesn’t belong,

something sitting awkwardly, out of place?

It can feel like a lot to consider in each and every painting; through
practice it becomes more intuitive. Checking each is a part of self-
critiquing. If you find it hard remember the Elements of Composition,
here’s a mnemonic:

Before Considering Final Mark, Ponder Painting Rightside Up.

Balance, Contrast, Focus, Motion, Pattern, Proportion, Rhythm and Unity.

or perhaps

Before Considering Final Mark, Ponder Painting wRongside Up.

Balance, Contrast, Focus, Motion, Pattern, Proportion, Rhythm and Unity.

The Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is used to avoid a central focal point but still give
overall unity to the composition. This makes the artwork more visually
appealing for the viewer.

How to Apply the Rule of Thirds. Start by dividing your canvas with two
equally spaced vertical and horizontal lines to give you a nine-part grid.
Place your focal point subject matter at one of the intersections of these
nine segments. This creates a carefully planned “design imbalance” that,
while off-center, still looks impactful.
See how the rule of thirds has been applied to this image to make it a
more interesting composition.
 Composition

Answer the following questions:

1. What does the term composition refer to in art?

2. List the eight elements of composition (8)

a)___________________________________

b)___________________________________

c)___________________________________

d)___________________________________

e)___________________________________

f)___________________________________

g)___________________________________

h)___________________________________

3. What is the mnemonic given to help you remember the eight

elements of composition? (you can use either)

________________________________________________________
_______
 4. What is the rule of thirds used to help avoid?

5. Draw an image within the rule of thirds grid below, where the focal
point sits on one of the black dots where the lines cross e.g a
landscape with a tree.

My score /12
12-11 = Excellent 10-9 = Good 7-5 = Inconsistent 4-0 = Poor
 Homework 8
Pattern
A pattern is a design in which lines, shapes, forms or colours are
repeated. The part that is repeated is called a motif. Patterns can be
regular or irregular.

Patterns are all around us, in nature as well as in art and design. How
complicated a pattern is depends on what is repeated and the way in
which it is repeated.
The starting point of any pattern is the single element that will be
repeated. This is called a motif. A motif can be repeated and arranged in
many different ways in order to create different types of pattern.
Regular patterns
Patterns can be regular or irregular.
In regular patterns the motif (or motifs) is repeated in a way that is
predictable.
It could be exactly the same each time, or it could change in a way that is
regularly repeated.
Block repeat
The most basic way of creating pattern is to
block repeat.
This is where the motif is repeated in exactly
the same way in horizontal and vertical lines.
Half-drop
Half-drop patterns are made by dropping every
second line of motifs down a half-length height
of the motif.
Mirrored
Another way of creating patterns is to mirror
the motif.
Motifs can be mirrored horizontally or
vertically.

Rotational
A rotational pattern is where the motif has
been rotated on its axis.
The motif may be rotated and repeated at any
angle, but most designers will rotate at 90 or
180 degrees to make more uniform patterns.

Irregular pattern
An irregular pattern is one in which the motif changes
or the way it is repeated is unpredictable.

Radiating pattern

A pattern that is arranged around a

central point is called a radiating pattern.
It seems to radiate out in all directions.
Radiating patterns result in designs that
feel balanced. They can be an effective
way to create a focal point at the centre
of the pattern.

Pattern
Answer the following questions:

1. What is the definition of a pattern?

2. Name a pattern that can be found in nature

3. Patterns can be regular or …?

4. The part of a pattern that is repeated is known as a …?

5. Which type of pattern is made by dropping every second line of

motifs?

6. Which type of pattern is where the motif has been rotated on its
axis?
________________________________________________________
_______

7. What is a block repeat pattern?

8. Design a radiating pattern in the box below (3)

My score /10
10-9 = Excellent 8-7 = Good 6-4 = Inconsistent 3-0 = Poor
 Revision

Use this booklet and your knowledge organiser to revise

everything you have learnt about the Formal Elements of Art. You
will have a short quiz to test your knowledge from this half term in
the next lesson.

You may be tested on your knowledge of:

Line
Shape
Form
Tone
Texture
Colour
Space
Composition
Pattern
 Mini Test
The Formal Elements
Circle the correct answer

1. a b c d
2. a b c d
3. a b c d
4. a b c d
5. a b c d
6. a b c d
7. a b c d
8. a b c d
9. a b c d
10. a b c d

My score /10
10-9 = Excellent 8-7 = Good 6-5 = Inconsistent 4-0 = Poor
 My Homework Record
Tick your result for each homework this half term
Task Excellent Good Inconsistent Poor
1. Line
2. Shape and Form
3. Tone
4. Texture
5. Colour
6. Space
7. Composition
8. Pattern

Work ethic
How much effort did you put in to your homework this half term? Tick which
statement applies to you.

O EXCELLENT
My best effort is applied to every homework. My homework is always
completed on time and to the best possible standard. I have done my own
reading on the subject to ensure I understand it fully.

O GOOD
I work hard to complete my homework by spending at least 20 minutes
per week ensuring it is completed to a pleasing standard.

O INCONSISTENT
I sometimes complete my homework on time and to an acceptable
standard, but not always. I do not always spend the time required to do
my homework well.

O POOR
I rarely complete my homework on time or to an acceptable standard.