What are we really looking at when we look at a piece of art?

The Elements of Two-Dimensional Art

Form & Composition
The way the artist has arranged all the elements to create a unique work of art. This is the sum of all the parts and what makes us get involved with a piece of art. It is also used to describe any three-dimensional shape tha  t appears to have volume.

Line
Any element within the art that has continuous length and direction. Lines can go in any direction. They can be bold or subtle; used to outline or shade, create a pattern, or express movement.

Direction 
The visual flow of the piece. Can be linear

Perspective
The illusion of depth the artist attempts to create on a two-dimensional plane.

Balance 
The arrangement of elements that create a visual point and counterpoint. Symmetrical balance is considered more formal; asymmetrical balance is often referred to as informal.

Shape
An enclosed space defined by other elements such as line, color and texture.

Color
The color we see consists of three properties: 
Hue/Tint - the color name
Intensity - the purity and strength of a color 
Value - the lightness or darkness of a color.

Rhythm
The visual tempo or beat.  A regular repetition of elements used to convey the look and feel of movement.

Negative Space 
Empty space in an artwork, often used as a counterbalance

Texture 
The "feel" of an object - smooth, rough, soft, etc. Textures may be actual or simulated.