- Definition
These are the basic building blocks artists use to create their work, like colour, lines, shapes, and textures.
Using a thick, dark line to draw a tree trunk is an example of using the element of line.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Elements of design are like the different kinds of blocks in a Lego set — you use them to build your picture.
Ask your child: What kinds of lines do you see in this drawing?
Common mix-up: Kids may think art is just about what you draw. The elements of design are the building blocks, like line and colour, that an artist uses to create the picture.
Examples
- Drawing a house with a red triangle for the roof and a brown square for the door uses shape and colour.
- Scribbling with a crayon to make the grass look rough is using the element of texture.
- Leaving the top of the page empty for the sky is an example of using space.
elements of design is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 The Arts
- Grade 2 The Arts
- Grade 3 The Arts
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 5 The Arts
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
+1 more mention across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
