Line
Line is the basic element of art. It is the foundation and arguably the most important element of art. A line is more than just a mark drawn or painted from point A to point B. A line creates a boundary or defines a form, space, or shape.
Lines can be straight or curved, thick or thin. The artist can use vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines to imply direction.
Different types of lines can be used to make shapes, imply direction, and lead the viewer’s eye around a painting.
Lines show size and height, convey perspective, and create patterns. They can also be used to create texture and shading in a work using cross-hatching.
Shape
A shape is a two-dimensional object with length and width but no depth. The shape may be simple or complex, regular or irregular. Shapes are created by a combination of lines.
Organic and geometric shapes are two fundamental categories of shapes. Geometric shapes are precise, mathematical forms like circles, squares, and triangles, often found in man-made structures and math. Organic shapes, on the other hand, are free-flowing, irregular, and often resemble forms found in nature, such as leaves, clouds, or animal bodies.