Primary Elements

Point: The beginning or end of a line that is stationary or in a fixed place in space. The illustration includes a focal point that all lines move toward.

To the Point Canvas Print by Ewan Arnolda

Line: A line provides direction or length and has no end unless there is a point to disrupt its extension. Lines are one dimensional while a point has no dimension. In the example below, the vertical colums lead the viewers eye upward.

Photograph by Jim Carter

Plane: The imaginary space corresponding to the surface of a picture that is two-dimensional and is perpendicular to the viewer's line of sight. The perpendicular angle is what creates a perspective view of a drawing, photograph, etc. A plane is made up of many lines and provides a sense of shape and surface. The yellow rectangle in the figure below is perpendicular to the rectangular wall plane outlined in pink. The wall plane acts as an enclosure for the interior space.

Red and White Living Room by Ricardo Gomez

Volume: Volume is the extension of a plane in a direction other than its natural direction which creates three dimensional space. The space includes basic elements such as point, line, plane, and corners, and can either be solid or hollow. In the example below, the table takes up a small amount of volume in the space.

Tailored Interiors

Photograph by Lisa Foresteire

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