Elements are the basis for all visual art, and they work in conjunction to create a design. There are seven types of elements: line, direction, shape, size, color, value and texture. Lines are linear marks of various widths, and all must have a vertical, horizontal or angled direction. Shapes are geometric or organic forms, defined by lines and areas of space. The varying proportions of shapes and lines determine their size. Combinations of hues create color, with a value determined by its amount of lightness or darkness. Texture implies the physical and visual nature of an object's surface.
Principles determine the arrangement and application of elements in a design. The six principles are dominance, balance, rhythm, harmony, gradation and contrast. Dominance draws the viewer's focus to an area of interest. Balance provides a sense of equality, or a lack thereof, and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Rhythm creates interest through the repletion of elements. Harmony utilizes similar elements to create a more pleasant design. The gradation of size or value creates a sense of direction and movement. Contrast highlights differences in opposing elements, by placing them adjacent to each other.
Creating texture is vital to the completion of any design, because the spectator must sense the qualities of an object's surface. Experiencing texture involves both visual and tactile senses. Visual qualities refer to the way something looks. It may be dull with a matte surface, or shine with a glossy finish. Tactile qualities refer to the way something feels. Perhaps it's a rough and hard rock, or soft and smooth balloon. However, visual cues may imply how a surface feels, and the viewer doesn't have to physically touch an object to understand its surface.
The application of design principles creates the element of texture. Contrasting compact areas of light and dark implies roughness. A lack of harmony and balance in the application of lightness and darkness exacerbates this effect. Conversely, the use of consistent gradation in color values lends a sense of smoothness to an object. Think of a smooth balloon and visualize how its color values gradually changes from light to dark, in a balanced and harmonious manner. Now, picture a rock and the surface discord created by a chaotic application of sharp contrasts.