Scale defines the size of an object in relation to other objects around it. It also describes the amount by which an object has been reduced or enlarged from its normal size relative to its placement. A giant will look out of scale with people, for example. Sculptors use scale to create accurate measurements to preserve the correct proportions.
Color originates from light. Without light, there would be no color. Shining a light through a prism separates the light into colors we see around us everyday. An object will reflect a certain light which our eyes interpret as a particular color. That is why canaries are yellow and tomatoes are red. Colors that cannot be mixed are primary and include blue, red and yellow. Secondary colors can be mixed including green, violet and orange. Intermediate colors are mixed using primary and secondary colors.
Line is an element that can be continuous or implied. It is used to define shape, contours and outlines of objects. Direction, length, width are three of the main characteristics of line. Line can define the mass and volume of an object. Implied lines are lines that have not actually been drawn, but are "implied," for example, by a person pointing or looking in a certain direction. Other types of line include sketch and gesture lines which capture appearance and movement respectively.
Shape has no depth as it is two-dimensional. Lines cross or intersect creating a shape which has a certain width and height. Negative shape is the space in between sculptures, in other words the empty space outside objects or "positive" shapes. Shape is categorized into various types, such as dynamic shape which indicates movement and static shape which indicates the lack thereof.
This is the three-dimensional element in sculpture. Space has a height, width and depth. Space in sculpture refers to the space taken up by the object. This can easily be experienced by walking 360 degrees around a sculpture or building. The taken space is referred to as positive space whereas the space outside of this is called negative space.
The surface quality of an object is referred to as texture. Rocks can have a rough texture compared to polished marble, which is smooth. Some textures define the hardness of an object as well. Something can be textured to look very brittle versus something that looks smooth and strong. Texture can evoke an emotional response and is a very important design element of sculpture.
Value refers to the lightness and darkness found in a sculpture or painting. Value is the degree to which a light source will create highlights and shadows. Every sculpture affects light in a certain way, depending on its form and direction of the light source. Sculptors watch for this when exhibiting their work in order to use it to their advantage and enhance this element.
The positive space also defines the three-dimensional form of an object. It allows for the object to be observed from all side as it has length, width and depth.