The Seven Elements of Design in “Stream of Life,” Encaustic Painting by Anne Stine

 

Abstract art is all about expressing emotion and creativity through design. Today, I’d like to share some insights into the seven elements of design—cornerstones that every artist uses, whether consciously or intuitively. To illustrate these, I’ll break down how I applied them while creating the painting shared above, “Stream of Life.” I hope this insight helps you, as an art collector, better understand and appreciate the thought and creativity behind abstract art.

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of abstract art by exploring how the seven elements of design bring creative expression to “Stream of Life,” one of my new encaustic paintings included in the “River’s Journey” collection. This piece captures the essence of the Potomac River’s turbulent path along the rocky falls at Great Falls Park in northern Virginia, blending movement, emotion, and metaphorical storytelling. Here’s how I used the elements of design to shape this work:

LINE: Lines guide the viewer’s eye and suggest motion within the painting. In this painting, fluid, flowing lines represent the river’s meandering path, while shorter, textured lines evoke the energy of water rushing over rocks.

SHAPE:  Organic shapes dominate this piece, mimicking the natural curves and formations of a river’s surroundings. Geometric touches, like circular streaks in the water, add a sense of swirling movement and bring a modern edge to the composition.

COLOR: Color breathes life into art. Here, rich blues and soft whites mirror the tranquility of water, while hints of red and orange introduce warmth and contrast and encourage movement of the eye around the panel.

TEXTURE: Texture is crucial to creating depth and interest. The encaustic method of layered wax medium allowed me to build up rich textures, giving the rocks a tactile quality and the river a smooth yet undulating surface.

SPACE: Space balances the painting, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. The openness of the water contrasts with the denser elements of the landscape, creating a harmonious interplay between negative and positive space.

FORM: Form brings dimension, making flat shapes feel three-dimensional. Subtle shading within the river and the surrounding land adds volume, giving the scene a sense of depth with a touch of realism while staying true to its abstract roots.

VALUE: The use of light and dark values enhances the painting’s dynamics. Highlights along the river suggest shimmering reflections, while deeper tones in the rocks anchor the composition, drawing your eye around the panel.