When attempting to read a work of art it is useful to know these elements and their functions. Line - Lines play an important role in carrying an artist's message. Vertical lines can express power and lead your eye up or downward, while horizontal lines appear steady and calm.
Diagonal lines can create a sense of depth on a flat plane and create excitement.
Shape - Shapes are the artist's building blocks. All works of art are made up of basic shapes. They are more evident in some works than others, but all artists use shapes such as circles, squares and triangles to create their work. When viewing a work of art look for these shapes. Like lines, shapes lead your eye around a work of art.