Which element is NOT typically classified as an Element of Art?

The element that is not typically classified as an Element of Art is contrast. The Elements of Art are foundational visual components that artists use to create works of art, which include line, shape, color, form, space, texture, and value.

Contrast, however, is more accurately described as a principle of design rather than an Element of Art. It involves the juxtaposition of different elements to create visual interest or highlight differences, such as light versus dark, rough against smooth, or bright colors versus muted tones. While contrast is essential in art composition and helps direct a viewer's attention or create depth and emphasis, it does not fall under the category of an elemental component used to build the artwork itself.

In contrast, elements like line and shape serve as the building blocks of visual expression and are utilized directly in the creation of art, making them essential Elements of Art. Texture, similarly, relates to the surface quality of an object and interacts with other elements, but it also qualifies as an Element of Art. Thus, while contrast plays a significant role in artworks, it is classified differently from the fundamental elements.