TABLE 3.

Comparison of clinically relevant, objective and reliable formal elements.

	Clinically relevant formal elements according to art therapists	Formal elements operationalized in art theories	Agreement of experts
Primary	Movement Movement refers to the amount, character, and direction of the movement. Movement becomes visible by the brush marks.	Movement Movement consists of a combination of elements, such as diagonals and overlap. Movement varies in amount.	All experts gave a rating of “2”
	Dynamic Dynamic refers to tension (tectonic) within the art product. Dynamic varies from static, restrained, and calm to fast, turbulent, energetic, and forceful. It refers to the vitality of the movement made.	Dynamic Dynamic refers to the tension within the artwork. This tension is created when the artwork seems to deny the boundaries of the frame. This is called “a-tectonic.” The opposite is an artwork that shows no tension with the frame.	All experts gave a rating of “2”
	Contour Contour refers to the delimitation that emerges when shapes are outlined or are placed directly next to each other. This leads to rigid and sharp distinctions.	Contour Contour refers to the sharp edges, outlines, and borders of and between separate parts of the art product. Contour is formed by the use of sharp lines or distinct borders. Shapes are completely accentuated by lines and/or have distinct borders as if they were “cut out.” The opposite of contour is pictorial, diffuse artwork.	All experts gave a rating of “2”
	Repetition Repetition refers to the return of one or more formal elements in a pattern. A lot of repetition leads to symmetry. Rhythm refers to the repetition of movement.	Symmetry Symmetry is formed by an optical vertical axis of the middle of the artwork. The left and right half of the art product are mirrored and are equal regarding color and/or shape, line, or figure. The opposite of a symmetric composition is a chaotic overall composition. Rhythm Rhythm refers to the regular return of lines, shapes, or colors. It is a repeated pattern that can be predicted once it is recognized.	All experts gave a rating of “1”
Secondary	Mixture of color Mixture of color refers to the extent to which the colors are mixed within the art product.	Mixture of color The amount of which colors are visibly mixed. The opposite is an art product in which the colors are not mixed and applied separately.	All experts gave a rating of “2”
	Color saturation Color saturation refers to the density of color within the art product varying between transparent and impasto.	Color saturation The extent to which a color is saturated. The more saturated the color is, the less paper/canvas, etc., is apparent. Texture Texture refers to the tactile surface of the artwork. This does not depend on the paper/canvas, etc., used, but can depend on the art material used and the way it is applied.	All experts gave a rating of “1”