Elements and Principles of Design Review

GRADE 12Mrs. Barbier

Elements & Principles ReviewA design is an arrangement, a way of organizing

something.

In the arts, even though we use many different materials, the visual appearance can be reduced to seven elements of design. They are line, shape, form, space, value, color, and texture. They are what we organize. They are the tools.

The principles of design are how we organize or use the tools. The principles of design are balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, contrast, rhythm, and unity.  

Elements and Principles of Design

LineLine – a defined

mark with length and direction created by a point that moves across a surface.

Lines can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.

Nicholas Kirkwood uses Keith Haring’s work to create slick pumps

Shape Shape is a closed line; when actual or implied lines meet to surround a space. Shapes are flat and can express length and width.

Shapes can be geometric, like squares and rectangles as in the top left design by Piet Mondrian.

Shapes can also be organic, like free formed shapes or natural shapes exemplified by the bottom left painting done by Joan Miro.

SpaceDefined as the area around, between, above,

below or within objects.

Two types of space:• POSITIVE- example on top right by Rene Magritte.• NEGATIVE – example on bottom right by Magritte.

ValueHow light or dark something

appearsTint: Creating a lighter tone by

adding white to a pigmentShade: Creating a darker tone

by adding black

Example by Genteleschi excellent example of chiaroscuro (drastic instance of light and dark- ULTIMATE value)

TextureTexture is the surface

quality that can be seen or/ and felt

Example right by Robert Smithson entitled ‘ Spiral Jetty’ demonstrates actual texture.

Bottom right example by Franco Clung demonstrates implied texture.

ColourColour is light reflected off

objects. Colour has three main

characteristics: hue or its name (i.e. red), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is). 

Primary- those colours that cannot be made by mixing others (R,B, Y)

Secondary- mixing primary colours to get others (O, V, G)

Complementary- colours across front each other on the wheel

Analogous- colours beside each other on the wheel

FormThree-dimensional shapes,

expressing length, width, and depth.

Jana Sterbek is the artist of the actual dress made out of meat- a sculpture example of pushing limits to the max (i.e. the female form as a true translation of a meat market).

The bottom image is an example of implied form.

Principles of Design

BalanceBalance is the distribution of the visual

weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable.

In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side

In asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. (Example shown left by Mary Pratt- east coast Canadian- The weight of the plate, one jar and massive shadow/ table space on left half balances out the 3 jars and aluminum foil on the right.

In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar. 

Rhythm Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement.

Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing.

Types of rhythm = random, regular, alternating, flowing and progressive

Example to left shows Munch’s ‘Oslo’ exemplifying flowing in particular

MovementMovement is the path the

viewer’s eye takes through the artwork, often to focal areas

Three types of movement:- Kinetic (art moves)- Implied (looks like it is

moving in 2D- like Degas’ dancer left)

- Sympathetic (audience must walk around art)

EmphasisEmphasis is the part of

the design that catches the viewer’s attention

Can be achieved with contrast of elements (as in Christo’s ‘Valley Curtain’ left- colour, texture, & shape contrast), changes in proportion, or placement of the element

Contrast The technique for creating a focal point by using different elements in different combinations

Left we see a combination of contrasting shapes, textures, and colours

Pattern Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the artwork.

Left is a VERY literal repetition of the an iconic symbol for power- the American flag

Example by Jasper Johns

UnityUnity is the feeling of

harmony between all parts of the artwork creating a sense of completeness. 

Klimt’s “Danae” shows a repetition of shapes, lines, colour and brushwork