Transcript Elements and Principles of Design

Elements and Principles
of Design
The Building Blocks Used
to Create a Work of Art.
By: Lorri Doubrava
Elements of Design
Artist use the following tools to express
their ideas.
Color
Lines
Shape and Form
Value
Texture
Space
Color is the element of art that
is derived from reflected light.
• Color is what is
perceived when
different wavelengths
of light hit the retina
of the eye. Our brains
interpret the reflected
wavelengths as color.
Lines are linear marks with many
characteristics.
Some Characteristics –
• Width
• Length
• Movement
• Pattern
• Shading
Shape - an enclosed line.
• Although shapes may have height and width, they
are usually flat (two-dimensional).
• Geometric shapes include squares, circles,
triangles, rectangles , and ovals.
Forms are three-dimensional.
• Characteristics –
– Height
– Width
– Thickness
• Types
–
–
–
–
Sphere
Cone
Cylinder
Cube
Value - the lightness or darkness of
a color.
• Variations in
value can create
focal points and
the illusion of
depth.
Texture is the feel of a surface.
• Textures can be tactile (physical) or visual.
• Varying patterns of light and dark areas will help
create texture.
Space is the area on which the
artist works.
• Positive space is the
object.
• Negative space is the
voided area
surrounding the
object.
• Overlapping objects gives
the illusion of space.
M.C. Escher is
known for his
drawings where
there is no
distinction
between positive
and negative
spaces.
Principles of Design
• The different ways an
artist uses the elements
to create a unified
work of art.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Balance
Contrast
Rhythm/Movement
Repetition
Emphasis
Unity
Balance is visual weight.
• Designers use
balance to
create stability
or equilibrium
in a work of art.
• Balance can be
affected by the
size and value
of an object.
Symmetrical Balance
• Symmetrical balance is achieved when all of the
elements are of equal weight and are placed evenly
on a page.
Asymmetrical Balance
• Asymmetrical balance occurs when the objects on
each side of the design are different. Asymmetrical
balance can be achieved by skillful use of design
elements, including value, color, and texture.
Radial Balance
• Radial balance occurs when all of the
elements radiate out from the center.
Contrast is the variation of
elements in a design.
• Contrast creates
excitement or
interest in the
design.
• Contrast can be
achieved by a
difference in size,
color, texture, or
shape.
Rhythm/Movement
• Rhythm is the way
your eye moves
throughout a design or
picture.
• Rhythm is created by
the repetition of
elements.
Rhythm/Movement
• Repetition of lines and forms can create optical
illusions that cause our eyes to see movement.
Repetition
• Repetition is the
repeating of
elements.
• Add variation to
your repetition in
order to prevent
monotony.
Emphasis
• Emphasis is
drawing attention
to main point.
• All elements can
work together to
direct your eye to
the focal point.
Unity
• Unity is
making all of
the elements
and principles
work together
to form a work
of art.
Sources
• Slide 1 http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/space.htm
• Slide 3 - http://www.picturesof.net/_gallery/_Nature/
• Slide 4 http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/line.htm
• Slide 5 – Microsoft Clip Art
• Slide 6 - http://www.vb-helper.com/Images/27balls1.gif
• Slide 7 http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/color.htm
• Slide 8 - http://www.kestan.com/travel/dc/dc_index.htm
• Slide 9 http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/space.htm
• Slide 10 http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/horse.htm
• Slide 12 – Microsoft Clip Art
Sources Cont.
• Slide 13 and 14
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/balance.htm
• Slide 15 - http://www.picturesof.net/_gallery/_Plants/index6.html
• Slide 16 - http://www.kestan.com/travel/dc/dc_index.htm
• Slide 17 and 18
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/movement.htm
• Slide 19 and 20 - http://www.kestan.com/travel/dc/dc_index.htm
• Slide 21 - http://members1.clubphoto.com/janet25802/9081/guest_icons.phtml