Elements and Principals of Design

Featuring Modern Art Examples

Elements of Design

LineColorShapeSpace

TextureValueForm

Line is a mark whose length is greater than its width.

Paul KleeThe Twittering

Machine1922

Watercolor, pen and ink over oil drawing

Color is not just a characteristic of an object. It contains value and saturation.

Roy LichtensteinDrowning Girl

1963Oil and synthetic polymer paint on

canvas

A shape is a figure that appears flat. A form is a figure that appears 3-D.

Arshile GorkyOrganization1934-1936

Oil on canvas

Space shows depth and three-dimensonality.

Berenice AbbotNightview, New York

1932Silver gelatin print

Texture is a sensation we touch or taken in visually, interpreted tactilely.

Andrew WyethTurkey Pond

1944Tempera on

panel

Value is the degree of lightness or darkness reflected from a surface.

Lucian FreudFrancis Bacon

1952Oil on copper

Form is the three-dimensionality of any object.

Principals of Design

Balance Gradation

Repetition/Pattern Contrast

Unity/HarmonyDominance/Emphasis

Movement/rhythm Proportion/scale

Balance is both symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Alexander Calder

The Star1960

Polychrome sheet metal

and steel wire

Gradation is light to dark, warm to cool and adds linear perspective.

Repetition/pattern creates a predictable pattern.

Richard Estes

Telephone Booths1968

Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements; value and color.

Andy WarholGold Marilyn Monroe

1962Synthetic polymer paint, silkscreened, and oil on canvas

Unity/harmony is orderly and pleasing relationships between parts of the whole.

Jasper JohnsThree Flags

1958Encaustic on

canvas

Dominance/emphasis is the area where the viewer’s eye is drawn.

Neil JenneyMan and Beast

1970Oil on canvas

Movement/rhythm is a repetition of similar or varying elements.

Vincent van Gogh

The Starry Night1889

Oil on canvas

Proportion/scale is the relative size of various elements.

Alexander Calder

Flamingo1974

Painted steel plate