Principles of Design:
• The different ways of combining the elements of art to achieve a desired effect of balance, variety, contrast, unity, harmony, emphasis, pattern, movement, or proportion!
1. Balance: To give parts of an artwork equal “visual weight”
There are 4 types…
Symmetrical Balance – mirror image; same on both sides (formal)
Approximate symmetry- equivalent but not identical
Asymmetrical balance - (informal) without symmetry -- with no mirror
imagery. It is possible to achieve balance without symmetry.
2. Variety:
• consists of the differences in objects that add interest to a visual image.
Variety…
3. Unity …
Unity:
• the feeling that all parts of a design belong together and work as a team
• creates a sense of order
• consistency of sizes and shapes, as well as a harmony of color and pattern.
• Done by repeating key elements, balancing them throughout the composition, and then adding a little variety so that the design has its own sense of personality.
Repetition of brown & ducks
Grouping of similar objects (proximity) was used to create unity within this painting.
4. Emphasis:
• Calling attention to an object by using a focal point ( changing the size or placement of an object)
• One object
stands out more
than everything
else!
5. Pattern:
• repeating elements (lines, shapes or colors) to organize the design
6. Movement & Rhythm:
• creating a sense of action, motion, or excitement by using patterns
Eye movement: implied line
7. Contrast: the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark
colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes,
etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement
and drama.
8. Proportion:
• the relationship of size, location or amount of one thing to another
Correct Body Proportion
Your assignment
• You will develop 2 works of art
• Each drawing will consist of 4 Principles of Design.
• On the back of the drawing you will tell me how you used each principle in your drawing.
• Today you can sketch and plan out your drawing. You may also look up images to use as part of your drawing. (not the whole work of art…)