Elements
Design elements are the basic units of a painting, drawing, design or other visual piece. LINE Line can be considered in three ways. (1) A point in motion, (2) a connection between shapes or (3) an implied connection between points. Each line has its own distinctive quality consisting of: Orientation- Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquility. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Diagonal suggests movement and action. Direction- refers to the implied movement of a line. Line is often used to accentuate direction. Continuity- or linear flow, can enhance direction. SHAPE A shape is a flats, self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. It is perceived as two-dimensional, having only length and width. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape. FORM Form has depth, length, and width. It has volume and resides in space. A shape with gradation or shading can be perceived as three-dimensional. TEXTURE Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual. COLOR Also called Hue. Consisting of the Primary: Red, Yellow, Blue. Secondary: Green, Violet (Purple), Orange. Tertiary: Red-Orange, Blue-Green, etc. VALUE Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. Value is also called Tone. SPACE Space refers to the area in which art is organized.(also called Perspective.) Perspective is representing a volume of space or a 3-dimensional object on a flat surface. |
Principles
Principles are applied to the elements of art that bring them together into one design. How one applies these principles determines how successful a design may be. Balance 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. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar. Contrast is created by using elements that conflict with one another. Often, contrast is created by using complementary colors or extremely light and dark values. Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc. Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art. 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. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential. Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art. Patterns are rhythmic. Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness. |