Design, Harmony and Unity Chapter 2 Robbie Buchanan May 2007

Vocabulary words Composition Design (noun) Design (verb) Harmony Proximity Repetition Style Theme Transition Unity

Terra cotta pots and blush-toned flowers create a casual garden ambiance for this celebration setting. Harmony of the parts displays unity in the design.

Design The word Design, when used as a verb, means to plan and carry out a project in a skillful way. An arrangement of parts, details, forms, colors, and other elements should produce a complete and artistic unit - often called a composition and design.

Three activities to stimulate the design process #1 - Thinking – It is necessary to think about the requirements of a particular flower arrangement. What are the visual effects, style and theme? What will be the placement? What are the physical limitations – size, color, shape? When is the design needed? And where will it be used?

#2 Observing – Careful observation of the work of other floral artists provides a basis for creating your own original floral style. Study all periods and different countries. We benefit from the what other designers have done. Look at Floral Magazines. Visit Floral Shops Look at designs you like and figure out why you like it. Look closely at designs that you do not like and find out why.

#3 - Practicing “Practice Makes Perfect” Gaining experience in the actual construction process and finding solutions to design problems are vital to the entire process of design. You can volunteer in a florist shop, practice with flowers at home and here at school, attend workshops and floral classes offered by the GA State Florist Association or Garden Clubs, etc.

As you gain more and more experience as a floral artist, you will increase in confidence in expressing your own style of design.

Style and Composition Style – a unique way of presenting… –The type or expression of a design –A time period, ex. Victorian Style –A region, ex. Japan or Europe –The purpose, function or message of a floral arrangement. Asking yourself “what style is needed ?” before beginning construction of a floral bouquet will expedite the design process as well as the gathering of supplies to make the floral composition.

Composition Is defined as putting together a unified harmonious whole by combining parts or elements using an idea or theme. You must select the parts according to the purpose for which the arrangement will be used.

These questions are important considerations in planning and constructing a floral design: For what purpose is the arrangement going to be used? Does the arrangement need to be made for a special occasion, or does it need to match a predetermined theme? What is the size of the room and the location in the room in which the design will be placed? From what distance will the arrangement be viewed? At what level will the composition be viewed?

Harmony Is the wise selection of individual parts to form a floral composition.

The principle of harmony is essential ingredient in floral design : a lack of harmony is disturbing.

To study the structure of a floral composition as it relates to harmony, first it is necessary to look at the requirements for the bouquet. Ask these questions to get a feel for harmony: What mood and theme is needed – formal, sophisticated, informal, natural, cute, funny, period style, contemporary, special occasion, season, or holiday? What size, shape, texture, and color are needed for the various parts to match this theme? After selecting the parts, do they all go well together? Are they “in tune” with one another? Do added accessories add to the theme?

A feeling of harmony is exhibited in this buffet design. The design style, shape, flowers and added accessories enhance and support a football or homecoming party theme.

All the component parts of a floral composition should somehow harmonize with one another. It is vital that the flowers in a design are compatible with one another in order to support an overall design style.

Accessories are often important additions in floral arrangements. The candles, grapes, plums, and kiwi in these party designs repeat colors and enhance an overall harmonious theme.

Harmony is ultimately achieved when the arrangement blends and looks correct in style and placement with its setting or location.

Unity Related to harmony, but slightly different, is the idea of unity. The word Unity is defined as the state of being one, united, or complete in itself. Unity means that the whole composition must be predominant over its individual parts. You must see the whole before the pieces of the design.

Unity in floral design refers to the completed arrangement or the “whole” being more important or predominant, over the individual ‘parts.’ This tropical centerpiece demonstrates unity as a result of harmonious parts.

Three important ways of achieving unity are proximity (combining flowers into one design), repetition (repeating similar elements such as color throughout a design), and transition (providing a gradual change from one part of a design to another).

An overwhelming desire for harmony and unity can result in an arrangement that is uninteresting, dull, and boring.

“Variety is the Spice of Life” Ways to avoid monotony in designs: Repeat colors, but use different values and intensities. Repeat shapes but at the same time use different sizes or use similar flower types in different colors. Adding a strong focal point or a striking accent area within a bouquet can relieve monotony. Vary the outside shape of a floral design so that it so not geometrically stiff.

A geometrically stiff design appears more relaxed and natural with some variation on the outside perimeters A unified appearance with added variety is achieved

Summary The procedure of design is a planned process that involves thinking, observing and practicing. These activities will stimulate the design process and your sense of style by increasing your awareness and experience. The creation of a certain style is directly related to the parts or elements selected to form a floral composition, which is the organization of parts into a harmonious whole.

Summary Continued... You can achieve this harmony and unity in your designs through the conscious, wise selection of parts These parts – which include the container, flowers, foliage, and accessories – will together support a desired theme, mood, or style, and result in a harmonious and unified design

In preparation for the quiz define the following Vocabulary words, using your notes. Composition Design (noun) Design (verb) Harmony Proximity Repetition Style Theme Transition Unity

Match Game – QUIZ Part 1 1.Composition 2.Design (verb) 3.Transition 4.Style 5.Proximity A.To plan and carry out a project in a skillful way. B.Combining flowers into one design C.A unique way of presenting, the type or expression of a design D.Is defined as putting together a unified harmonious whole by combining parts or elements using an idea or theme. E.Providing a gradual change from one part of a design to another

Match Game – QUIZ Part 2 6.Harmony 7.Unity 8.Theme 9.Design (noun) 10.Repetition F.An arrangement of parts, details, forms, colors, and other elements G.Is the wise selection of individual parts to form a floral composition. H.repeating similar elements such as color throughout a design I.the state of being one, united, or complete in itself. J.The matter of central concern that is developed throughout the room, party, or composition.

Match Game – QUIZ Part 1 KEY 1.Composition 2.Design (verb) 3.Transition 4.Style 5.Proximity D. Is defined as putting together a unified harmonious whole by combining parts or elements using an idea or theme. A. To plan and carry out a project in a skillful way. E. Providing a gradual change from one part of a design to another C. A unique way of presenting, the type or expression of a design B. Combining flowers into one design

Match Game – QUIZ Part 2 KEY 6.Harmony 7.Unity 8.Theme 9.Design (noun) 10.Repetition G. Is the wise selection of individual parts to form a floral composition. I. The state of being one, united, or complete in itself. J. The matter of central concern that is developed throughout the room, party, or composition. F. An arrangement of parts, details, forms, colors, and other elements H. Repeating similar elements such as color throughout a design