The Principle of Design Chapter 3

We have learned about the “elements” of art (the “atoms” or “building blocks”) now we need to learn about HOW we could use the “elements”. In other words, “things to consider” when putting the elements together! We call these THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

The first thing we will consider is PLACEMENT (or composition) Where we decide to place the shapes, lines, etc. in our art work is called the “placement” or “composition”. The arrival of the first element produces 2 shapes: the positive form (or space) and the negative form (or space). We sometime call this the “figure” and the “ground”. What is the POSITIVE & NEGATIVE in this art work?

When looking at any art work a good question to ask is: “Why did they put that there?” By changing the “placement” or “composition” we can change the mood or message of the art work” How would this art change if the lines were lined up horizontally or vertically?

The next principle is BALANCE Balance is a natural human desire. Artists often try to achieve this by balancing VISUAL WEIGHT (the more something draws the eye the more visual weight it has)

Notice how this artist balanced the “visual weight”

A couple of things more about balance: This is an example of symmetrical balance (if you fold in half the 2 sides basically match).

This is a mandalas which Buddhist use for mediation. This is an example of radial balance (elements revolve around a central point). This is a mandalas which Buddhist use for mediation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYVcjFhpsHc

The next principle to consider is EMPHASIS How do I create emphasis? If everything in an art work gets equal attention it becomes overwhelming and confusing so artists create “emphasis” to help the viewer see what they want them to see.

So, how do artists create emphasis There are lots of ways, here are a few: Focus & Detail

UNUSUAL COLOR, TEXTURE, SHAPE, ETC. LEADING LINES OR SHAPES

How did this artist add EMPHASIS

The next principle is UNITY AND VARIETY Art works need something to unify them but too much unity gets boring so we also need variety. How does artist Tara Donovan get both unity and variety in her art work? Untitled, 2003 by Tara Donovan

B.

Here is some more art by Tara Donavan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSCSnKqBNHg

Rhythm is created by repeating elements Rhythm is created by repeating elements. What elements to you see repeated in this art work? Two Calla Lilies on Pink by Georgia O’Keefe

Here is a little bit more about Georgia O’Keeffe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v71awD38Qy4

The next Principle of Design is PROPORTION AND SCALE. Proportion compares the parts of one thing to each other. Scale has to do with something and a “constant. How does Giacometti play with proportion and scale? Walking Man by Alberto Giacometti

This artist had some fun with scale! Under the Table by Robert Therrien

Echo of a Scream by David Siquieros Why do you think this artist changed the scale of the child’s head? Echo of a Scream by David Siquieros

How do artists create a sense of space or PERSPECTIVE??? Lastly, artists must also consider what PERSPECTIVE (organizing space and depth) they will use. How do artists create a sense of space or PERSPECTIVE???

This artist used atmospheric perspective (things get lighter and bluer in the distance).

This artist used overlapping to give the sense of depth. Maple Leaves at the Tekona Shrine by Utagawa Hiroshige

This artist used linear perspective or (one-point perspective). Notice how all the horizontal lines resend to one-point.

This is the vanishing point. This is the horizon line.

Cubism found a new way to organize space Cubism found a new way to organize space. In this art work, Violin and Palette by Georges Braque, the artist ignores traditional methods of showing depth.

This artist also played with perspective. Waterfall by M.C.Escher