Elements and Principles of Art & Design AVI 101

The Principles of Design

Principles of Design When two or more elements of art are used in a composition, they begin to interact. The Principles of Design are the laws that govern the way that line, shapes, colour and/or other elements combine for certain emotional or aesthetic effects. In other words: the “Principles of Design” are the basic rules we follow to make the painting, drawing, design, look interesting and help explain the artist’s message or idea.

Principles of Design 7 principles of design are used to create art: Balance Emphasis Contrast Rhythm Movement Pattern Unity

Principles of Design: BALANCE Balance is the visual arrangement of the elements of art in such a way that the art seems equal in weight and importance. Balance makes a design or painting more visually comfortable for viewers.

Principles of Design: BALANCE There are 3 types of Balances.

Principles of Design: BALANCE Symmetrical Balance: The parts of an image are organized so that one side mirrors the other. “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci “Relativity” by M.C. Escher

Principles of Design: BALANCE Asymmetrical Balance: When one side of an image does not reflect the design of the other. “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh

Principles of Design: BALANCE Radial Balance: Based on a circle with its design extending from center. “Lucas II” by Chuck Close

Principles of Design: Emphasis Emphasis is the focal point of an image, or when one area or thing stands out the most. Emphasis is used by the artist to control what part of the artwork the viewer sees and focuses on the most. “Follow Your Dreams” by Bansky

Principles of Design: Emphasis There are 3 techniques to show emphasis: Emphasis = Emphasis of SIZE “All Violence” by Barbara Kruger

Principles of Design: Emphasis There are 3 techniques to show emphasis: Emphasis = Emphasis of COLOUR “M.C. Escher” by Evelien

Principles of Design: Emphasis There are 3 techniques to show emphasis: Emphasis of LINE “Grant Wood 10” by Grant Wood

Principles of Design: Contrast Contrast is created when the artist makes a difference in value, colour, shape, line, form or space. Contrast points out the differences in the art work.

Principles of Design: Contrast Use of values can create contrast Kumi Yamashita “Lucem 2” By Juergen Teller

Principles of Design: Contrast Use of colour can create contrast “Marilyn Monroe” By Andy Warhol

Principles of Design: Contrast Use of texture can create contrast Unknown Artist “Vanita” By: Pieter Claesz

Principles of Design: Rhythm Rhythm is the repeating of elements in an art work to create a visual tempo. Rhythm is achieved through the careful placement of repeated components which invite the viewer's eye to jump rapidly or glide smoothly from one to the next.

Principles of Design: Rhythm “Campbell’s Soup Cans” by Andy Warhol

Principles of Design: Rhythm “Visual Worlds” by M.C. Escher

Principles of Design: Movement Movement is the use of elements to create the illusion of action. Movement adds excitement and directs the viewers eye throughout the art work. “Celestial Movement” by Gillian Short

Principles of Design: Movement Jackson Pollock

Principles of Design: Movement “The Scream” by Edward Munch “Playing In The Water” by Enzo Penna

Principles of Design: Pattern Pattern is the repeating of any elements in a planned or random order to make the art more exciting. Patterns can vary in colour, size, and placement. Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Principles of Design: Pattern Takashi Murakami

Principles of Design: Pattern “Golconda” by Rene Magritte

Principles of Design: Unity Unity is when all the elements and principles work together to make a visually pleasing art work. Unity encourages the viewer’s eye to move throughout the art work without difficulty. “Woman Holding A Balance” by Johannes Vermeer

Principles of Design: Unity “Composition” by Wassily Kandinsky

Principles of Design: Unity “Dogs Playing Poker” By Cassius Marcellus Coolidge

Principles of Design: Unity “Street in Agueda, Portugal” By Cristina Ferreira