Principles of Design
The front dancer in this painting by Degas stands out in intricate detail compared to the large blurry area behind her. Balance IMPACT: Balance can be achieved symmetrically or asymmetrically. Balance in design is similar to balance in physics. A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. A large light toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be) (http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm) arttoheartweb.com Tatum’s pics, Cambridge 2007
Emphasis Emphasis can be achieved by creating contrast (one of these things is not like the other), through isolation (setting an object apart from the rest), or through placement (an object placed in the center is often perceived as the focal point). (http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/emphasis.htm) IMPACT: sshojaei.blogspot.com Tatum’s pics, Mykonos Greece 2009
Proportion (scale) Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. (http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/principl/principl.htm) IMPACT: http://www.wiu.edu/art/courses/design/principles.htm
Repetition (rhythm/pattern) Another method often used to promote unity is the use of repetition. Repetition of color, shape, texture or object can be used to tie a work together (http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid/theo ry/cgdt/unity.htmtogether) IMPACT:
Unity Unity is the relationship among the elements of a visual that helps all the elements function together. Unity gives a sense of oneness to a visual image. In other words, the words and the images work together to create meaning. (http://www.educ.kent.edu/community/VLO/design/principles/unity/index.html) IMPACT: panda3154.wordpress.com
Contrast Contrast in art and design occurs when two related elements are different. The greater the difference the greater the contrast. Contrast adds variety to the total design and creates unity. (http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-lessons-6.asp) IMPACT: www.furniturestoreblog.com
Harmony Harmony in visual design means all parts of the visual image relate to and complement each other. Harmony pulls the pieces of a visual image together. (http://www.educ.kent.edu/community/VLO/design/principles/harmony/index.html) IMPACT: curtvdl.com
Proximity The simplest method of making objects appear to belong together is to group them closely together. This allows us to see a pattern. (http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/skaalid /theory/cgdt/unity.htm) IMPACT: http://www.bluemoonwebdesign.com/art-lessons-9.asp
Variety Variety provides contrast to harmony and unity. Variety consists of the differences in objects that add interest to a visual image. (http://www.educ.kent.edu/community/VLO/design/principles/variety/index.html) IMPACT: digitalphotography.tv