Vermeer
Morisot
Glen Harrington
The Elements & Principles of Design
S hape L ine C olor T exture V alue F orm S cale/Size The Elements (This is the Artist’s toolbox) SSLLCCTTVVFFSSSSLLCCTTVVFFSS
BBRRUUCCEEVVPPBBRRUUCCEEVVPP B alance R hythm/Movement U nity/Harmony C ontrast E mphasis V ariety P roportion The Principles (Application of Tools)
Line Contour lines Edges where Elements meet. General movement of shapes. Implied lines Element
Shape Consider : Negative and positive spaces, tonal areas, groupings, and other characteristics to generalize parts of an image. Element
Value This tool creates the general mood of the image as well as defining form. Value is essential for an artist to master when creating illusion of 3-D on a 2-D surface. Element
Color Color also helps set a mood or feeling and also can be the life of the artwork. Many people are drawn to a piece for its color. Element
Texture The effect of light on a subject to reveal the landscape of it’s surfaces. Element
Form/Space Form is the positive mass filled by a two or three dimensional object/shape. (Primarily Sculpture) Element
Scale/ Size Element The Scale or relative size of parts or objects may be an important way to establish interest and meaning.
Balance The orderly dividing of space in an equal way with respect to a line or point. Types? Principle Formal/Informal Symmetrical Asymmetrical Radial
Rhythm Also called movement, repetition, and pattern, Rhythm is the heartbeat of an art piece. Principle
Unity/Harmony How well do the elements of the piece work together or flow? Everything seems to have its right place. Principle
Contrast Relationship between opposites and extremes. Principle Low ContrastHigh Contrast
Emphasis This application of the elements is the spotlight on the star of the show! We direct the eye to what we want the viewer to look at. Principle Also called focus
Variety Principle This principle is the medication that cures boredom. Used correctly, variety inspires the unexpected and keeps our interest after the initial attraction.
Proportion Consider the relationship between masses of objects or elements of an art piece. Principle