Elements and Principles of Design
What is the difference between the Elements and Principles of Design?
The elements of design are the “building blocks” of an art work The principles of design are the “blue print” by which they are arranged
Elements Line Color Shape Form Value Texture Space Principles Unity/Harmony Contrast Scale and proportion Balance Rhythm/pattern and movement Emphasis/focal point
Line The path of a point through space Lines have – Weight – Direction – Speed/time
Color Color is the reflection of light off a surface – Black and white are not colors (neutrals) Black + color = shade White + color = tint Gray + color = tone
Shape A two dimensional figure bound by lines or color – Organic – Geometric Shapes can delineate masculinity or femininity