GRADE 12 Mrs. Barbier

Elements & Principles Review A design is an arrangement, a way of organizing something. In the arts, even though we use many different materials, the visual appearance can be reduced to seven elements of design. They are line, shape, form, space, value, color, and texture. They are what we organize. They are the tools. The principles of design are how we organize or use the tools. The principles of design are balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, contrast, rhythm, and unity.

Elements and Principles of Design

Line Line – a defined mark with length and direction created by a point that moves across a surface. Lines can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. Nicholas Kirkwood uses Keith Haring’s work to create slick pumps

Shape Shape is a closed line; when actual or implied lines meet to surround a space. Shapes are flat and can express length and width. Shapes can be geometric, like squares and rectangles as in the top left design by Piet Mondrian. Shapes can also be organic, like free formed shapes or natural shapes exemplified by the bottom left painting done by Joan Miro.

Space Defined as the area around, between, above, below or within objects. Two types of space: POSITIVE- example on top right by Rene Magritte. NEGATIVE – example on bottom right by Magritte.

Value How light or dark something appears Tint: Creating a lighter tone by adding white to a pigment Shade: Creating a darker tone by adding black Example by Genteleschi excellent example of chiaroscuro (drastic instance of light and dark- ULTIMATE value)

Texture Texture is the surface quality that can be seen or/ and felt Example right by Robert Smithson entitled ‘ Spiral Jetty’ demonstrates actual texture. Bottom right example by Franco Clung demonstrates implied texture.

Colour Colour is light reflected off objects. Colour has three main characteristics: hue or its name (i.e. red), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is). Primary- those colours that cannot be made by mixing others (R,B, Y) Secondary- mixing primary colours to get others (O, V, G) Complementary- colours across front each other on the wheel Analogous- colours beside each other on the wheel

Form Three-dimensional shapes, expressing length, width, and depth. Jana Sterbek is the artist of the actual dress made out of meat- a sculpture example of pushing limits to the max (i.e. the female form as a true translation of a meat market). The bottom image is an example of implied form.

Principles of Design

Balance Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side In asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. (Example shown left by Mary Pratt- east coast Canadian- The weight of the plate, one jar and massive shadow/ table space on left half balances out the 3 jars and aluminum foil on the right. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.

Rhythm Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. Types of rhythm = random, regular, alternating, flowing and progressive Example to left shows Munch’s ‘Oslo’ exemplifying flowing in particular

Movement Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the artwork, often to focal areas Three types of movement: - Kinetic (art moves) - Implied (looks like it is moving in 2D- like Degas’ dancer left) - Sympathetic (audience must walk around art)

Emphasis Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention Can be achieved with contrast of elements (as in Christo’s ‘Valley Curtain’ left- colour, texture, & shape contrast), changes in proportion, or placement of the element

Contrast The technique for creating a focal point by using different elements in different combinations Left we see a combination of contrasting shapes, textures, and colours

Pattern Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the artwork. Left is a VERY literal repetition of the an iconic symbol for power- the American flag Example by Jasper Johns

Unity Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the artwork creating a sense of completeness. Klimt’s “Danae” shows a repetition of shapes, lines, colour and brushwork