1. Principles of Design
“DESIGN” is a visual plan you can use to create your project. Everything you see has a design. The principles of design are important to everyone who works in the visual arts, textiles, clothing, architecture, landscaping, photography, home interiors, woodworking and many other occupations

2. Balance is the equilibrium of various elements in a work of art
Balance is the equilibrium of various elements in a work of art. It can refer to mirror symmetry where both sides of a work are exactly the same.
When both sides of are pretty
close in similarity we can still call it
formal balance.
In your graphic organizer which accompanies this powerpoint presentation, draw an example of mirror symmetry in the box. But don’t plagiarise!

3. However, a large item can be placed just to the left of center and be balanced with a small item that is placed to the far right of the composition. Additionally, a large light object can be balanced against a small dark object. These examples would be considered asymmetrical balance. And here is an example of an “unbalanced painting.”
In your graphic organizer draw an example of a large vs small item and an example of a large light vs small dark item as explained above. Then draw an example of a totally “out of balance” or “unbalanced” design. No plagiarising!

4. Unity is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements. An aggressive subject should have bright or warm colors, rough texture, dominant features and bold vertical lines with sharp angles; whereas a calming picture would have pastel or cool colors, smooth implied textures, horizontal and curving lines. Note that these two pictures are the same size but the picture on the left looks larger due to the bold elements used in the painting. Draw and color an example of aggressive unity and an example of calm unity.

5. Contrast is the placing of opposing elements next to each other in a work of art. Using contrasting colors, placing a horizontal curvy line next to a vertical jagged line, having a smooth texture next to a very rough texture are all examples of contrast. It is used to add interest to the central focus of a work. Too much contrast can cause confusion and destroys unity. But on the other hand, too little contrast can cause a design to be bland and uninteresting. What types of contrast do you see in each picture?
Contrasting colors
Horizontal curvy vs Vertical jagged
Smooth texture next to Rough texture
Boring!
Try your hand at contrast…..one with color, one with varying lines, and one with texture in your graphic organizer. No boring stuff!!

6. Show emphasis three different ways in the boxes on your
graphic organizer.
Emphasis is given to the center of interest, which might
be the largest, brightest, or lightest subject. The size of an
object in a picture or textural differences may indicate
the emphasis.

7. Movement is the arrangement of elements to create visual motion.
Diagonal lines or changes in directions tend to create the illusion of movement or motion.
Change in the darkness or lightness of an image, figures portrayed in unstable body positions, multiple overlapping images, blurry images, and optical illusions can all imply movement or motion.

8. Movement can also be achieved through gradation of size and direction through the use of linear perspective. Gradation from dark to light can also move the eye across the page. Gradation can also transform a flat shape into a three-dimensional form.
Check out the examples below. In your graphic organizer draw an optical illusion and another version of movement.
Linear perspective Dark to light Shape to form

9. Pattern and Rhythm are related principles.
A pattern refers to a regular repetition of one or more elements.
Rhythm occurs when there is variation in the pattern or repetition. Too much pattern or monotonous repetition gets boring. Too little pattern is bland and dull.
In your graphic organizer, create an original pattern and then modify it a bit to create a rhythmic repetition.

10. Proportion is the harmony created when all parts of a painting or drawing relate well with each other. It can also be the measurement of the size and quantity of elements within a composition.
In ancient arts, proportions of forms were enlarged to show importance. This is why Egyptian gods and political figures appear so much larger than common people. The ancient Greeks found fame with their accurately-proportioned sculptures of the human form.

11. Beginning with the Renaissance, artists recognized the connection between proportion and the illusion of 3-dimensional space.

12. More examples to enjoy:
Many pre-Renaissance artists did not use linear perspective. If figures were to be in the foreground or to appear larger, they were placed at the bottom of the picture. Figures placed higher in the picture were “considered” smaller and farther away. If you measure them, they are pretty much all the same size!
The picture to the left is Persian. This painting is one of Mrs. Tomaszycki’s favorites!
The picture above is Chinese.

13. Needs work in proportioning figures
Orthogonal lines go in all different directions
Needs work in proportioning figures
The early 17th century painting on the left is a failed attempt at proportion and perspective. The 15th century picture to the right is a decent “try” at proportion and perspective, but it still fails in portions of the painting.

14. Observe the great attempts at proportion and linear perspective.
Can you find the vanishing points?

15. Foreshortening happens when an object appears compressed when seen from a particular viewpoint, and the effect of perspective causes distortion. Foreshortening is a particularly effective artistic device, used to give the impression of three-dimensional volume and to create drama in a picture. Try the technique yourself in the box in your graphic organizer.

16. Balance Unity Contrast Emphasis Movement Pattern Rhythm
The Principles of Design:
Balance
Unity
Contrast
Emphasis
Movement
Pattern
Rhythm
By NancyAnn Tomaszycki
Stoney Creek High School
Rochester, Michigan
2012