Principles of Design/Compositional Strategies

balance

when there is visual weight in a picture at equilibrium; symmetrical

approximate symmetry

essentially equal, used for compare and contrast

asymmetrical

creates an equilibrium despite not being centered

radial symmetry

mirrored in all aspects

imbalance

shows strange tone; contrast

contrast

conceptual or physical

high contrast

to improve distinction and clarity

low contrast

makes things more muted

emphasis

giving attention to new aspect of a piece

movement

implied or using stills, kinesthetic response, potential energy

the decisive moment

physical and psychological aspects of a moment come together to form beginning of perfect movement

pattern

repetition of elements, creating sense of unity

rhythm

arises from patterns through architecture and graphics, emphasizes unity

unity

create order and wholeness

time

passing of time

perspective

gives illusion of depth

scale

intimate and invokes emotion via size

proportion

ratios, shows scale and difference between the shown objects

principles of design

using elements of art and organizing the visual info

line

connects form one point to another, implied connection between points

shape

area defined by lines or color3-d has volume and mass

geometric: lines and curves

organic: natural and flowy

form

3-d has volume and mass

value

lightness and darkness of something determined by surroundings

texture

appeal of any surface

space

the illusion of depth

picture plane

surface of a painting or drawing

color

visuals of art

additive color

anything produced by light

subtractive color

anything produced by pigment