Gestalt Principles and Visual Design Elements in Art

Gestalt

Grouping strategies that show how elements group together: proximity, similarity, closure, figure/ground, and good continuation.

Similarity

Gestalt theory which states that similarly shaped elements will act together as a visual unit.

Proximity

Gestalt theory which states that objects in close relationship to each other will work together as one visual unit.

Closure

The gestalt theory that when a minimal amount of visual information is given, the eye will complete or 'close' a shape.

Figure Ground

The area between the positive elements and the negative (background) areas in a composition that show a dominance for both figure and ground.

Continuance

The gestalt theory which states that forms or lines which are directional will carry the eye in the implied direction.

Balance

A sense of equilibrium achieved through implied weight, attention, or attraction, by manipulating the visual elements within an artwork.

Symmetrical

Capable of being divided into similar halves.

Asymmetrical

Not symmetrical or regular in balance in the arrangement of the parts.

Radial

Spiral out from a central point with equal distribution of weight.

Rhythm

Recurrence of strong and weak elements, repetitious nature of elements in a given composition.

Movement

Eye travel directed by visual design in a work of art.

Emphasis

Center of interest, area of work which commands the most visual attention, often supported by scale changes, directional lines or other basic design elements.

Proportion

Comparative relationships between part of a whole and between parts and the whole.

Scale

Size relationships between elements in art.

Variety

The use of opposing, contrasting, changing, elaborating or diversifying elements in a composition to add to the individualism and interest.

Unity

The openness or wholeness of a work of art.