Gestalt Principles of Perception

These flashcards encapsulate key vocabulary and concepts related to Gestalt Principles, focusing on perception and visual organization.

Gestalt

An organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.

Law of Perceptual Organization

Principle that explains how smaller objects are grouped to form larger ones.

Similarity

A Gestalt principle where objects that look similar are perceived as a group.

Pragnanz

The principle that reality is organized into its simplest form.

Proximity

A Gestalt principle where objects near each other tend to be grouped together.

Continuity

A Gestalt principle stating that the eye is compelled to continue moving through one object to another.

Closure

A Gestalt principle describing the process where the mind fills in gaps to perceive a complete shape.

Figure/Ground

A Gestalt principle describing the distinction between an object and its background.

Anomaly

A dissimilar element that can be emphasized within a similarity grouping.

Size Similarity

Grouping based on the size of objects.

Color Similarity

Grouping based on the color of objects.

Shape Similarity

Grouping based on the shape of objects.

Unity

The perception of separate shapes or objects as a single cohesive group due to their proximity.

Ambiguous Images

Images that can be interpreted in multiple ways based on perception.

Psychic Lines

Implied lines in a composition that guide the viewer's attention.

Figure

The element in a composition that is the main focus of attention.

Ground

The background or area that is not the main point of focus.

Visual Grouping

The process of visually grouping elements based on principles of perception.

Shapes in Perception

Different geometric forms that can be perceived as unified objects.

Visual Grouping Tools

Color, shape, and size.

Principles of Gestalt Psychology

Key concepts that explain how we perceive visual information.

Value

The relative lightness or darkness of any visual element.

Tone

A term synonymous with Value, referring to the lightness or darkness of a visual element.

Simultaneous Contrast

The phenomenon where two values side by side interact and change our perception.

Texture

The surface quality of materials or the illusion of surface quality.

Pattern

Achieved through the principles of Repetition and Rhythm in art and design.

Visual Pattern

Recurring visual element(s) in an artwork.

Symmetrical Balance

A pattern often employing symmetrical modes of arrangement.

Crystallographic Balance

A balance achieved through repeated elements in a predictable manner.

Graphic Density

The degree of compactness of visual texture in an artwork.

Optical Mixing

Occurs when the eye blends contrasting colors or values to create the impression of one color.

Dot Matrix Printing

A technique where black dots on white newsprint create gradations of value through optical mixing.

Optical Grey

A visual effect created by blending black and white elements.

Black and White Elements

Visual components that can assimilate in value to create a tonal effect.

Impasto Technique

A painting method where thick layers of paint are applied to create texture.

Degree of Compactness

Refers to the amount of visual density present in a design.

Ranges of Graphic Density

Includes Very Fine, Fine, Medium, Bold, or Very Bold textures.

Contrast

The difference in visual properties that makes an object distinguishable.

Recurrence in Design

The repetition of specific visual elements in artworks.

Visual Character

The distinctive quality or nature of visual elements in art.