Principles of Arts & Design

Principles of Design

  • Principles of Design refer to the visual strategies used by artists for expressive purposes

  • They include: Harmony, Unity, Balance, Simplicity, Rhythm, Clarity, Emphasis, Contrast, Proportion, Variety

Harmony

  • Harmony is the use of related elements in a visual image

  • It creates a sense of connection and flow between objects

  • Similar colors, shapes, and sizes can create harmony

Rhythm

  • Rhythm is organized movement and repetition in a composition

  • It can be perceived through elements like color, line, and shape

  • Rhythm can convey different feelings and emotions

  • Regular repetition and alternating rhythm are examples of creating rhythm

Balance

  • Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium

  • It can be achieved symmetrically or asymmetrically

  • Symmetrical balance has equal weight on equal sides of a central axis

  • Asymmetrical balance has slight differences but an overall sense of balance

Emphasis

  • Emphasis is when contrast, placement, size, color, or other features are used to highlight one object or area in the artwork

  • It draws attention and creates a focal point

Visual Examples

  • Visual 1: Harmony

  • Visual 2: Balance

  • Visual 3: Contrast

  • Visual 4: Rhythm

  • Visual 5: Harmony

  • Visual 6: Emphasis

Additional Details

  • Harmony creates a sense of connection between objects and is one of the most important aspects of art principles (Page 27)

  • Rhythm is created through repetition and can convey different feelings (Page 30)

  • Balance can be achieved symmetrically or asymmetrically and creates visual stability (Page 36)

  • Emphasis is used to draw attention to a focal point or accentuate a feature (Page 43)

Page 47

  • Emphasis by Isolation

    • Group of performers standing silently in a barren landscape

    • Woman in "street clothes" seated apart in the lower right

    • Picasso's emphasis on the woman's aloneness draws attention to her

Page 48

  • Unity

    • Implies harmony and meaningful cohesion in a composition

    • Achieved through grouping of objects and similarity

Page 49

  • Variety

    • Opposite of unity, adds difference and excitement

    • Seductive and demands attention

Page 50

  • Proportion

    • Relative size and scale of elements in a design

    • Discuss in terms of context or standard used

Page 51

  • Contrast

    • Disparity between elements in a composition

    • One object made stronger compared to others

    • Examples: use of negative and positive space, complementary colors

Page 52

  • Final activity: Identify the principle of design in given visuals

Page 54

  • Visual 1

    • Principle of design: Emphasis by Isolation

Page 57

  • Visual 2

    • Principle of design: Balance

Page 60

  • Visual 3

    • Principle of design: Contrast

Page 63

  • Visual 4

    • Principle of design: Harmony

Page 66

  • Visual 5

    • Principle of design: Emphasis

Page 69

  • Visual 6

    • Principle of design: Variety

References

  • Fichner-Rathus, L. (2008). Foundations of Art and Design.

  • Sanchez, et al., (2009). Introduction to the Humanities.

  • Patel, J. (2017, October 17) Chasing Dreams: What are you waiting for? Retrieved from https://visualwilderness.com/business/chasing-dreams-what-are-you-waiting-for

  • Pixel Farm (2008, May 9). Various artists, Get the Glass. Retrieved from http://pixelfarm.blog54.fc2.com/blog-category-10.html