Principles Of Design

Balance• Symmetrical balance – both sides of a composition are

matching.

• Asymmetrical balance – both sides are not equal or matching.

• Radial balance – circular design with overall symmetrical balance.

A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. A large light toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be)

• When components are balanced left and right of a central axis they are balanced horizontally.

• When they are balanced above and below they are said to be balanced vertically.

• And when components are distributed around the center point, or spring out from a central line, this is referred to as radial balance.

Symmetrical balance involves elements mirroring each other.

Symmetrical designs– both sides of a composition are matching. Formal, stable, rigid, and permanence are suggested

Usually the image can be folded in half and be the same of both sides.

Leonardo DaVinci

Asymmetrical Designs - both sides are not equal or matching.

Chaotic, unstable, loose and suggested.

Henri Rosseau, The Football Players, 1908. Oil on canvas.

Alexander Calder

James Whistler

Palace of Versailles 1682, Paris

Japanese Garden

Unity

•The sense of wholeness which results from the successful combination of the elements of art.•A principle of design that relates to the sense of oneness or wholeness in a work of art.

When you repeat an element like color, direction, value, shape, or texture, or establish a style, like a linear style, you establish a visual connection or correspondence among the elements.

Poster Design firm: Concrete Design Communications

The painting on the left creates a sense of unity by the effective use of repetition. See how the artist has repeated similar forms (ducks) and color (brown) throughout the composition?

On the right grouping of similar objects (proximity) was used to create unity within this painting.

When all the elements and principles work together to create a pleasing image.

Similar shapes, colors, value, textures and lines create unity.

Contrast in art and design occurs when two related elements are different. The greater the difference the greater the contrast. Contrast adds variety to the total design and creates unity.

The most common ways of creating contrast are by creating differences in: • size• value• color• type• texture• shape• alignment• direction• movement

The contrast in the illustration to the left is quite obvious. Notice the contrast of the light background (wall) with dark foreground (table cloth) and the contrast of the dark shadows on the tea pot and cup against the wall and with the lights of the same objects against a dark window. There is also a contrast of thin and thick lines in the napkin, straight and curved lines, and don't miss the dark steam as contrasted with the light clouds off in the distance.

In the painting on the left is another example of contrast between light and darkness.

On the right a contrast exists between the lights and darks. Also notice the contrast of the roundness of the objects in the foreground against the flatness of the background.

When the principle of proportion is applied to a work of art it is usually in the relationship of• size, height, width and depth of one element to that of another •size of one area to the size of another area •size of one element to the size of another element amount of space between two or more elements

Proportion in art is the comparative harmonious relationship between two or more elements in a composition with respect to size, color, quantity, degree, setting, etc.; i.e. ratio.

Rhythm is a type of movement seen inrepeating of shapes andcolors. Alternating lightsand darks also give asense of rhythm.

Rhythm: the way elements combine to produce the appearance of movement in an artwork.

It is all about repeating shapes, lines, and textures.

Remember, implied lines direct the viewer’s eye.

Pattern: the repetition of the elements of art in an artwork.

The difference is pattern does not focus on repeating elements to make movement.

Focal Point

Visually, the focal point of an image is the place where your eyes are drawn to first. Usually the focal point will be highlighted or the most striking color in the work. The focal point can also be reinforced by the implied lines guiding the viewer’s perspective.

The arrangement of parts in an artwork to create a feeling of dominance and importance on a particular

area.

Similar to dynamics and movement, implied or actual lines can point to the area of emphasis.

The Conversion of St. Paul, Caravaggio

Where are your eyes drawn to first? Next? Then?

•There are arguably several focal points within this image.

• The focal point can also be the place where the action is happening – the dark space between the horse and the man in the foreground. One can also call this place a focal area.

•This image is particularly entertaining because it has layers of focal points and areas.

• The artist highlights places all over the entire space of the canvas which automatically takes the viewer’s eyes all over the image.

• After the immediate two or three first attractions, my eyes are then led to the horse’s rump, down the leg to the hand and kneecap of the soldier to the red cloth and then up the arm on the right to the other man in the image landing where I started