Principles of Design
Principles of Design
BalanceThe way in which the elements in visual arts are arranged to create a feeling of equilibrium in an artwork. The three types of balance are symmetry, asymmetry, and radial.
Symmetrical Balance
Salvador DaliThe Elephantsoil on canvas1948
Frieda KahloSelf Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird1940
Symmetry is Everywhere!
Symmetry in Architecture
Asymmetrical Balance
Vincent van GoghStarry Night
1889
Gustav KlimtPortrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer1907
Sold to Ronald Lauder for $135 million in 2006
Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, 1829-1832
Radial Symmetry
Emphasis
Special attention or embellishment on an element, characteristic or object in a work of art that makes it stand out from others.
Emphasis
Gustav KlimtThe Kiss1907-1908
Vincent van GoghPortrait of Dr. Gachet1890
Sold for 82.5 million in 1990
Emphasis
Emphasis
HenriMatisse Edvard Munch
Georgia O’Keefe
Contrast
The arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama.
Contrast Color and Value
Contrast in Texture
Contrast in Subject
PatternThe repetition of anything - line, shape, color, etc. in an artwork. Pattern can also represent a model or theme in design work.
M.C. Escher
Piet MondrianComposition II Red, Blue and Yellow1930Composition #10, 1939-1942
RhythmRepetitive visual elements that achieve a specific effect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ3glUYHa3Q
Alexander CalderThe S-Shape Vine1946
13 Spines, 1940
M.C. Escher, Magic Mirror, 1946
Three Spheres, 1945
SCALE
Relative size of an object compared to its surroundings
The person gives us an understanding of how large the jack knife is
Proportion
The determination of measurements of dimensions within a design, artwork or human figure.
Scaleand Proportion
Andrew WyethChristina’s World1948
Cushing, MaineResting Place of Christina Olsonand Andrew Wyeth
Only 3 scenic hours from North Reading!
VARIETY
A principle of design that refers to a way of combining visual elements to achieve intricate and complex relationships. It is a technique used by artists who wish to increase the visual interest of their work.
UNITY
Definition:A principle of design that connects a variety of elements of art and principles of design into a work of art with harmony and balance.
UNITYusingcolor
Claude Monet - Dusk in Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore by Twilight[1] or Sunset in Venice)1908-1912
Unity using line
Marcel DuchampNude Descending a Staircase (No. 2)1912
Vincent van GoghStarry Night, 1889
Unity using form
RodinThe Thinker - Bronze Sculpture1880
Motion / Movement
The principle of design that deals with the creation of action.
Simon BirchContemporary Artist