Principles of Design

The principles of design describe how the elements of art are used or arranged in a work of art. This is composition.

The principles of design are:

Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Movement, Pattern, Rhythm, and Unity/ Variety

BalanceBalance is the arrangement of elements on either side of a center line. A balanced image has equal visual weight on either side of this center line, but is not necessarily symmetrical.

Balance Can be:-Asymmetrical-Symmetrical-Radial

Asymmetrical BalanceIf an image is asymmetrically balanced the combined visual weight of the elements either side of the center line are approximately equal.

Example:

A large object can be balanced by several smaller objects.

Several objects that are different but are similar in size can create balance.

A large simple object can be balanced by a smaller more complex object.

Symmetrical BalanceWhen balance is symmetrical the image can be folded over a center line and

the sides will match up exactly. Symmetrical balance can be horizontal, vertical or radial.

Horizontal Symmetry can be folded over a horizontal center line.

Vertical Symmetry can be folded evenly over a vertical

center line.

Radial Symmetry can be folded over a horizontal or vertical

center line evenly.

ContrastRefers to the differences between elements of art. The greater the difference the higher the contrast. The less difference the lower the contrast. Contrast can be the difference between values, colors (temperature or saturation), lines or shapes (organic/ geometric or size). Even texture can show contrast between rough an smooth.

Color/ Value ContrastColor contrast is the difference between colors.

Opposite/ Analogous Colors that are closer to being opposite each other on the color wheel have the highest contrast while colors that are closer to each other or analogous have the lowest.

Warm Cool Contrast The difference between

warm and cool colors

Value Contrast The difference between

light and dark.

Intensity Contrast The difference between neutral and saturated

colors.

Shape and Size ContrastShapes can show contrast between organic and geometric shapes as well as large and small shapes.

Organic/ Geometric Contrast

Size Contrast

EmphasisArtists use Emphasis to show what is the most important part of an image or to create a focal-point, which is the area in a composition where your attention is directed. Artist can show emphasis in many ways including:

Contrast

Detail

Location

MovementMovement is the path your eyes follow along edges, lines and shapes, often leading your gaze around the composition and directing you to the focal area of the art work.

PatternPatterns are made when the same shapes or elements are repeated predicably.

Radial Pattern:Patterns that surround a central

point.

Regular or Planned Pattern:Patterns that are planned and repeated

accurately.

Irregular Pattern:The parts are repeated but don’t seem planned

RhythmRhythm is the repetition of similar colors, shapes, forms, lines, or values.

Rhythm unifies works of art and can structure the movement of a piece.

Regular Rhythms appear planned and mostly uniform.

Irregular Rhythms appear unplanned and not repeated exactly.

Unity is consistency in a work of art and gives an artwork a finished and harmonious feel by using similar elements or techniques throughout the composition. Variety is the use of contrast or difference within a work of art

to create interest.

Unity / Variety

The use of repeated texture and color creates unity.

These repeated forms, pattern and

texture create unity.

These repeated rhythm color and shapes create unity.