Breadth #1

Principles Principles of Designof Design

Principles of DesignPrinciples of Design• Certain qualities inherent in the choice and

arrangement of elements of art in the production of a work of art.

• Artists "design" their works to varying degrees by

controlling and ordering the elements of art.

• Considering the principles is especially useful in analyzing ways in which a work is pleasing in formal

ways.

Principles of DesignPrinciples of Design• Some principles overlap or oppose

others, and some are viewed as more important, more ideal, more relevant or

irrelevant (or even undesirable) than others.

• It is understandable that various

authorities' lists of principles differ one from another.

BalanceBalanceBalance refers to the way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability in

a work; a pleasing or harmonious arrangement or proportion of parts or areas

in a design or composition.

Balance can be symmetrical, or formal; or it can be asymmetrical, or informal. It can also

be radial.

EmphasisEmphasisEmphasis is any forcefulness that gives importance or dominance (weight) to

some feature or features of an artwork; something singled out, stressed, or drawn

attention to.

Often, emphasized elements are used to direct and focus attention on its focal

point.

ProportionProportionProportion refers to the comparative, proper, or

harmonious relationship of one part to another or to the

whole with respect to size and quantity.

ContrastContrastContrast is a large difference between two things; for example, hot and cold, green and red, light and

shadow.

Contrast refers to a way of juxtaposing elements of art to stress the differences between them.

Used in an effective way, contrast can excite, emphasize and direct attention to points of

interest.

HarmonyHarmonyHarmony is a union or blend of

aesthetically compatible components. Harmony refers to a way of combining

elements of art to accent their similarities and bind the picture parts into a whole.

It is often achieved through the use of repetition and simplicity.

RhythmRhythmRhythm refers to a regular repetition of elements of art to produce the look and feel of movement.

It is often achieved through the careful placement of repeated components, which invite

the viewer's eye to jump rapidly or glide smoothly from one to the next.

Often associated with pattern.

UnityUnityUnity is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of

the elements and principles of design.

A totality that combines all of its parts into one complete, cohesive composition.

Often it is realized through deliberate balancing of harmony and variety.

RepetitionRepetitionRepetition refers to a way of combining

elements of art so that the same elements are used over and over again.

Repetition also can contribute to movement and rhythm in a work of art.

Repetition is closely related to harmony.

Artistic CHALLENGE for Breadth #1:Artistic CHALLENGE for Breadth #1:Photography based:

Dynamically photograph all 9 Principles of Design, thinking critically about your subject matter.

Work on composition and pay close attention to color, light, depth of field and selective focus.

Utilize a variety of points of view while photographing.

Artistic CHALLENGE for Breadth #1:Artistic CHALLENGE for Breadth #1:Drawing/Painting based:

“Design” a work of art that focuses on several principles.

Think about your subject matter, and how you can create an artwork that demonstrates knowledge of the Principles of Design.

Use your strengths to your advantage.

Inspirational Artists:Inspirational Artists:Morris Louis Helen Frankenthaler

Inspirational Artists:Inspirational Artists:Frank Stella Ellsworth Kelly

Inspirational Artists:Inspirational Artists:Barnet Newman Mark Rothko