The Principles of Design

The Principles of Design are ways that you

organize the

Elements of Art…

BalanceHow visual weight is distributed to

create equilibrium within a work of art.Symmetrical: Same on both sides

Asymmetrical: Different but still balanced

Contrast

Contrast is showing differences between the Elements to create interest.

Three Muscians by Picasso

Examples of contrast

• Smooth-rough• Plain-patterned• Warm-cool• Large shapes-small shapes• Geometric shapes-organic organic shapes• Light values-dark values• Bright colors-neutral colors

Emphasis

Greater attention on certain areas, objects, elements or feelings in a work of art, for example, to emphasize color for mood or importance.

MovementArranging the parts of a work of art to create a visual path through the work to the focal point.

Pattern

Repeating elements, such as line or shape, to create a surface decoration.

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

Pattern can be regular or irregular.

RhythmA type of movement in art where some elements recur regularly. Like a dance, it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music.

Rhythm can be regular or irregular.

UnityA sense of oneness and wholeness in a work of art. Unity is when everything in the art work is tied together visually.

Unity can be achieved by:

• Similar colors• Grouping• Lining up edges• Overlapping objects• Repeated technique or texture• Perspective• Using a focal point

The 7 Principles of Design

• Balance• Contrast• Emphasis• Movement• Pattern• Rhythm• Unity

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

• BALANCE – equilibrium from the distribution of visual weight

• CONTRAST – differences that create visual interest• EMPHASIS – greater attention given to an element for

importance or mood• MOVEMENT – a visual path to the focal point• PATTERN – surface decoration created by repeating

elements, such as line or shape.• RHYTHM - A type of movement in art where some

elements recur regularly like the beat of music.• UNITY - A sense of oneness when in the artwork

everything is tied together visually.