Elements of Design
The elements of design are the seven basic building blocks of art & design.
Without these building blocks the principles are meaningless. Think of them as “Legos:” parts, pieces or elements of something
bigger or whole. We use directions and rules to make something.
Principles of Design
The basic rules of aesthetics that guide in the organization of elements in a work of art.
Without these directions the elements are meaningless. Think of them as “Legos Directions:” Rules or steps to utilize
many different, similar and identical elements to create a meaningful, cohesive and understandable piece of artwork.
Balance
This is an example of symmetrical balance in which the design is the same on both sides of
the center axis.
This is an example of asymmetrical balance because the object is not the same on both
sides.
An appearance of evenness in an artwork. There are two kinds: symmetry and
asymmetry
Vertical symmetry
Horizontal symmetry
Radial symmetry
Asymmetrical
Draw 1 example of Asymmetry in the 1st box using shapes.
Contrast
A large difference between elements in an artwork. Green and Red, dark and light, large and small, thin
and thick, bright and dull.
Emphasis
Emphasis is when an artist draws attention to one or more
focal points in an artwork.
Contrast is a very effective way to create emphasis.
Movement
The path the viewer’s eye is directed to take by the artist’s use of elements in an artwork.
M.C. Escher
Variety
Variety is a combination of difference and change that create interest in an artwork.
Variety can create Rhythm & Pattern by repeating similar or identical elements like: colors shapes, lines, values, forms, spaces, and textures.
Proportion
The relationship of size in artwork compared to how it would be viewed in reality.
Unity
A sense that all of the parts belong together as one piece of artwork.
All the principles work together to create unity and therefore a successful design.
Salvador Dali Andy Warhol
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