Elements and Principles of Design

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Elements and Principlesof Design

• The Building Blocks Used to Create a Work of Art.

By Lorri Doubrava
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Elements of Design

• Artist use the following tools to express their
  ideas.
• Color Value
• Lines Texture
• Shape and Form Space

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Color is the element of art that is derived from
reflected light.

• Color is what is perceived when different
  wavelengths of light hit the retina of the eye.
  Our brains interpret the reflected wavelengths as
  color.

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Lines are linear marks with many characteristics.

• Some Characteristics
• Width
• Length
• Movement
• Pattern
• Shading

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Shape - an enclosed line.

• Although shapes may have height and width, they
  are usually flat (two-dimensional).
• Geometric shapes include squares, circles,
  triangles, rectangles , and ovals.

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Forms are three-dimensional.

• Characteristics
• Height
• Width
• Thickness
• Types
• Sphere
• Cone
• Cylinder
• Cube

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Value - the lightness or darkness of a color.

• Variations in value can create focal points and
  the illusion of depth.

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Texture is the feel of a surface.

• Textures can be tactile (physical) or visual.
• Varying patterns of light and dark areas will
  help create texture.

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Space is the area on which the artist works.

• Positive space is the object.
• Negative space is the voided area surrounding the
  object.

• Overlapping objects gives the illusion of space.

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M.C. Escher is known for his drawings where there
is no distinction between positive and negative
spaces.
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Principles of Design

• The different ways an artist uses the elements to
  create a unified work of art.

• Balance
• Contrast
• Rhythm/Movement
• Repetition
• Emphasis
• Unity

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Balance is visual weight.

• Designers use balance to create stability or
  equilibrium in a work of art.
• Balance can be affected by the size and value of
  an object.

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Symmetrical Balance

• Symmetrical balance is achieved when all of the
  elements are of equal weight and are placed
  evenly on a page.

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Asymmetrical Balance

• Asymmetrical balance occurs when the objects on
  each side of the design are different.
  Asymmetrical balance can be achieved by skillful
  use of design elements, including value, color,
  and texture.

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Radial Balance

• Radial balance occurs when all of the elements
  radiate out from the center.

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Contrast is the variation of elements in a design.

• Contrast creates excitement or interest in the
  design.
• Contrast can be achieved by a difference in size,
  color, texture, or shape.

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Rhythm/Movement

• Rhythm is the way your eye moves throughout a
  design or picture.
• Rhythm is created by the repetition of elements.

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Rhythm/Movement

• Repetition of lines and forms can create optical
  illusions that cause our eyes to see movement.

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Repetition

• Repetition is the repeating of elements.
• Add variation to your repetition in order to
  prevent monotony.

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Emphasis

• Emphasis is drawing attention to main point.
• All elements can work together to direct your eye
  to the focal point.

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Unity

• Unity is making all of the elements and
  principles work together to form a work of art.

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Sources

• Slide 1 - http//www.usask.ca/education/coursework
  /skaalid/theory/cgdt/space.htm
• Slide 3 - http//www.picturesof.net/_gallery/_Natu
  re/
• Slide 4 - http//www.usask.ca/education/coursework
  /skaalid/theory/cgdt/line.htm
• Slide 5 Microsoft Clip Art
• Slide 6 - http//www.vb-helper.com/Images/27balls1
  .gif
• Slide 7 - http//www.usask.ca/education/coursework
  /skaalid/theory/cgdt/color.htm
• Slide 8 - http//www.kestan.com/travel/dc/dc_index
  .htm
• Slide 9 - http//www.usask.ca/education/coursework
  /skaalid/theory/cgdt/space.htm
• Slide 10 - http//www.usask.ca/education/coursewor
  k/skaalid/theory/cgdt/horse.htm
• Slide 12 Microsoft Clip Art

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Sources Cont.

• Slide 13 and 14 http//www.usask.ca/education/cour
  sework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/balance.htm
• Slide 15 - http//www.picturesof.net/_gallery/_Pla
  nts/index6.html
• Slide 16 - http//www.kestan.com/travel/dc/dc_inde
  x.htm
• Slide 17 and 18 http//www.usask.ca/education/cour
  sework/skaalid/theory/cgdt/movement.htm
• Slide 19 and 20 - http//www.kestan.com/travel/dc/
  dc_index.htm
• Slide 21 - http//members1.clubphoto.com/janet2580
  2/9081/guest_icons.phtml