Principles of Design:

• The different ways of combining the elements of art to achieve a desired effect of balance, variety, contrast, unity, harmony, emphasis, pattern, movement, or proportion!

1. Balance: To give parts of an artwork equal “visual weight”

There are 4 types…

Symmetrical Balance – mirror image; same on both sides (formal)

Approximate symmetry- equivalent but not identical

Asymmetrical balance - (informal) without symmetry -- with no mirror

imagery. It is possible to achieve balance without symmetry.

Radial balance-circular balance

2. Variety:

• consists of the differences in objects that add interest to a visual image.

Variety…

3. Unity …

Unity:

• the feeling that all parts of a design belong together and work as a team

• creates a sense of order

• consistency of sizes and shapes, as well as a harmony of color and pattern.

• Done by repeating key elements, balancing them throughout the composition, and then adding a little variety so that the design has its own sense of personality.

Repetition of brown & ducks

Grouping of similar objects (proximity) was used to create unity within this painting.

4. Emphasis:

• Calling attention to an object by using a focal point ( changing the size or placement of an object)

• One object

stands out more

than everything

else!

5. Pattern:

• repeating elements (lines, shapes or colors) to organize the design

6. Movement & Rhythm:

• creating a sense of action, motion, or excitement by using patterns

Eye movement: implied line

7. Contrast: the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark

colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes,

etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement

and drama.

8. Proportion:

• the relationship of size, location or amount of one thing to another

Correct Body Proportion

Your assignment

• You will develop 2 works of art

• Each drawing will consist of 4 Principles of Design.

• On the back of the drawing you will tell me how you used each principle in your drawing.

• Today you can sketch and plan out your drawing. You may also look up images to use as part of your drawing. (not the whole work of art…)