Elements of Design
ColourThe element of art and design that pertains to a particular hue; one or any mixture of pigment.
Colours/hues are the names given to the different rays of light that are visible in a spectrum, for example, the light refracted through a prism.
Everything has colour.
Colours can give the illusion of depth: closer objects are more intense, while distant objects appear duller.
The effect of a colour can be changed by the surrounding colour.
Colour is the most persuasive element.
Colour can show emotions and mood.
Colours can be put into groups of warm and cool colours.
Line
The element of art and design that pertains to the mark or path of a moving point on the surface or along the contours of an image.
Line is the path of a moving dot.
There are many different kinds of lines: straight – curved, jagged – smooth, thick – thin, weak – strong, dark – light, long – short, wavy – feathery, actual – implied.
Many different materials and tools can make lines.
Lines can vary in width, length, and direction.
Lines can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, and can change direction abruptly forming a corner, or change direction gently, forming a curve.
Lines can express mood and emotion.
Lines can be used to divide space.
Lines can be used to define shapes.
Lines can be used to create tonal values and show volume.
Lines can be used to simulate texture.
Shape
An element of art and design that pertains to an area that be can set off by an enclosed line.
- When a line begins and ends at the same point, a shape is made.
- Everything has shape.
- All shapes have two dimensions – length and width.
- Shapes can be geometric, such as circle, oval, square, rectangle, or triangle OR shapes can be ‘organic’, free form.
- Shapes can be representational – something you can recognize, or shapes can be non-representational – a non-recognizable shape.
- Shapes can be positive or negative.
Form
The element of art and design that pertains to an actual or an implied three dimensional (3-D) shape of an image.
When the third dimension of depth (or thickness) is added to length and width, shape becomes form.
Form can be geometric such as cube, cylinder, cone, or sphere, or shape can be organic, free form.
Form can be representational – something you can recognize, or shapes can be non-representational – a non-recognizable form.
Form can be actual 3-D, or implied 3-D.
The illusion of 3-D form can be represented on a 2-D surface, for example, in a drawing through the use of tonal work such as shading.
Texture
The element of art and design that pertains to the way something feels through actual or implied representations of surface characteristics.
Texture refers to the feel or look of a surface.
All surfaces have texture.
There are many different kinds of surface textures including: rough, smooth, prickly, soft, coarse, furry, pebbly, shiny, gritty, velvety.
Actual texture is the surface texture that can be seen and felt.
Simulated or implied texture is drawn or painting to created the illusion of texture. It cannot be felt, only seen.
Texture will affect light reflection and causes colour values to change. Texture creates highlights and shadows.
Principles of Design
A principle of art and design concerned with the arrangement of one or more of the elements so that give the sense of equilibrium in design, proportion, shapes, etc.
There is balance when the parts of an image have the same visual weight
Imbalance can create a sense of awkwardness or discomfort, and can be used to create tension or impact in an image.
Balance can be symmetrical (formal) in which the parts are visually equal, such as two shapes of the same size. Symmetrical balance gives a sense of order, and stateliness.
Asymmetrical (informal) balance may have parts that a re not identical, such as two small shapes balanced by one large shape. Asymmetrical balance gives the sense of activity and creates interest.
Radial balance revolves around a real or imaginary central point.
Contrast
A principle of art and design that juxtaposes strongly differing uses of one of more of the elements for effect.
Contrast is created when two unlike qualities are placed together.
Contrast can be achieved through the use of any of the elements.
Contrast can be used to emphasize, dramatize, surprise or add variety to an image.
Contrast can be high or low (strong or subtle). High contrast tends towards a more dramatic effect, while low contrast tends towards soothing and settling.
Emphasis
A principle of art and design concerned with making one or more element(s) stand out in such a way as to appear more important or significant.
Emphasis is used to call attention to a specific area in an image.
Emphasis is sometimes also referred to as the focal point or center of interest.
Emphasis implies both dominant and subordinate areas.
Emphasis can be achieved by: increased size, strong colour, greater detail, sharp contrast, distorted shape, placement in the composition, movement of the image leading the eye to a focal point.
Pattern and Repetition
Pattern is the principle of art and design concerned with the planned repetition of one of more of the elements.
Repetition is the principle of art and design in which one or more of the elements of an image appear again and again for effect.
Pattern is created by the repetition of an element or similar elements.
Variations of an element can be used to create pattern, such as varying sizes of shapes, or varying colours of a shape.
Combinations of elements can be used in the creation of pattern, such as variations of colours, shapes, and textures.
Pattern can be organized or random.
Repeated pattern can create rhythm.
Repetition in imagery occurs when elements or components that have something in common are repeated.
The repetition can be regular or irregular.
Regular repetition results in a formal rhythm.
Varying the interval or the shapes in the repetition results in a more informal rhythm.
The natural environment provides many examples of precise repetition.
Repetition with variation is often more interesting.
Repetition can have other effects in an image, for example, a colour repeated in different areas of a picture can increase its power.
Repetition of certain elements within an image tends to hold the overall design together.
Movement
A principle of art and design concerned with creating a feeling of action or a series of actions, and with guiding a viewer’s eye through an image.
- Movement is meant to show activity in an image.
- Movement is achieved by manipulating the element, such as the use of tonal gradation, repeated lines, etc.
- ‘Stop action’ images such as sports activities, show physical movement.
- Compositional movement is implied movement created by the repetition of shapes or lines.
- Compositional movement can also use lines or repeated colours or patterns to lead the viewer’s eye from place to place within the image.
Information from http://members.shaw.ca/kalart150/el&pr.htm
More helpful and interesting sites:
http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/artlessons.htm
http://www.hsv.k12.al.us/schools/art/dixon/elements.htm
http://www.wiu.edu/art/courses/design/principles.htm
http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm
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