PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN / ART (Week 4)

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN / ART :

• The principles use the element of design to create a composition.

BALANCE

• Balance in design is similar to balance in physics

• A large shape close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge. A large light toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be)

CONTRAST

• The major contrast in a painting should be located at the center of interest. Too much contrast scattered throughout a painting can destroy unity and make a work difficult to look at. Unless a feeling of chaos and confusion are what you are seeking, it is a good idea to carefully consider where to place your areas of maximum contrast.

EMPHASIS (Focus Point)

• Emphasis is way of bring a dominance and subordination into a design or painting. Major objects, shapes, or colors may dominate a picture by taking up more space or by being heavier in volume or by being darker in color than the subordinate objects, shapes and colors. There must be balance between the dominant and subordinate elements.

PROPORTION

• Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions.

PATTERN (Repetition)

• Repeating visual elements such as line, color, shape, texture, value or image tends to unify the total effect of a work of art as well as create rhythm. Repetition can take the form of an exact duplication (pattern), a near duplication, or duplication with variety.

GRADATION (Tone Colour)

• Gradation of size and direction produce linear perspective and gradation of colour from warm to cool and tone from dark to light produce aerial perspective. Gradation can add interest and movement to a shape. A gradation from dark to light will cause the eye to move along a shape.