foothill technology high school - art & design: gestalt theory

Gestalt Theoryvisual perception

Using Gestalt to Create Unity• The Gestalt theory of

visual psychology:• The viewer tends to group

objects that are close to each other.• In the image, the first

impression is not random squares, but two groups of smaller elements.

Gestalt Theory cont.• Negative (or empty

space) will likewise be organized.

• In the image, the elements are seen as two groups. With the groups ending on two common boundaries, the white empty space is as strong as the rectangles.

Gestalt Theory 3• Our brain will tend

to relate and group objects of a a similar shape.

• In the image, a cross or plus sign is obvious rather than an allover pattern of small shapes.

Gestalt 4• In the image, the

pattern is not merely circles.

• We visually close the spaces between similar ones to create a design of lines. In this case the lines form an M.

Ways to Create Unity

• Proximity: make separate elements look as if they belong together.

Achieving Unity 2• Repetition:

repeat something in various parts of the design to relate the parts to each other.

Achieving Unity 3• Continuation:

Continuation means that something “continues”- usually a line, an edge, or a direction from one form to another. This allows the viewers eye to move from one object to another.

Achieving Unity 4• Continuity: The

planned arrangement of various forms so that the edges are lined up.

• Continuity is achieved when there is a visual relationship between two or more designs.

Examples of Continuity

Unity with Variety• The image has

complete unity. All the images are the same size, creating a very boring design.

Unity With Variety• Here, there is the

same division of space, but the pattern is not as dull.

Unity With Variety• The original

checkerboard is almost completely removed, but the underlying element of unity is still present. This design is filled with variety, but keeps unity.

Emphasis• How to catch a viewers attention?• How to provide a pattern that attracts the eye?• Nothing will guarantee the above, but a device

that will help is a point of emphasis or focal point.

Ways to Achieve Emphasis• Break the pattern to create a focal point.• A change in color or brightness can immediately

attract attention

Ways to Achieve Emphasis

• Emphasis by placement.

• If many elements point to one item, our attention is directed there, and a focal point is created

Absence of Focal Point

Absence of Focal Point• With the absence of a focal point:• Artists emphasizes the entire surface over any

individual element.

Ways to create Emphasis• Contrast a shape

with its surroundings.

• Create a contrast of temperature

• Use a darker or lighter value

Ways to create Emphasis• Focus attention

with converging lines

• Increase an object’s intensity of color

• Cow’s Skull: Red, White, and Blue Georgia O’Keefe

Scale/Proportion• Scale is another term for size.• Large scale, small scale• What is big? Need a point of reference.• Proportion refers to relative size, measured

against other elements, against a standard.

• Proportion seems off because of scale of house to man…reference points.

Balance

• Balance is the distribution of visual weight within a composition.

Symmetrical Balance• Like shapes are repeated in the same position on

either side of a vertical axis

Asymmetrical Balance• With asymmetrical balance, balance is achieved

with dissimilar objects that have equal weight or equal eye attraction.

Radial Balance• All the elements of the composition radiate or

circle out from a common central point.

Rhythm

• In writing and poetry, words can establish a cadence, a repetitive flow of syllables.

Progressive Rhythm

• Progressive rhythm involves repetition of a shape that changes with a regular manner.

Alternating Rhythm• Successive

patterns where the same elements reappear in a regular order.