Design ElementsDesign elements are the basic units of a painting, drawing, design or other visual piece[2]and include:LineA fundamental mark or stroke used in drawing in which the length is longer than the width. Two connected points form a line and every line has a length, width, and direction it is straight.[3]

This image contains contour lines (the outline of the birds) and decoration lines (hatching).Uses A line that defines or bounds an edge, but not always the outside edge, could represent a fold or color change.[3] A line that defines the edge of space can also be created by a gap ofnegative space. Many uses include to separate columns, rows of type, or to show a change in document type.[3] Lines are used in linear shapes and patterns to decorate many differentsubstrates, and can be used to create shadows representing tonal value, calledhatching.[3]ColorColor can play a large role in the elements of design[4]with thecolor wheelbeing used as a tool, andcolor theoryproviding a body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual impacts of specific color combination.

Color star containing primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.Uses Color can aid organization so develop a color strategy and stay consistent with those colors.[4] It can give emphasis to create a hierarchyAttributes Hue[4] Valuesandtints and shadesof colors that are created by adding black to a color for a shade and white for a tint. Creating a tint or shade of a color reduces thesaturation.[4] Saturationgives a colorbrightnessor dullness.[4]ShapeA shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, color, or texture.[5]All objects are composed of shapes and all other 'Elements of Design' are shapes in some way.[3]Categories Mechanical Shapes or Geometric Shapes are the shapes that can be drawn using a ruler or compass. Mechanical shapes, whether simple or complex, produce a feeling of control or order.[3] Organic Shapes are freehand drawn shapes that are complex and normally found in nature. Organic shapes produce a natural feel.[3]

Texture

The tree's visual texture is represented here in this image.Meaning the way a surface feels or is perceived to feel. Texture can be added to attract or repel interest to an element, depending on the pleasantness of the texture.[3]Types of texture Tactile texture is the actual three-dimension feel of a surface that can be touched. Painter can useimpastoto build peaks and create texture.[3] Visual texture is the illusion of the surfaces peaks and valleys, like the tree pictured. Any texture shown in a photo is a visual texture, meaning the paper is smooth no matter how rough the image perceives it to be.[3]Most textures have a natural feel but still seem to repeat amotifin some way. Regularly repeating a motif will result in a texture appearing as apattern.[3]

SpaceIn design, space is concerned with the area deep within the moment of designated design, the design will take place on. For a two-dimensional design space concerns creating the illusion of a third dimension on a flat surface:[3] Overlap is the effect where objects appear to be on top of each other. This illusion makes the top element look closer to the observer. There is no way to determine the depth of the space, only the order of closeness. Shading adds gradation marks to make an object of a two-dimensional surface seem three-dimensional. Highlight,Transitional Light,Core of the Shadow,Reflected Light, andCast Shadowgive an object a three-dimensional look.[3] Linear Perspective is the concept relating to how an object seems smaller the farther away it gets. Atmospheric Perspective is based on how air acts as a filter to change the appearance of distance objects.

FormForm is anythree dimensionalobject. Form can be measured, from top to bottom (height), side to side (width), and from back to front (depth). Form is also defined by light and dark. There are two types of form, geometric (man-made) and natural (organic form). Form may be created by the combining of two or more shapes. It may be enhanced by tone, texture and color. It can be illustrated or constructed.

Principles of DesignPrinciples applied to theelements of designthat bring them together into one design. How one applies these principles determines how successful a design may be.[2]UnityAccording to Alex White, author ofThe Element of Graphic Design, to achieve visual unity is a main goal of graphic design. When all elements are in agreement, a design is considered unified. No individual part is viewed as more important than the whole design. A good balance between unity and variety must be established to avoid a chaotic or a lifeless design.[4]Methods Proximity Similarity Rhythm is achieved when recurring position, size, color, and use of a graphic element has a focal point interruption. Altering the basic theme achieves unity and helps keep interest.

Point, Line, and PlanePoint, Line, and Plane (PLP) are the three most basic shapes in visual design and a good design contains all three. The key to using PLP is making the shapes overlap and share elements.[4] Point: In design, a point can be the smallest unit of marking not simply a dot. Additionally, a point can be a small plane or a short line.[4] Line: The trace of a point in motion, a thin stroke, or even a narrow plane can be considered a line. Typed text automatically creates visual lines.[4] Plane: A plane can be perceived as a trace of a line in motion like dragging a piece of chalk across a blackboard sideways (long side down). Wide lines and large points may also create a plane.[4]BalanceIt is a state of equalized tension and equilibrium, which may not always be calm.[4]Types

The top image has symmetrical balance and the bottom image has asymmetrical balance Symmetry Asymmetrical produces an informal balance that is attention attracting and dynamic. Radial balance is arranged around a central element. The elements placed in a radial balance seem to 'radiate' out from a central point in a circular fashion. Overall is a mosaic form of balance which normally arises from too many elements being put on a page. Due to the lack of hierarchy and contrast, this form of balance can look noisy.

HierarchyA good design contains elements that lead the reader through each element in order of its significance. The type and images should be expressed starting from most important to the least.[4]

ScaleUsing the relative size of elements against each other can attract attention to a focal point. When elements are designed larger than life, scale is being used to show drama.[4]DominanceDominance is created by contrasting size, positioning, color, style, or shape. The focal point should dominate the design with scale and contrast without sacrificing the unity of the whole.[4]Similarity and ContrastPlanning a consistent and similar design is an important aspect of a designers work to make their focal point visible. Too much similarity is boring but without similarity important elements will not exist and an image without contrast is uneventful so the key is to find the balance between similarity and contrast.[4]Similar EnvironmentThere are several ways to develop a similar environment:[4] Build a unique internal organization structure. Manipulate shapes of images and text to correlate together. Express continuity from page to page in publications. Items to watch include headers, themes, borders, and spaces. Develop astyle manualand stick with the format.Contrasts Space Filled vs Empty Near vs Far 2-D vs 3-D Position Left vs Right Isolated vs Grouped Centered vs Off Center Form Simple vs Complex Beauty vs Ugly Whole vs Broken Direction Stability vs Movement Structure Organized vs Chaotic Mechanical vs Hand Drawn Size Big vs Little Deep vs. Shallow Color Grayscale vs Color Light vs Dark Texture Fine vs Coarse Smooth vs Rough Sharp vs Dull Density Transparent vs Opaque Thick vs Thin Liquid vs Solid Gravity Light vs Heavy Stable vs UnstableMovement is the path the viewers eye takes through the artwork, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines edges, shape and color within the artwork.

DESIGN AND COLOUR

The elements and principles of design are the building blocks used to create a work of art. The elements of design can be thought of as the things that make up a painting, drawing, design etc. Good or bad - all paintings will contain most of if not all, the seven elements of design.The Principles of design can be thought of as what we do to the elements of design. How we apply the Principles of design determines how successful we are in creating a work of art.note - the hyperlinks within the text of this page will open information in a new browser window. After you have read that information the window can then be closed leaving this window open.THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGNLINELine can be considered in two ways. The linear marks made with a pen or brush or the edge created when two shapes meet.SHAPEA shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape.DIRECTIONAll lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquillity. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Oblique suggests movement and actionsee notes on directionSIZESize is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another.TEXTURETexture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual.see notes on textureCOLOURAlso called Huesee notes on colourVALUEValue is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Value is also called Tonesee notes on tonal contrastTHE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGNBALANCEBalance in design is similar to balance in physics

A large shape close to the center can be balancedby a small shape close to the edge. A large lighttoned shape will be balanced by a small dark tonedshape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be)GRADATIONGradation of size and direction produce linear perspective. Gradation of 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.

REPETITIONRepetition with variation is interesting, without variation repetition can become monotonous.

The five squares above are all the same. They can be taken in and understood with a single glance.

When variation is introduced, the five squares, although similar, are much more interesting to look at. They can no longer be absorbed properly with a single glance. The individual character of each square needs to be considered.If you wish to create interest, any repeating element should include a degree of variation.CONTRASTContrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements eg. opposite colours on the colour wheel - red / green, blue / orange etc. Contrast in tone or value - light / dark. Contrast in direction - horizontal / vertical.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.HARMONYHarmony in painting is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. eg.adjacent colours on the colour wheel, similar shapes etc.DOMINANCEDominance gives a painting interest, counteracting confusion and monotony. Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis

UNITYRelating the design elements to the the idea being expressed in a painting reinforces the principal of unity.eg. a painting with an active aggressive subject would work better with a dominant oblique direction, course, rough texture, angular lines etc. whereas a quiet passive subject would benefit from horizontal lines, soft texture and less tonal contrast.Unity in a painting also refers to the visual linking of various elements of the work.