Principles of Design

BalanceThe way in which the elements in visual arts are arranged to create a feeling of equilibrium in an artwork. The three types of balance are symmetry, asymmetry, and radial.

Symmetrical Balance

Salvador DaliThe Elephantsoil on canvas1948

Frieda KahloSelf Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird1940

Symmetry is Everywhere!

Symmetry in Architecture

Asymmetrical Balance

Vincent van GoghStarry Night

1889

Gustav KlimtPortrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer1907

Sold to Ronald Lauder for $135 million in 2006

Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, 1829-1832

Radial Symmetry

Emphasis

Special attention or embellishment on an element, characteristic or object in a work of art that makes it stand out from others.

Emphasis

Gustav KlimtThe Kiss1907-1908

Vincent van GoghPortrait of Dr. Gachet1890

Sold for 82.5 million in 1990

Emphasis

Emphasis

HenriMatisse Edvard Munch

Georgia O’Keefe

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.

Contrast Color and Value

Contrast in Texture

Contrast in Subject

PatternThe repetition of anything - line, shape, color, etc. in an artwork. Pattern can also represent a model or theme in design work.

M.C. Escher

Piet MondrianComposition II Red, Blue and Yellow1930Composition #10, 1939-1942

RhythmRepetitive visual elements that achieve a specific effect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ3glUYHa3Q

Alexander CalderThe S-Shape Vine1946

13 Spines, 1940

M.C. Escher, Magic Mirror, 1946

Three Spheres, 1945

SCALE

Relative size of an object compared to its surroundings

The person gives us an understanding of how large the jack knife is

Proportion

The determination of measurements of dimensions within a design, artwork or human figure.

Scaleand Proportion

Andrew WyethChristina’s World1948

Cushing, MaineResting Place of Christina Olsonand Andrew Wyeth

Only 3 scenic hours from North Reading!

VARIETY

A principle of design that refers to a way of combining visual elements to achieve intricate and complex relationships. It is a technique used by artists who wish to increase the visual interest of their work.

UNITY

Definition:A principle of design that connects a variety of elements of art and principles of design into a work of art with harmony and balance.

UNITYusingcolor

Claude Monet - Dusk in Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore by Twilight[1] or Sunset in Venice)1908-1912

Unity using line

Marcel DuchampNude Descending a Staircase (No. 2)1912

Vincent van GoghStarry Night, 1889

Unity using form

RodinThe Thinker - Bronze Sculpture1880

Motion / Movement

The principle of design that deals with the creation of action.

Simon BirchContemporary Artist