Line, Form, Depth, and Space Modified by the Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July, 2002

Types of Line Line provides structure and shape in an arrangement Line expresses mood & feeling Types of lines: actual line implied line psychic lines

Actual Lines Plain to see The eye follows a real line existing in the design Foliage and flowers can provide an actual line; so can containers and accessories Set up the skeleton of the design

Implied Line No line actually exists Created by a series of repeated elements

Psychic Line Does not exist as actual lines or even repetition of materials Created by placing flowers in a way that directs the eye Directional facing: term used to describe placing flowers in a way to create line

Line Direction Direction of lines in a design express certain feelings 4 patterns of line direction vertical horizontal diagonal curved

Vertical Line Stresses height, power, strength Causes continuous movement of the eye from focal point to the top edge and back to focal point

Horizontal Line Stresses width instead of height Implies restfulness and stability Provides eye movement at a slow and leisurely pace

Diagonal Line Suggests motion and excitement Too many diagonal lines can be busy and confusing

Curved Line Suggests motion in a soft and comforting way Adds interest and gentleness to a design

Form Refers to the 3D aspect of an object Also known as shape The form of the container, flowers, and foliage in a design must be harmonious

Space Area that containers and flowers occupy is positive space Area between forms in an arrangement is negative space A void connects one area of positive space to another Space is necessary to keep the flowers from looking cramped

Depth Depth in arrangements is important to keep from creating a 2D effect Achieved by angling stems, overlapping, size differences, and color

Angling Stems Exaggeration of stem angles provides depth Tallest background stems are angled backwards while front stems are angled down in front of the container

Overlapping Slight overlapping of flowers enhances depth Varying height, width, and depth of flowers creates a natural appearance

Size Large flowers should be arranged low and toward the front in a design Smaller flowers should be placed toward the back Gradual transition from large to small is important

Color and Value Bright and dark colors should be placed low and in the front Move toward lighter and duller colors in the back