1. Principles of Design “DESIGN” is a visual plan you can use to create your project. Everything you see has a design. The principles of design are important to everyone who works in the visual arts, textiles, clothing, architecture, landscaping, photography, home interiors, woodworking and many other occupations

2. Balance is the equilibrium of various elements in a work of art. It can refer to mirror symmetry where both sides of a painting are exactly the same. When both sides of a painting are pretty close in similarity we can still call it formal balance. In your graphic organizer which accompanies this powerpoint presentation, draw an example of mirror symmetry in the box. But don’t plagiarise!

3. However, a large item can be placed just to the left of center and be balanced with a small item that is placed to the far right of the painting. Additionally, a large light object can be balanced against a small dark object. These examples would be considered asymmetrical balance. And here is an example of an “unbalanced painting.” In your graphic organizer draw an example of a large vs small item and an example of a large light vs small dark item as explained above. Then draw an example of a totally “out of balance” or “unbalanced” design. No plagiarising!

4. Unity refers to the visual linking and harmony of various design elements used in a piece of art. An aggressive subject should have bright or warm colors, rough texture, dominant features and bold vertical lines with sharp angles; whereas a calming picture would have pastel or cool colors, smooth implied textures, horizontal and curving lines. Note that these two pictures are the same size but the picture on the left looks larger due to the bold elements used in the painting. Draw and color an example of aggressive unity and an example of calm unity.

5. Contrast is the placing of opposing elements next to each other in a painting. Using contrasting colors, placing a horizontal curvy line next to a vertical jagged line, having a smooth texture next to a very rough texture are all examples of contrast. It is used to add interest to the central focus of a painting. Too much contrast can cause confusion and destroys unity. But on the other hand, too little contrast can cause a design to be bland and uninteresting. What types of contrast do you see in each picture? Contrasting colorsHorizontal curvy vs Vertical jagged Smooth texture next to Rough texture Boring! Try your hand at contrast…..one with color, one with varying lines, and one with texture in your graphic organizer. No boring stuff!!

6. Emphasis is given to the center of interest, which might be the largest, brightest, or lightest subject. The size of an object in a picture or textural differences may indicate the emphasis. Show emphasis three different ways in the boxes on your graphic organizer.

7. Movement in a visual image occurs when objects seem to be moving. Diagonal lines or changes in directions tend to create the illusion of movement or motion. Change in the darkness or lightness of an image, figures portrayed in unstable body positions, multiple overlapping images, blurry images, and optical illusions can all imply movement or motion.

8. Movement can also be achieved through gradation of size and direction through the use of linear perspective. Gradation from dark to light can also move the eye across the page. Gradation can also transform a flat shape into a three-dimensional form. Check out the examples below. In your graphic organizer draw an optical illusion and another version of movement. Linear perspective Dark to light Shape to form

9. Pattern, Repetition and Rhythm are related principles. A pattern is an element used all over a piece of artwork to add interest. Repetition is the use of a pattern in more than one place in a composition. Rhythm occurs when there is variation in the pattern or repetition. Too much pattern or monotonous repetition gets boring. Too little pattern is bland and dull. In your graphic organizer, create an original pattern and then modify it a bit to create a rhythmic repetition.

10. Proportion is the harmony created when all parts of a painting or drawing relate well with each other. It can also be the measurement of the size and quantity of elements within a composition. In ancient arts, proportions of forms were enlarged to show importance. This is why Egyptian gods and political figures appear so much larger than common people. The ancient Greeks found fame with their accurately-proportioned sculptures of the human form.

11. Beginning with the Renaissance, artists recognized the connection between proportion and the illusion of 3-dimensional space.

12. Many pre-Renaissance artists did not use linear perspective. If figures were to be in the foreground or to appear larger, they were placed at the bottom of the picture. Figures placed higher in the picture were “considered” smaller and farther away. If you measure them, they are pretty much all the same size! The picture to the left is Persian. This painting is one of Mrs. Tomaszycki’s favorites! The picture above is Chinese. More examples to enjoy:

13. The early 17 th century painting on the left is a failed attempt at proportion and perspective. The 15 th century picture to the right is a decent “try” at proportion and perspective, but it still fails in portions of the painting. Orthogonal lines go in all different directions N eeds work in proportioning figures

14. Observe the great attempts at proportion and linear perspective. Can you find the vanishing points?

15. Perspective and proportion!

16. Foreshortening happens when an object appears compressed when seen from a particular viewpoint, and the effect of perspective causes distortion. Foreshortening is a particularly effective artistic device, used to give the impression of three-dimensional volume and to create drama in a picture. Try the technique yourself in the box in your graphic organizer.

17. The Principles of Design: Balance Unity Contrast Emphasis Movement Pattern, Repetition, Rhythm Proportion By NancyAnn Tomaszycki Stoney Creek High School Rochester, Michigan 2012