Chapter 5.1: Elements of Principles of Design: A Review

Elements of Design

Understanding the Elements of Design is essential in conducting a formal analysis of art.

In Module 1, you were introduced to the Elements of Design, which are the visual tools the artist uses to speak their visual language. Visual art is a form of communication. The Elements of Design are “building blocks” the artist uses to communicate to you, the viewer. In contemporary times, as our definition of art and visual culture expands, our list of elements also grows and includes other sensory aspects such as sound or smell.

The following video, created by Learning Zone Express, is intended to give you additional perspectives of how to view some of the Elements of Design.

In addition to watching the following video, it is encouraged that you reference Module 1’s section on the Elements of Design: line, shape, mass/volume, perspective, texture, and color.

Design 1: The Elements (17:37)

Principles of Design: A Review

Understanding the Principles of Design is essential in conducting a formal analysis of art.

In Module 1, you were introduced to the Principles of Design. These are the visual guidelines that help the artist in their manipulation of the Elements of Design to achieve a successful composition or a desired effect.

The images below and the following video, created by Learning Zone Express, are intended to give you additional perspectives on how to view some of the Principles of Design.

In addition to watching the following video, it is encouraged that you reference Module 1’s section on the Principles of Design: unity / variety, scale / proportion, balance, emphasis / movement, and rhythm / repetition.

Design 2: The Principles (22:52)

Glossary

• • Elements of Design:
    The Elements of Design are the visual tools the artist uses to speak their visual language.
  • Principles of Design:
    Visual guidelines that help the artist in their manipulation of the elements towards a successful composition
  • Unity:
    The feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.
  • Variety:
    Differences in the use of the elements that provide excitement and change within a composition
  • Emphasis:
    The area(s) with the most contrast eventually are noticed as the most important areas of a visual artwork.
  • Rhythm:
    When one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement.
  • Scale:
    The size of an object (a whole) in relationship to another object (another whole). In art the size relationship between an object and the human body is significant. In experiencing the scale of an artwork we tend to compare its size to the size of our own bodies.
  • Proportion:
    The relative size of parts of a whole (elements within an object). We often think of proportions in terms of size relationships within the human body.
  • Balance:
    Balance in art refers to the sense of distribution of perceived visual weights that offset one another. We feel more comfortable–and therefore find it more pleasing–when the parts of an artwork seem to balance each other.