THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
LINE
Line can be considered in two ways. The linear marks made with a pen or brush or the edge created when two shapes meet.
SHAPE
A shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape.
DIRECTION
All lines have direction – Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquility. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Oblique suggests movement and action.
SIZE
refers to variations in the proportions of objects, lines or shapes. There is a variation of sizes in objects either real or imagined. (some sources list Proportion/Scale as a Principle of Design).
TEXTURE
Texture is the surface quality of a shape – rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual.
COLOUR
refers to specific hues and has 3 properties, Chroma, Intensity and Value. The color wheel is a way of showing the chromatic scale in a circle using all the colors made with the primary triad. Complimentary pairs can produce dull and neutral color. Black and white can be added to produce tints (add white), shades (add black) and tones (add gray).
VALUE
Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Value is also called Tone.
These elements are used to create the Principles of Design. Principles are the results of using the Elements. When you are working in a particular format (size and shape of the work surface) the principles are used to create interest, harmony and unity to the elements that you are using. You can use the Principles of design to check your composition to see if it has good structure.
THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
BALANCE
Balance in design is similar to balance in physics.
A large shape close to the center can be balanced
by a small shape close to the edge. A large light
toned shape will be balanced by a small dark toned
shape (the darker the shape the heavier it appears to be).
Or in different words it is a feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value, color, etc. Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or asymmetrical and un-evenly balanced. Objects, values, colors, textures, shapes, forms, etc., can be used in creating a balance in a composition.
- As shown above in the images provided from the internet you can observe how balance can be and is frequently used in design. The simple moving of one of the objects to a further reach in the image can change where the viewer looks and focuses his or her interest.
GRADATION
Gradation of size and direction produce linear perspective. Gradation 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.
- As shown above in the images provided from the internet gradation can dramatically increase interest in an image. The sharp contrast from the darkest point to the lightest point makes the viewer immediately concentrate their interest in that spot. Using gradation correctly creates a real sense of realism.
REPETITION
Repetiton with variation is interesting, without variation repetition can become monotonous.
- These Pictures display how variation in the way things are repeated can increase the viewers’ interest in the image dramatically. By using the elements of design and applying them with the principle of design, repetition, you can create a interesting image that the viewer will not find monotonous or boring.
CONTRAST
Contrast 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.
- Contrast is how the brightness or darkness of an object is used affectively in a picture. When the darkest dark meets the lightest light in an image you have your focal point; a place where the eye immediately travels when looking at your image. Contrast can be used to not only make an image interesting, but also to direct what path you want the viewer’s eye to take.
HARMONY
Harmony in painting is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. eg.adjacent colours on the colour wheel, similar shapes etc.
- As seen in the image above there is a lot of harmony in this image. All the colours are very complimenting of each other; from dark to light across the screen. This is a very good example of affective harmony through colour and design, making this an interesting picture.
DOMINANCE
Dominance gives a painting interest, counteracting confusion and monotony. Dominance can be applied to one or more of the elements to give emphasis
- Dominance in an image is the ability to affectively connect objects in a comfortable interesting way that pleases the eye. It is using balance in an image and using objects that will lead the eye along the path you want the viewer to follow when observing your art. As shown and explained above, its about making any image and its connections easy and comfortable for the eye.
UNITY
Relating 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.
