Elements & principles
The elements and principles of design are the building blocks, or ingredients used to create a work of art. The elements of design can be thought of as the things that make up a painting, drawing, sculpture, etc... One piece of artwork can contain many, if not all of the elements of art.
The principles of design are ways we choose to handle our materials. Think of the Elements of Design as the ingredients, and the Principles of design as the recipe. We use the Principles of Design to help create various effects and moods in works of art. Learning the Elements and Principles of art is important because it gives us a vocabulary for noticing, describing, judging and discussing works of art.
We will use the lists and definitions below when talking about the Elements and Principles of art at Washington High School.
Elements of Design
Line: Lines can show direction, divide a space, and communicate a feeling.
Color: Described with words like hue, value and intensity.
Shape / Form: Shapes are made by connecting lines. They can be geometric or organic. When shapes are three dimensional, we call them forms. Forms are three dimensional shapes.
Texture: Is how something feels when touched.
Space: Space referes to the area that a shape or form occupies. It can be positive space (an object) or negative space (the area around an object).
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
Principles of Design
Emphasis: A focal point of an image, or when one area or thing stands out the most.
Contrast: Difference and change within an artwork that creates interest.
Rhythm / Pattern / Repetition: A regular repetition of elements. This establishes a regular beat within the piece and help create unity.
Movement: The path the viewer's eye takes through the piece of art. The movement often leads to the areas of emphasis. Movement can also be kinetic. This means that the piece of artwork physically moves. This type of movement is typically found in sculptures.
Balance: The visual weight of a piece of art. Symmetrical balance is when the visual weight is the same on both sides. Asymmetrical balance is when the visual weight is different.
Unity & Variety: Unity is achieved when the components of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion. Variety is put into artwork to add visual interest - so it does not become too boring to look at.
Examples & More Resources
A Prezi presentation on the Elements & Principles in Sculpture
Presentation with Visuals
Website with more detail definitions and examples
The principles of design are ways we choose to handle our materials. Think of the Elements of Design as the ingredients, and the Principles of design as the recipe. We use the Principles of Design to help create various effects and moods in works of art. Learning the Elements and Principles of art is important because it gives us a vocabulary for noticing, describing, judging and discussing works of art.
We will use the lists and definitions below when talking about the Elements and Principles of art at Washington High School.
Elements of Design
Line: Lines can show direction, divide a space, and communicate a feeling.
Color: Described with words like hue, value and intensity.
Shape / Form: Shapes are made by connecting lines. They can be geometric or organic. When shapes are three dimensional, we call them forms. Forms are three dimensional shapes.
Texture: Is how something feels when touched.
Space: Space referes to the area that a shape or form occupies. It can be positive space (an object) or negative space (the area around an object).
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
Principles of Design
Emphasis: A focal point of an image, or when one area or thing stands out the most.
Contrast: Difference and change within an artwork that creates interest.
Rhythm / Pattern / Repetition: A regular repetition of elements. This establishes a regular beat within the piece and help create unity.
Movement: The path the viewer's eye takes through the piece of art. The movement often leads to the areas of emphasis. Movement can also be kinetic. This means that the piece of artwork physically moves. This type of movement is typically found in sculptures.
Balance: The visual weight of a piece of art. Symmetrical balance is when the visual weight is the same on both sides. Asymmetrical balance is when the visual weight is different.
Unity & Variety: Unity is achieved when the components of a work of art are perceived as harmonious, giving the work a sense of completion. Variety is put into artwork to add visual interest - so it does not become too boring to look at.
Examples & More Resources
A Prezi presentation on the Elements & Principles in Sculpture
Presentation with Visuals
Website with more detail definitions and examples