The Principles

of Art Design

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The Principles
of Art Design
design: the proper arrangement of the different art elements in
order to produce something beautiful
Good design is the result of careful and correct application of
the principles of design.
harmony
the principle that produces an impression of unity through the
selection and arrangement of consistent objects or ideas
the quality that unifies every part of an arrangement
If there is harmony, there is order.
The Principles
of Art Design
five aspects of harmony
harmony of lines and shapes
Lines are made harmonious by either repeating the shape
of the lines or by connecting transitional lines to contrasting
lines.
harmony of size
refers to good proportion
harmony of color
using two or more colors in decorating an article or object
does not mean the mixing of the color
two standards/groups of color harmonies
related harmonies and contrasting harmonies
The Principles
of Art Design
five aspects of harmony
harmony of texture
character of texture: determined by feeling the object with
the fingertips or by looking at it
harmony of idea
rhythm
the regular, uniform, or related visual movement made through
the repetition of a unit or motif
the basis of almost all performing arts because it
is the principle that is most quickly felt
the most universal, dynamic, and pleasing art
principle
The Principles
of Art Design
unit/motif: a dominant feature or part repeated in a design or
decoration
Rhythm can be observed when the units are of the same sizes
and distances from one another.
classifications of rhythm
formal/uniform rhythm: the repetition of a motif in uniform
and regular arrangement
informal/free rhythm: the repetition of a motif with variation
in its form, size, and arrangement
balance
a condition or quality that gives a feeling of
rest, repose, equilibrium, or stability
The Principles
of Art Design
In art, the visual weights of lines, forms, values, textures, and
colors are balanced.
visual weight: the quality that gains and holds attention; the
power of attraction of each of the elements of art
Objects should be balanced horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
classifications of balance
formal/symmetrical balance: the balance of equal visual
weights placed at equal distances from the axis
informal/asymmetrical balance: the balance of
unequal visual weights, the heavier one being
nearer the axis and the lighter one farther
The Principles
of Art Design
proportion
the art principle that shows pleasing relationship between a
whole and its parts and between the parts themselves
can be achieved through proper arrangement of space divisions
generally expressed in terms of ratios
The standard Greek proportion for two dimensional or flat
surfaces is the Greek oblong or rectangle with ratio of 2:3.
The standard Greek proportion for three dimensional objects
or solids is 5:7:11.
three aspects of proportion
proportion in the grouping of objects;
proportion in space divisions; and scales
The Principles
of Art Design
emphasis
the principle of art that tends to carry the eyes from the center
of interest or dominant part of any composition to the less
important or subordinate parts
simplicity: the most important factor in emphasis
the guiding principle of the Greek and Japanese arts
There is no dominance without subordination, and no
subordination without dominance.
background: the least thing that should be
emphasized in any arrangement or composition
must be plain and should not be more
conspicuous than the objects placed before it
The Principles
of Art Design
methods of emphasizing objects
by arrangement or grouping of objects
by decoration
by color contrast
by the use of plain background space
by the use of unusual lines, shapes, and sizes of color
by action or movement
The Principles
of Art Design
novelty or newness
provides the best opportunity for developing ones creative
ability
variety or variation
makes a work of art more interesting and attractive
utility, adaptability, or function
A work of art must not only possess beauty but also utility.
The object must be adaptable to the purpose for which it is made.
contrast
synonymous to opposition or contradiction
The center of interest in a composition is in
contrast with the subordinating parts in the
same composition.
 Sources:
Ariola, Mariano M. Introduction to Art Appreciation:
A Textbook in Humanities. 2nd ed. Quezon City: C &
E Publishing, Inc., 2014. Print.
Lewis, Richard, and Susan I. Lewis. The Power of
Art. 3rd ed. United States of America: Wadsworth
CENGAGE Learning, 2014. Print.
Microsoft Encarta 2006. 1993-2005 Microsoft
Corporation.