DESIGN ELEMENTS

LINE

Line affects clarity, perspective, structure, attitude, strength, and texture.

Straight lines = direct, clear,

Curved lines = softness, gentleness, movement

Vertical lines- strength

Horizontal lines = calm, tranquil

Diagonal Lines= action, energy

Thick lines= strength

Thin lines= weakness

Fuzzy lines= softness

Real lines= lines that can be seen

Implied lines = exist in the contrast of two areas (object against a background) or created by a sequence of objects (footsteps in the sand)

SHAPE

Geometric= squares, circles, triangles, etc.

They may be natural- full moon, half grapefruit, rock crystals

man-made- architecture, machinery

Organic= irregular edges

They may be natural- leaves, feathers, bushes

man-made- light bulbs, furniture

SPACE

The area or depth the painting represents. Clear detail appears closer, fuzzy and overlapping shapes seem further away.

TEXTURE

The surface appears to have a tactile quality such as rough, smooth, soft, hard etc. It may be real or implied.

COLOR

Color may evoke emotions and moods, attract attention, decorate, or identify. It tends to have greatest effect on the affective "feeling" of a painting.

Intensity= how pure and bright or dull the color is.

Value= how light or dark the color is. Values helps establish perspective, contrast, and form.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

UNITY

Also called form= how does the painting hold together. Does it feel complete, do the various parts fit together. Unity is obtained by use of themes, repetition, lines, and borders.

BALANCE

Affected by large/small, light/dark, warm/cool, geometric/organic etc.

Symmetrical= all sides seem nearly equal in emphasis and weight. Symmetry creates calmness, formality. Examples are: human face, butterfly, spruce tree, much architecture.

Asymmetrical= sides are not equal, small objects opposed by larger objects, colors etc. Creates sense of motion, mystery and excitement.

Radial= focus radiates out like spokes of a wheel. Actually a form of symmetry.

CONTRAST

The play of one entity against another. Without dark there can be no light. Used to attract attention, establish form and provide emphasis.

THEME

Central ideal may be object, concept, mood, and design principle.

PATTERN

Repeated elements create patterns. Patterns may be formal, geometric, random, etc.

MOVEMENT/RHYTHM

Movement is the action the viewer's eye follows when looking at the painting. The eye tends to move from one object to another. This may be traced throughout the picture.

Rhythm is the organized repetition of a pattern.

National Art Gallery

Pollaiuolo- Martydom of St. Sebastian- form

Claude- Embarkation of Queen of Sheba- perspective

Panini- Roman Ruins

Michel- Stormy Landscape

Antonello- Christ Crucified

Delacroix- Christ on the Cross

Turner Bequest

Claude- Marriage of Issac and Rebekka

Turner- Dido Building Carthage