(reprinted from Susan Feller's blog,
artwools.com)
The Elements and Principles of Design can be
considered building blocks for composition. Elements are basic words to
understand and then combine to achieve a Principle or make a story.
Elements: Line, Shape, Form, Space, Value, Color,
Texture
Line is a joining
of points. Thickness, direction and length are variables..
Shapes are created
by joining lines. They are 2-Dimensional: height and width.
Form is any
3-Dimensional object. Form can be measured, from top to bottom (height), side
to side (width), and from back to front (depth). Form is also defined by light
and dark. A source of light on the object will convey form with the shadow or
highlight associated by the exposure of light on the motif.
Space is the area
provided for a particular purpose. It may have two dimensions (length and
width), such as a floor, or it may have three dimensions (length, width, and
height). Space includes the background, fore and middle ground.
Value refers to the
relationship between light and dark on a surface or object and also helps
create form. A value scale in fabric has 1 assigned to the lightest piece.
Using a range of value in a work evokes a mood: middle values feel like a gray,
rainy day; light values are cheery; and a dark work is somber.
Color is a
combination of light rays reflected from a surface. In order to see color a
light source is necessary. Notice the lessening of discernable color when a
light is dimmed and then turned off. Color has three characteristics: hue,
value and intensity.
Texture is the
quality of a surface. In visual art, there are two types of texture: tactile
and implied. In textile art there is texture in the materials used such as
checks, plaids and tweeds.
Principles: Contrast, Emphasis, Rhythm, Movement,
Pattern, Balance, Unity
Contrast is a design
principle which provides visual interest. This can be accomplished using
changes in scale, color, value, shapes.
Emphasis refers to
areas of interest that guide the eye into and out of the image through the use
of sequence, various levels of focal points, a change of value or intensity of
color.
Rhythm as a
principle is used to organize a composition and create interest, unity or
emphasis. Visual rhythm is achieved by the same effort- repeating a shape,
color or line in a regular pattern.
Movement can be
achieved with a consistent directional line, or group of lines or by arranging
shapes along an imaginary line.
Pattern is defined as
a single unit of design used in repetition.
Balance – The eye perceives
weights being equal and balanced when they have the same value, or intensity of
color creating harmony. A design with equal shapes on either side of the
imaginary dividing center line has symmetrical balance and is boring. Changing
a motif or color on one side puts interest into the work.
Unity refers to a
sense that everything in a piece of work belongs there. It is achieved by the
use of balance, repetition and/or design harmony.
In order to have a successful design three parts
must work together:
Materials, Techniques, and
Composition