Binalonan, Pangasinan

MODULE 4
Principles of Design

Course Title: Art Appreciation

Course Code: GE 6

Name: __________________________________________________________
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN It represent how the artist uses the elements of art to create
an effect and to help convey the artist’s intent
1. HARMONY - the most essential factor in
a composition; also called unity, it is
achieved when all the elements of a thing
are put together to come up
with a coherent whole.

2. BALANCE – known as physical

equilibrium, it is the stability produced by
even distribution of weight on each side of
the thing.

Two Classifications of Balance:

Course and Year: ________________________
Contact Number: ________________________
Date and Time Allotment::

Introduction
This module entitled Principles of design is about how these principles governed the artists
in communicating ideas and concepts effectively in their artworks.

I. Objectives

At the end of the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify and distinguish how the principles of design are used to visually organize the elements of
design;
2. Analyze the use of each principle of design in improving the quality of an artwork; and
3. Create their own artworks governed by the principles of art.
II. Lecture

a. FORMAL BALANCE – exists if the Bilateral symmetry is present when

weights at equal distance from the center
are equal. It is also called symmetrical
balance because the thing displays
symmetry (same measure).
the left and right sides appear the
same; the right side mirrors the left ,
said of the human body.
Radial symmetry exists when the
same measure occurs from the
central point to the end of every radius; this kind of
symmetry applies to round objects or those with radii like
stars and starfish

b. INFORMAL BALANCE – is present when

the left and the right sides of the thing,
though not identical in appearance, still
display an even distribution of weight. It is
also known as asymmetrical or occult
balance.

3. RHYTHM- the continuous use of motif or It can be achieved by the following:

repetitive pattern of a succession of similar
or identical items. It is exemplified by a. alternation -
concentric circles by an alternation of black use of two
and white stripes, by checkered blue and patterns alternatively
orange squares. It is characterized as b. radiation –
repetitive, continuous or flowing. repetition of the motif
from the
center or
toward it
c. progression - use
of motifs varying sizes , that a
is, from the smallest to the
largest, or vice versa
d. parallelism – use of
pattern with an equal distance
4. PROPORTION – the comparative
relationship of the different parts in relation
to the whole. It is the proper and pleasing
relationship of one object with the others in a
design.

Polyclitus – according to him, a wellknown

proportioned human body is eighthead
parts, that is, the head is one-eight of the
entire human body.

Da Vinci – he came up with his own

measurement of the human body by
means of his work, “The Vitruvian Man”

5. EMPHASIS – it is the giving of proper

importance on one or more parts of the
thing or the whole artwork.

6. CONTRAST - the difference between

elements of art in a composition, such that
element is made stronger in relation to the
other.

7. MOVEMENT - the result of using the

elements of art such that they move the
viewer’s eye around and within the image
A sense of movement can be created by
diagonal or curvy lines, either real or
implied, by edges, by the illusion of space,
by repetition, by energetic mark-making.
III. Application/Activity
There are some artworks that effectively used some art principles. Describe each image and
state why the use of a specific principle became effective in increasing or improving the impact and
quality of their works. See and write down if you can also find more principles present in the work.
Use the space beside each image to briefly state your answers.

1. American, Cutout of Animals, second

quarter 19th century

2. Hokusai, Ejiri in Suruga Province, 1830

3. “Black and Violet” by Vasily Kandisnky

in 1923
IV. Assessment

● Using your skills in photography, take a picture of any subject that shows one or more
principles of design.

● Make a title about your photo and identify the principle/s of design being shown in your photo.
 ● As you capture a picture, take some documentation while doing this given activity as a proof
that you personally made it.

● You must send it through messenger or Google class.

● Kindly follow the given format below:

TITLE:
PRINCIPLE/S OF DESIGN:
PHOTOGRAPHER:
COURSE & YEAR
ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION (at least 2-3 pictures):

V. References

● Roldan, Albert Napoleon J., Deliosa, Chloe P. A Course Module for Art Appreciation. REX
Bookstore, 2019

● Menoy, Jesus Z. Introduction to the Humanities: A Holistic Approach. International Book

Royale, Inc.2014

● https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/

● https://99designs.com/blog/tips/back-to-basics-part-ii-principles-of-design-with-painting/