Pines City Colleges

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Second Semester, A.Y. 2021-2022

Course Number: Hum 101

Course Title: Arts Appreciation

Modular Learning Guide # 5

Topic: Principles of Design

Expected Time of Completion: 3 hours

A. Learning Outcomes
The students are able to identify the principles of design and create an artwork depicting the
various principles of design.

B. Learning Content

Principles of Understanding Artistic Design and Composition

Art principles are created by combining art elements. Artists utilize organizing principles to develop
forms that inform. Among the fundamental principle of art are harmony, variety, balance, movement,
emphasis, proportion, and rhythm. Whether analysing or composing artwork, one must have a complete
understanding of how art principles are created (Elsen, 1981).

The Principle of Harmony. When all of the elements of art interact well in an artwork, visual
harmony is attained. This is accomplished by using similar types of geometric shapes, lines or colors
within a work of art to create a unified composition. Likewise, using various cool or warm colors would
help to produce a harmonious work of art.

The Principle of Variety. A stable composition will also demonstrate the principle of variety. It is
accomplished by using differing colors, lines, and shapes within an artwork to make key areas stand out.
Artists can use this idea to direct a viewer’s eye to a place within the art that he or she wants to
emphasize.

The Principle of Balance. It refers to the symmetry of opposing visual forces. It is created in a work
of art when colors, forms, shapes or textures are combined harmoniously.

The Principle of Movement. It is the way that an eye moves throughout a work of art. In this work of
art, our eye moves up through the pattern in the rippling surface of the water to the two paddlers. An
artist creates a visual movement to drive the eye to the focal point of the artwork.

Principle of Emphasis. It refers to the need for an artist to create a focal point within an artwork.
This artistic point is an essential part of a work of art, and the viewer’s eye should drawn to that area.

Principles of Proportion. This principle is created when the sizes of elements in an artwork art are
combined harmoniously. The artist usually tries to make all of the parts in a composition relate logically
to each other to depict the human form within the proper proportion.

Principle of Rhythm. It refers to the use of visual pattern within a work of art. Models within an
artwork are created by repeating certain colors, line or shapes in specific areas. It can also be used to
form a variety of texture within a work of art.

C. Learning Activities (35 points)

Look inside the different rooms, spaces or stuff in your house or area of residence then take a
picture of something that exemplifies each of the 7 principles. There should only be one picture

1
 for each principle so there should be 7 pictures. Kindly label each picture on what principle they
are observing.
You may purposely move some stuff or furniture in your house for the following principles to be
achieved.
You may use any camera you have. Cellphone camera will do.
Again it must be pictures of the different rooms or spaces in your area of residence so you do not
have to go out.

To be submitted with your assessment on or before October 14, 2021 (Thursday) through email at
c_cherry@pcc.edu.ph. Google form would not be used this time because the amount of gigabyte
submitted under one form is only 1.
Take note of the underscore in your instructor’s PCC email address.
Do not forget to include your name, course and year in your output.
Again, label your pictures according to the principle they follow.

D. Resources
none applicable

E. Assessment (25 points)

Research on what is rule of thirds then take a picture of your favorite person applying the said
rule. Indicate below the picture who is the person in the picture and why you have chosen
him/her. The person can be yourself if you want.

To be submitted with your learning activity on or before October14, 2021 (Thursday) through
email at c_cherry@pcc.edu.ph. Google form would not be used this time because the amount of
gigabyte submitted under one form is only 1gb.
Take note of the underscore in your instructor’s PCC email address.
Do not forget to include your name, course and year in your output.
Again, label your pictures according to the principle they follow.

Best of luck in being a photographer, just simply enjoy the activity. Who knows, one day you will
be showcasing your photos in a gallery.

F. References
https://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/principles_design.pdf

Prepared by: Noted by:

Cherry Cawis Engr. Cecilia L. Cabanilla

Department Head