Lesson 10: Principles

of Design

Prepared by: Cathleen Andal

The principles of design describe the ways in which an artist has used or can
use the elements of art to create beautiful compositions. (Grider 1996)
Balance- distribution of the visual weight of objects, color, texture and space.
Three types of balance:
• Symmetrical balance- results when the elements used on one side of the
design are similar to those on the other side.
• Asymmetrical balance- is when the sides of the composition are different
but still look balanced.
• Radial balance- is achieved when the elements are around a central point.
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE ASYMMETRICAL RADIAL
BALANCE BALANCE
Emphasis- part of
the design that
catches the viewer’s
attention.

Movement- is the path

the viewer’s eye takes
when looking through the
work of art. Such
movement can be implied Pattern- repetition of
along lines edges, shape objects, shapes lines or
and color. symbols
Proportion- is
the feelinh of
unity created
when all parts
relate well with
each other

Repetition-
works with
pattern to make
to make the Rhythm- is created one or more
work seem elements of design are used
active repeatedly to produce a feeling of
organized, continuous, sometimes
flowing movement
 Unity- is the feeling of
harmony between and
among the parts of the work
of art.

Variety- the use of several

elements of design that adds
interest in order to hold
viewer’s attention.
 The Principles of Design
(how to use the tools to make art)
A regular arrangement of alternated or
repeated elements (shapes, lines, colours) or
motifs.
The juxtaposition of different elements of
design (for example: rough and smooth
textures, dark and light values).
Special attention/importance given to one
part of a work of art (for example, a dark
shape in a light composition).
A feeling of balance results when the elements
of design are arranged syemmettuvally or
asymmetrically to create the impression of
equality in weight or importance.

The relationship between objects with

respect to size, number, and so on,
including the relation between parts of
a whole.
The arrangement of elements to give the
viewer the feeling that all the parts of the
piece form a coherent whole.
The use of recurring elements to direct
the eye through the image; the way the
elements are organized to lead the eye
to the focal area

All parts of an image work

together to be seen as whole.

Using different elements in an

image to create visual interest.
THANK YOU!!