Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Pattern
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN IN ART
A pattern is an artistic or decorative design made of
lines; thus pattern is a repetition of shapes. Patterns
make a basis of ornaments, which are specific for
different cultures. Owen Jones (1856/2010) made
a huge collection of ornaments typical of different
countries. He wrote a monographic topic entitled
“The Grammar of Ornament.”
Principles of design that are most often used in
visual arts are: balance, emphasis, movement,
variety, proportion and unity. These principles
may vary according to the person using them. For
example, some textbooks discuss also contrast,
rhythm, and repetition (Goldstein et al., 1986). The
skillful use of elements and principles of design
may enrich the work of art beyond just depiction
of reality and invoke aesthetical and intellectual
sensations of pleasure, appreciation, or repulsion.
Texture
Texture is a general characteristic for a substance
or a material. Texture exists all around us. It can be
either actual (natural, invented, or manufactured)
or simulated (made to look rough, smooth, hard
or soft, or like a natural texture). Simulated tex-
tures are made to represent real textures such as
a smooth arm or rough rock formation. But they
are not actual textures, and if you touch the picture
you feel only the paint or the pen, or pencil marks.
See Table 11 for Your Visual Response.
Balance
Balance is an arrangement of lines, colors, values,
textures, forms, and space, so that one section
or side of the artwork does not look heavier or
stronger than another. We can see in art three
main types of balance: formal (or symmetrical),
informal (or asymmetrical), and radial balance.
Formal or symmetrical balance has equal weight
Table 11.
Your Visual Response: Some Textures and then a Booklet
Draw simulated textures that would enhance your sketch of a city: rough stonewalls, hard metal parts of a bridge, or a fluffy cloud. Now
you can make a little booklet about the elements of design. First fold paper three times to make a booklet with 8 pages; number the pages.
Using your drawings you have already made, design your own “Elements of Design” topic.
