ART APPRECIATION (GE 103)+) The Principles of Art Design

P Course Description
CHAPTER A course covering the nature, function and appreciation of the arts

4
in contemporary society.

Total Learning Time: 3 hrs.

Pre-requisites: None
Overview:
Perception of art is governed by different principles of art design. This principles guide artist
in making his art more beautiful and interesting to the observer.
This module include worksheets to work on to process your understanding and learning.
Rubrics for outputs is also included to guide you on the desired performances and learning outcomes.

Most Essential Learning Competencies

At the end of the chapter, the students must have:

 Acquired the ability to perceive harmonious combination of lines, forms, sizes,
textures, ideas and colors;
 Acquired the ability to perceive, recognize, and make balanced compositions;
 Acquired the ability to make rhythm arrangement;
 Appreciated beautiful compositions or designs; and
 Acquire the ability to select and arrange objects for emphasis

Indicative Content
The Principles of Art Design
The 7 Principles of Art
Other Art Principles

LET’S DISCUSS THIS!

The Principles of Art Design
The elements and principles of art and design are the foundation of the language we use to
talk about art. The elements of art are the visual tools that the artist uses to create a composition.
These are line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space.
The principles of art represent how the artist uses the elements of art to create an effect and to
help convey the artist's intent. The principles of art and design are balance, contrast, emphasis,
movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity/variety. The use of these principles can help determine whether
a painting is successful, and whether or not the painting is finished.
The artist decides what principles of art he or she wants to use in a painting. While an artist
might not use all the principles of design in one piece, the principles are intertwined and the use of
one will often depend on another. For example, when creating emphasis, the artist might also be using
contrast or vice versa. It is generally agreed that a successful painting is unified, while also having
some variety created by areas of contrast and emphasis; is visually balanced; and moves the viewer's
eye around the composition. Thus it is that one principle of art can influence the effect and impact of
another.
ART APPRECIATION (GE 103)+) The Principles of Art Design

The 7 Principles of Art

1. Balance refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. It is a sense that the
painting feels stable and "feels right." Imbalance causes a feeling of discomfort in the viewer.
Balance can be achieved in 3 different ways:
a. Symmetry, in which both sides of a composition have the same elements in the same
position, as in a mirror-image, or the two sides of a face.
b. Asymmetry, in which the composition is balanced due to the contrast of any of the
elements of art. For example, a large circle on one side of a composition might be
balanced by a small square on the other side.
c. Radial symmetry, in which elements are equally spaced around a central point, as in the
spokes coming out of the hub of a bicycle tire.
See the article, Balance, for some visual examples of how the elements of art can be used
to achieve balance.
2. Contrast is the difference between elements of art in a composition, such that each element is
made stronger in relation to the other. When placed next to each other, contrasting elements
command the viewer's attention. Areas of contrast are among the first places that a viewer's
eye is drawn. Contrast can be achieved by juxtapositions of any of the elements of art.
Negative/Positive space is an example of contrast. Complementary colors placed side by side
is an example of contrast. Notan is an example of contrast.
3. Emphasis is when the artist creates an area of the composition that is visually dominant and
commands the viewer's attention. This is often achieved by contrast.
4. Movement is 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.
5. Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or any combination thereof.
Anything can be turned into a pattern through repetition. Some classic patterns are spirals,
grids, weaves. For examples of different pattern types see the Artlandia Glossary of Pattern
Design. A popular drawing practice is Zentangles, in which an abstract or representational
outline is divided into different areas, each of which contains a unique pattern.
6. Rhythm is created by movement implied through the repetition of elements of art in a non-
uniform but organized way. It is related to rhythm in music. Unlike pattern, which demands
consistency, rhythm relies on variety.
7. Unity/Variety You want your painting to feel unified such that all the elements fit together
comfortably. Too much unity creates monotony, too much variety creates chaos.You need
both. Ideally, you want areas of interest in your composition along with places for your eye to
rest.

Other Art Principles:

 Novelty or newness
Provides the best opportunity for developing ones creative ability.
 Variety or variation
Variation in the arrangement or style makes the space occupies more
interesting and attractive.
 Utility, adaptability or function
A work of art must not only possess beauty, but also utility.
The object must be adaptable to a purpose for which it is made.
In designing modern structures, function is the first thing to consider.
 Contrast
It is synonymous to opposition or contradiction.
ART APPRECIATION (GE 103)+) The Principles of Art Design

ASSESSMENT
Name:____________________________________Course and Year:_______________________

1. Which of the following describes Balance?

a. It is the result of using the elements of art moving around and within the image.
b. Created by movement implied through the repetition of elements in a non-
uniform way.
c. Refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition and sense of
stability.
d. It is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or any combination.
2. It is when the artist creates an area of the composition that is visually dominant and
commands the viewer's attention.
a. Pattern
b. Rhythm
c. Movement
d. Emphasis
3. Which of the following statement describes contrast?
a. It is created by movement implied through the repetition.
b. It is the difference between elements of art in a composition.
c. It is when the artist creates an area of the composition that is visually dominant.
d. It is a uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or any combination thereof.
4. It is synonymous to opposition or contradiction.
a. Utility
b. Variety
c. Novelty
d. Contrast
5. Provides the best opportunity for developing ones’ creative ability.
a. Utility
b. Variety
c. Novelty
d. Contrast
6. The object must be adaptable to a purpose for which it is made.
a. Utility
b. Variety
c. Novelty
d. Contrast
7. Balance can be achieved through both sides of a composition have the same elements in the
same position.
a. Symmetry
b. Asymmetry
c. Radial symmetry
d. Shape symmetry
8. Refers to the composition is balanced due to the contrast of any of the elements of art.
a. Symmetry
b. Asymmetry
c. Radial symmetry
d. Shape symmetry
9. Elements are equally spaced around a central point, as in the spokes coming out of the hub of
a bicycle tire.
a. Symmetry
b. Asymmetry
ART APPRECIATION (GE 103)+) The Principles of Art Design

c. Radial symmetry
d. Shape symmetry
10. The principles of the art design can be described through the following, except.
a. The artist uses elements of art like the visual tool to create composition.
b. The artist did not assigned materials to be used for his successful expression of
opinion.
c. The artist decides what principles he or she wants to use whether in visual or
performing.
d. The artist might not use all the principles of design because it will depend mostly
on the artist.

ADDITIONAL READING

Panisa, W.P. et al.(2015). Art Appreciation. Mutya Publishing House Inc., Malabon City.

REFERENCES

Ariola,M.M., 2014 Introduction to Art Appreciation, C & E Publishing, Inc. Quezon City.
pg 12-41
Barerra, L. (2020). Module in Art Appreciation. Capiz State University, Dumarao Campus