7th- Elements and Principles of Design Unit

During this unit we will be reviewing the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.  The elements and principles are important to help you understand how to create and discuss artworks in class.

Day 1- Research and Define Elements and Principles/ Socrative Quiz/ Brainstorming

The elements of art are the building blocks used by artists to create a work of art.

Elements are the things that make up a painting, drawing, design... 

• Line is a dot that goes on a walk. Lines can organize, direct or separate. They can join elements or divide them. They can create shapes, be expressive, suggest an emotion, or create a rhythm.

• Shape is a two- dimensional, self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. The three basic shapes: the circle, the square, and the triangle are considered to be the fundamental shapes found in all design.

• Color is the part of light that is reflected by the object we see. In 2D we mix pigments to create new colors. Color is defined by hue and value and intensity.

• Value is the lightness or darkness of an area or object. It adds dimension by creating the illusion of depth.

• Space refers to the distance between elements that creates positive or negative spaces in a composition.

• Texture is the look and feel of a surface (rough, smooth, soft, hard, glossy, etc) and it can be physical (realistic) or visual (implied). Texture adds richness and dimension to 2D works

• Forms are 3-d shapes, such as pyramids and cubes.

Principles are what we do with these elements 

• Balance occurs when all the design elements are equally distributed through the design. There are essentially three types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

• Contrast (Variety) stresses the visual differences in size, shape, and color between the elements to enhance the perception of a message intended. Contrast also draws and directs the viewer's attention to specific areas.

• Emphasis indicates the most important element because it attracts the viewer's attention first and creates a focal point.

• Rhythm is a pattern created by repeating elements. Rhythm also denotes the sequence to the viewing order.

• Proportion (Scale) can attract in different ways. It can be use to draw attention to the unexpected or exaggerated. Overall size, monumental pieces are impact full while miniature has a sense of intimacy. Scale, alone, can change the meaning.

• Unity is achieved when all the design elements relate to one another and project a sense of completeness. Artist and designers use the Gestalt Theory, the psychological process of perception, to create unity (also called harmony).

These are the Elements of Art and Principles of Design defined by The Getty Museum.

 You will use these worksheets to complete your brainstorming exercise. Create drawings in each box that represent the element or principle given.

Day 2-Day 5- Elements and Principles of Design Cubes

For the rest of the week we will be working on creating cubes that have illustrations of the elements and principles of design. After you finish your cubes, they will be hung from the art room ceiling as a collaborative installation piece.

You will use this worksheet to create your cube designs. Each side of the cube will represent a different element or principle. You will make 2 cubes an elements cube and a principles cube.

Use your brainstorm worksheets to help you create your cube designs.

You may notice that there are 7 elements and only 6 sides on a cube. You WILL NOT create a design for form, because you are already representing that by making a cube. 

7th AR Standards: CR1.7.1 CR3.7.1 R8.7.1

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