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Unit 3
Visual Design Elements and Principles

OUR LADY OF LOURDES COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Vinzons Ave, Daet Camarines Norte
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
READINGS IN THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY
SY 2021-2022

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when we grow
up!” Pablo Picasso

What if you had the keys to artistic kingdom? With each of these essential for making
art, that is exactly what you have. Understanding and applying the building blocks of art (or the
elements and principles of art as they are often called) is what takes an artist from beginner to
master.

In order to understand, deftly critique, and practice your chosen art form you need to
know the key concepts that it is built upon. Familiarity with elements of art like color and line and
principles of arts (proportion, rhythm, and contrast among others) is what gives artists that
fluency. With your knowledge of these, you will always be able to find the joy and excitement
that can surround art…and for lovers there is nothing more appealing than that.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, you will be able to…

 Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, take risks to pursue

ideas, forms and meanings that emerge in the process of art making and
designing.
 Organize and design images and words to make visually clear and
compelling presentations.

Pre-test
Direction: Select the correct answer and write it to the space given beside the item
number.

1. Balance can be shown by drawing symmetrically. True or False?

A. True C. False, it can be shown
with color symmetry
B. False, it can be also D. False, it can be only asymmetrical
asymmetrical
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2. What types of space can there be?

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A. Positive and neutral C. Only positive
B. Negative and neutral D. Negative and positive
3. When elements are arranged and repeated to form a beat like
atmosphere in the artworkis created
A. Movement C. Emphasis
B. Rhythm D. Contrast

4. When the two sides of a work of art are “weighed” equally the art work has…
A. Unity C. Balance
B. Repetition D. Contrast

5. Which of the following explains unity?

A. When a work of art achieves a quality of wholeness or look complete
B. When a work of art achieves a quality that makes the artist famous
C. When a work of art looks not complete and looks like a piece of a whole
D. When a work of art achieves a quality of appeal and appeals to anyone

6. Which of the following is when elements are used to create parts

that look very different?
A. Value C. Contrast
B. Texture D. Color

7. Repetition is when…
A. The same elements is used several times in a work of art
B. The same elements is used once in a work of art
C. The same element is used only in the center of the work of art
D. One element is the only element used in all of the art work

8. Emphasis is when…
A. All parts of the art work look good
B. One part of the art work is better than the rest
C. One part of the art work is dominant and draws the eye
D. One part of the art work is unique and defines the artist

9. This is what is around, between, above, below, or within things drawn.

A. Movement C. Shape
B. Space D. Value

10. Which of the following explains form?

A. Form is a 3 dimensional shape having depth, and height
B. Form is 2 dimensional shape having depth, height and width
C. Form is a 3 dimensional shape having height, width and area
D. Form is 3 dimensional depth, height and width

11. What colors are produced by mixing two primary colors in varying proportions?
A. Infrared C. Tertiary
B. Secondary D. Ultraviolet
12. A varying mixture of yellow, red and blue make?
A. Brown C. Indigo
B. Green D. Orange
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13. Which line conveys a feeling of movement?
A. Curve C. Horizontal
B. Diagonal D. Vertical

Thank you for answering the test.

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Content
Elements of Art

It is the stylistic features that are included within the art piece to help the artist
communicate. The elements of art are components or parts of a work of art that can be isolated
and defined. They are building blocks used by artist to create a work of art. When analyzing
these intentionally utilized elements, the viewer is guided towards a deeper understanding of the
work.
The seven most common elements include line, shape, texture, form, space, color and value:

1. Line- a line is an identifiable path created by a point moving in space. It is one dimensional
and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. Lines
can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. They lead your eye
around the composition and can communicate information through their character and
direction.

Horizontal lines suggest a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the
earth are at rest. Horizontal lines also help give a sense of space.
Vertical lines often communicate a sense of height because they are perpendicular
to the earth, extending upwards toward the sky.
Diagonal lines convey a feeling of movement. Objects in diagonal position are
unstable. Because they are neither vertical nor horizontal, they are either about to fall
or are already in motion.
The curve of the line can convey energy. Soft, shallow curves recall the curves of the
human body and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the
composition.

2. Shape and form- define objects in space. Shapes have two-dimensions- height and width-
and usually defined by lines. Forms exist in three-dimensions, with height, width and depth.

*Shape is a close line. Shape can be geometric, like squares and circles; or organic like
free-form or natural shape.
*Forms are often used when referring to physical works of art, like sculptures, as form is
connected most closely with three dimensional works.

Geometric shapes and forms includes mathematical, named shapes such as

squares, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres and cones. Geometric shapes
and forms are often man-made. However, many natural forms also have
geometric shapes.
Organic shapes and forms are typically irregular or asymmetric. Organic
shapes are often found in nature but man-made shapes can also imitate
organic forms.

3. Space- Real space is three-dimensional. Space in a work of art refers to a feeling of depth
or three dimensions. It can also refer to the artist’s used of the area with the picture plane.
The area around the primary objects in a work of art is known as negative space, while the
space occupied by primary objects is known as positive space.
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Positive and negative space The relationship of positive to negative space can
greatly affect the impact of a work of art. The space around objects is often called
negative space; negative space has shape.
Three-dimensional space the perfect illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-
dimensional work of art is something that many artists, such as Pieter Saenredam,
labored to achieve.

4. Color- is an element consisting of hues, of which there are three properties ; hue, chroma or
intensity, and value. Color is present when light strikes an object and it is reflected back into
the eye, a reaction to a hue arising in the optic nerve. Color has three main characters.

Hue which is the distinguishable color, like red, blue, green or yellow.
Value describes the darkness of color. Artist use color value o create different
moods. Dark colors in a composition suggest a lack of light, as in a night or interior
scene. Dark colors can often convey a sense of mystery or foreboding. Light color
often described a light source or light reflected within the composition.
Intensity describes the purity or strength of a color. Bright colors are undiluted and
are often associated with positive energy heightened emotions. dull color have been
diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood.

5. Texture- is used to describe the surface quality of the work, referencing the type of lines the
artist created. The quality of an object that we sense trough touch. It can be tactile (real) or
strictly visual (implied). In two-dimensional work of art, texture gives a visual sense of how
an object depicted would feel in real life if touched: hard, soft, rough, smooth, hairy, leathery,
sharp etc. In the three-dimensional works, artist used actual texture to add a tactile quality to
the work.
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
The principles of design are essentially a set of criteria which are use to explain how the
visual elements are arranged in a work of art. These principles are possibly the closest
thing we have to a set of objective criteria for analyzing and judging art.
1. Balance- It is a distribution of visual weight of objects, colors, texture and space. If
the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make the design feel
stable.

Symmetrical Balance conveys a sense of stability. The elements used on one

side of the design are similar to those on the other side.
Asymmetrical Balance often conveys sense of movement since the elements
of the composition are unbalance. The sides are different but still look
balanced.
Radial Balance the elements are arranged around the central point or may be
similar. The parts or patterns of the design seem to move outward from the center.

2. Emphasis- Is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the
artist will make one area standout by contrasting it with other areas. The area could
be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.

Dominance it is a manner of creating one element in an artwork as the strongest or

most important part.
Focal Point (Center of Interest) Isolation is the process that makes the element
stands out from the pictorial field.

3. Movement- is e path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal
areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape and color within
the work of art.

4. Rhythm- is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to
create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or
dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.

One-beat Rhythm Oblongs repeatedly drawn from one another in similar size with
various warm color on an oversized ground (mural size) exemplifies rhythm in a
simple way or one-beat rhythm.
Alternating Rhythm two geometric shapes painted or drawn on alternating manner
manifest alternating rhythm, like series of square-triangle alternating each other in
different size and position.
Progressive Rhythm the repeated element is manifested in a consistent change. Size
can be good example wherein a series of stars slightly larger than the other is
shown.
Flowing Rhythm is observed as a composition of repeated element in a graceful
movement. The manner of changes still include the sense of consistency but distinct
on a gradual movement, like a flowing liquid above different strength of currents.

5. Pattern- is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art. Elements
that are in repeatedly used like line, color, shape, and texture creates pattern.
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6. Proportion- is the feeling of unity created when all parts (size, amounts or number)
relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to
the size of the head compared to the rest of the body. Proportion is identified as
normal and expected.

7. Variety but leading to unity- is the used of several elements of design to hold the
viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through the work of art. Variety is
employed in a work of art using opposing or contrasting elements in achieving visual
interest; stimulating movement as often observed in life the “contrast” may be subtle
or obvious but leading to unity.

8. Unity- is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the works of art, which creates
a sense of completeness. The sense of feeling that everything that fits together.

Repetition method of the elements like shape, color, line, etc. It achieves unity in art
by way of consistent repetition.
Through simplicity a single major color, type of shape or an appropriate visual
element can be utilized to unify a work.
Harmony is an approach where the visual elements are related, and may include
medium.
Theme and variation an artwork works around one major element, say a round
shape in appropriate size. The rest of the shapes are similar with major one in
variations, complementing the former.

Learning Activity

Let’s do this!
Directions: Briefly explain the following.

a) Enumerate the three main characteristics of color.

1.
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2.
3.

b) What is movement?

4.

c) What is the importance of a line?

5.

Thank you for answering the test. Enjoy learning!

Assessment

Modified True or False

Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct, and then write FALSE if the
statement is wrong then change it into correct answer.

1. Contrast can only be shown with black and white.

2. Value is one of the characteristics of color.
3. Shape is an element that is concerned with height and width,
and that encloses space.
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4. Balance is a principle of art refers to how art elements help

direct a viewer’s eyes through a work of art.
5. Value is an element of art that refers to lightness and darkness
in an artwork.
6. Space is an element which has a quality of an object that we
sense through touch.
7. Pattern is repeated in a planned or random way over and over
again.
8. Rhythm is an element of art that shows repetition of visual
motion.
9. Emphasis is the principle of art that creates dominance and
focus in an artwork.
10. The building blocks of art also known as the Elements.

Thank you for answering the test. Enjoy learning!

Post Test
Flip Book animation

Directions: Create several drawing on index card, which shows movement when
you flip it. (Stick man is not allowed)

For clarification*
A flip book or flick book is a booklet with a series of images that very gradually change from
one page to the next, so that when the pages are viewed in quick succession, the images
appear to animate by simulating motion or some other change.

Yuotube link (how to make flip book) https://youtu.be/Un-BdBSOGKY

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REFERENCES
What are the Visual Arts?--- Riddett-Moore. (2013). Developing an Arts of Living. Visual Arts Research,
39(2), 116. https://doi.org/10.5406/visuartsrese.39.2.0116

Decorative Arts - Arts & Crafts. (1977). Design For Arts in Education, 79(1), 22–23.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07320973.1977.10744330

Wolf, T. L. (1989). Women Jewelers of the British Arts and Crafts Movement. The Journal of
Decorative and Propaganda Arts, 14, 28. https://doi.org/10.2307/1504026

Mediums of visual art---Kevin M. Tavin. (2010). Sites and Sinthomes: Fantasmatic Spaces of Child Art
in Art Education. Visual Arts Research, 36(2), 49. https://doi.org/10.5406/visuartsrese.36.2.0049

Scott. (2014b). The Art of Brevity. Visual Arts Research, 40(1), 121.
https://doi.org/10.5406/visuartsrese.40.1.0121

Different kinds of drawing---All Kinds of Alkynylpyridiniums: Elusive Salts Now Plentiful. (2018).
Synfacts, 14(05), 0471. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1609689

05/02123 Evolutionary programming techniques for different kinds of economic dispatch

problems. (2005). Fuel and Energy Abstracts, 46(5), 312. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-
6701(05)82132-0

Types of Visual arts----

Https://kujss.iraqjournals.com/pdf_166170_8dd024058ce4abb6c364bec514cecef8.html. (2020).
Kirkuk University Journal-Scientific Studies, 15(2), 1–16.
https://doi.org/10.32894/kujss.2019.15.2.1

Spooner, H. (2016). Embracing a Full Spectrum Definition of Art Therapy. Art Therapy, 33(3),
163–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1199249

How to read and understand visual art?---

Rhi, J. (2008). Identifying Several Visual Types in Gandhāran Buddha Images. Archives of Asian
Art, 58(1), 43–85. https://doi.org/10.1353/aaa.0.0001

Holland. (2015). The Coming Community of ArtEducation: Introducing LessonBlueprinting to

Saturday Art. Visual Arts Research, 41(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.5406/visuartsrese.41.1.0043

Analyzing visual art---

Stark, L. (2010). How to… Submit Artwork Electronically. Editors’ Bulletin, 6(2),
75–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/17521742.2010.530417
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Szekely, G. (1985). Teaching Students to Understand Their Artwork. Art Education, 38(5), 38. https://doi.org/10.2307/319285