Elements & Principles of Design

During the last class, we discussed the elements and principles of design. The six elements that we went over were line, shape, colour, form, texture and space. However, today's topic of discussion more involves the seven principles of design; balance, contrast, movement, emphasis, repetition/pattern/rhythm, proportion and unity.

We have been asked to consider all the various forms of visual art - paintings, drawings, sculpture, architecture, theatre, cinema, photography, dance, etc. and to decide which principle of design thought creates the greatest impact with the viewer and should be incorporated in every artist's work.

I believe that unity is one of the most inportant principles of design when considering all forms of art. With unity, all elements are present and harmonious, needing some visual variety or visual interest. It brings forth the need to tie the various elements of a work of art together, representing a whole or sum of the work's parts. This includes similar colours, shapes, balance and positioning.

I feel unity is the most important principle as it directly involes using the other principles and the elements in a way that works well together, it measures how well each ties in with each other or whether they appear to belong together.

"Unity is a sense of oneness of thing belonging together and making up a coherent whole."

<http://letranhomestudent.blogspot.ca/2010/07/principles-of-design-in-art.html>