CREATING BASIC GEOMETRIC FLORAL DESIGNS 8946-A

FLORAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND ELEMENTS

What features do buildings, landscapes, and floral arrangements have in common? Why are these features important? Whether building a skyscraper, designing a landscape, or creating a floral arrangement, a common feature found in each is the concept of design principles and elements. These design principles and elements are important in the design and construction of compositions* that are structurally sound and functional, as well as attractive and aesthetically pleasing.

In floral design, knowledge of the principles and elements of design assists floral designers in selecting materials and visualizing designs. The principles and elements of design also allow floral designers to create attractive and high-quality arrangements that appeal to customers. Each design principle and element is important and interrelated to the other design principles and elements. Each design principle and element impacts the entire arrangement. If a floral arrangement does not appear visually pleasing, then a principle or element of design is missing or has been applied incorrectly.

*Underlined words are defined in the Glossary of Terms. -1-

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN The principles of design are guidelines that govern the organization of the elements and materials in accordance with the laws of nature. Consider the principles of design as the recipe and the elements of design as the ingredients. The primary principles of design include balance, proportion, dominance, contrast, rhythm, harmony, and unity. Balance Balance is the physical and visual stability of a floral arrangement. Physical or mechanical balance refers to the physical stability of an arrangement. A physically balanced arrangement is stable and will not tip over easily. Visual balance is more challenging for a designer. It involves visual judgement as to whether or not an arrangement looks balanced. Even though a floral arrangement may stand upright and be physically balanced, it may look top heavy or lopsided and express a sense of instability. A floral designer achieves visual balance in an arrangement in two ways: symmetrically and asymmetrically. A symmetrically balanced arrangement has equal amounts of materials on either side of an imaginary central vertical axis. One side of the arrangement is a reflection of the other. Both sides of the arrangement are identical, or vary slightly. Therefore, the visual weight of materials on each side of the arrangement is equal. The focal point of a symmetrically balanced arrangement is in the center of the arrangement, near the base of the vertical axis.

Symmetrical balance is also referred to as formal balance. Symmetrically balanced arrangements are often used for formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, and graduations. In an asymmetrically balanced arrangement, the same amount of visual weight appears on either side of the arrangement. However, the distance of the weight is not the same from the center of the arrangement. The imaginary vertical axis moves to the right or left of the center of the arrangement, balancing the visual weight accordingly. -2-

Asymmetrically balanced floral arrangements have informal balance. They are functional for casual, natural, and informal occasions. Establishing asymmetrical balance in an arrangement is often achieved by creating a high vertical line on one side and a low horizontal line on the other.

Balance of form, line, texture, space, and color must also exist for an arrangement to be visually balanced. Larger flowers with bold shapes and darker shades appear heavy. They establish visual balance by being placed low in an arrangement. Smaller flowers having lighter colors and more delicate textures appear lighter in weight. These flowers establish balance around the edges and perimeter of the arrangement.

Proportion Proportion is the relationship in size and quantity between the parts within an arrangement. It is the relationship of one part to another, or the relationship of one part to the whole. The relationships between the flowers, foliage, and container affect proportion. The Greeks mathematical principle of the Golden Mean, along with Japanese tradition, have established the standard used by florists to achieve a pleasing proportion between plant material and container. The standard commonly used by florists is to make the height of an arrangement at least 1 times the height or width of the container, whichever is greater. -3-

The size and color of flowers and their position within an arrangement are also important considerations for achieving proportion. As mentioned previously, larger and darker colored flowers have a heavier visual weight than smaller, lighter colored flowers. To achieve a favorable proportional relationship, use a smaller quantity of larger, darker flowers in an arrangement and place them near the center of the design. Use a greater quantity of smaller, lighter colored flowers and position them around the edges and perimeter of the arrangement. Scale refers to the relationship of an arrangement with its surroundings. Larger arrangements are more in scale in larger, open settings. An altar arrangement for a church would probably not be in scale with its surroundings if it was placed on an administrative assistants desk. An arrangement for the administrative assistants desk would need to be smaller to be in scale with the office area surrounding the desk. Dominance / Emphasis Most floral arrangements usually consist of one type of flower that shows dominance over the others. One or more of these flowers, positioned low in the design, create an area of strong visual appeal. This area of strong visual appeal is the focal area or focal point of the arrangement. Effective use of dominance or emphasis attracts the viewers attention to the arrangement. Without dominance, a lack of unity exists throughout the arrangement. -4-

In traditional floral arrangements, the focal point occurs just above the rim of the container. The stems of flowers and foliage making up the arrangement appear to radiate from this area. The size, color, form, and location of flowers in the focal area dominate the other flowers in the arrangement. Techniques of developing the focal point in an arrangement include using darker shades of a color, flowers with larger blooms, unique flower forms, and radiating lines. Coarse textures, color accents, and masses of flowers and foliages are also effective in creating the focal area of an arrangement. The focal area draws the viewers eyes to the arrangement. Other principles and elements of design lead the viewers eyes throughout the arrangement and back to the focal area. One element of the arrangement dominates, yet all the principles and elements work together to establish unity. In contrast, a contemporary design often features several focal areas rather than a single focal point. A parallel design consists of three or four focal areas. Contemporary designs utilize the techniques of grouping, basing, or color emphasis to create focal areas or areas of emphasis. Contrast Contrast is emphasis by means of difference. Contrast in a floral arrangement adds richness and impact through contradiction. On the color wheel, complementary color schemes of red and green, or violet and yellow, provide contrast, excitement, and interest. Black and white, opposites on the gray scale, create dramatic wedding colors. Besides color, texture is another way of achieving contrast in an arrangement. Coarse textured foliage next to fine textured foliage creates an effective contrast. Rhythm Rhythm gives a design the feeling or appearance of motion. It carries the eye smoothly through the arrangement. A design with good rhythm keeps the eye actively involved. Rhythm uses form, line, color, and space to develop the sense of motion that leads the eye to the focal area and throughout the design. Techniques such as repetition, radiation of lines, and transition are effective for developing rhythm in an arrangement. Repeating line, form, texture, and flower color in an arrangement creates rhythm throughout the arrangement. Repeating these design elements leads the viewers eyes from one part of the arrangement to another.

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Radiating lines originating from the focal point of an arrangement also create rhythm. Radiation gives the illusion that all of the flower stems originate from one growth point. Radiation gives a strong sense of unity and naturalness to an arrangement, repeating the natural growth of plants. Transition involves a gradual change or progression of plant materials from the perimeter of an arrangement to the focal area. Visual movement from the perimeter of the arrangement to the focal area occurs due to gradual changes in spacing, flower size, and facing. Spacing rhythm involves providing more space between flowers near the edges of the design and progressively reducing the spacing near the focal area. Using smaller flowers near the edges of the design and progressing to larger flowers in the focal area is an example of size rhythm.

The technique of facing rhythm utilizes form. At the top of the design, flowers face upward. Progressing towards the rim of the container, the flowers gradually face forwards with full facing value at the focal point. Harmony Carefully blending textures, shapes, and colors in a floral arrangement creates harmony. The floral materials in an arrangement should harmonize with the container, the style of design, and the surroundings. To establish harmony, all parts of the arrangement must blend together to create a theme. Dramatic foliages blending with tropical flowers in a bold container results in a harmonious design. Unity Unity provides the feeling that the design is a single unit. A unified design is balanced and is in proportion. All parts of the design harmonize together to provide a smooth transition from the perimeter of the design to the focal area. Rhythm is evident in repetition and the development of radiating lines. Unity in an arrangement occurs when all the principles and elements blend together.

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ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Line, form, texture, color, and space are the traditional elements of design. Two additional contemporary design elements are pattern and size. Elements of design are the physical characteristics of materials used in designs. A professional floral designer successfully combines the properties of each element with the principles of design. This combination is the foundation of design! Line Line allows the eye to travel from one part of a design to another. It forms the structural framework and provides a visual path to give motion to an arrangement. Line gives an arrangement structure, shape, movement, and excitement. It also adds the dimensions of height, width, and depth. In Western Style design, lines radiate from a central point in an arrangement. The directions of line may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and curved. The direction of a line in a design expresses moods and feelings. Vertical lines imply strength. Horizontal lines suggest a relaxed feeling. Curved lines add gentleness and softness. To establish lines in an arrangement, a floral designer uses linear materials such as line flowers. Stems and branches are also effective in establishing the element of line. Placement of materials in a sequence to create a sense of direction is also a method for creating lines. Form Form is the overall three-dimensional external shape of a design. Three basic forms of floral arrangements usually expressed in twodimensional terms include the circle, square, and triangle. Symmetry or asymmetry used within the same form allows for variety. Examples include arrangements in the form of symmetrical or asymmetrical triangles. Texture Texture is the visual and tactile surface qualities of an object. An effective design guideline for texture is to use either a complete blend or a definite contrast. The texture of the container should also harmonize with the flowers and foliages and complement the theme of the arrangement. Nature offers suggestions for contrasting and blending textures. The soft, mossy floor of a forest contrasts with the coarse bark of the trees. The blending of the smooth ocean waves on the soft, sandy beach provides harmony. Floral designers use the element of texture to make an arrangement appear formal or casual. Texture in combination with color affects the visual weight of an arrangement. Texture also conveys a feeling of masculinity or femininity. Repeating or contrasting textures adds interest and beauty to a design. However, too many textures weaken a design. -7-

Color Color has a major role in floral arrangements and greatly impacts a customers response. The proper use of color is essential in creating a well-designed floral arrangement. Colors of flowers carefully blended and positioned in an arrangement reflect the mood of the design relative to its surroundings and the message it transmits. Space Space includes the area in, around, and between the materials making up a design. The use of space prevents crowding of materials and allows for each flower to be seen. Space provides an opportunity for the viewers eyes to rest. It gives importance to line and form. Positive space refers to the area of an arrangement occupied by flowers and foliages. Negative space refers to the empty areas between floral materials. By developing the ability to use negative space, a floral designer is able to draw attention to the particular forms or lines in the design, enhancing their importance. Pattern Pattern is another element of design. It is closely related to form. Pattern is the silhouette or outline of an arrangement or flower as observed against its background. Pattern includes both positive and negative space within the arrangement. Five standard patterns are common to floral design. The following illustration shows examples of these patterns.

Pattern also refers to a repeated physical characteristic of a plant material. The arrangement of leaves creates structural patterns. Fern fronds have repeated patterns. Some foliages also exhibit color patterns. Size Size, along with pattern, is also a newer, contemporary design element. Size refers to the dimensions of line, form, or space. -8-

THE INTERRELATIONSHIP OF PRINCIPLES AND ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Design principles and elements occur in many forms of nature. Floral designers used these natural principles and elements to create pleasing floral arrangements. The foundation of floral design is based upon the framework of design principles and elements. A floral arrangement that is balanced, well proportioned, and unified by a harmonious combination of floral materials is visually appealing. Dominance and rhythm give the design motion. Forms and lines define the outline of the design. Texture and color provide character and create theme. Neither principles nor elements stand alone. They work together for unity and harmony. Each is important and interrelated to the others and impacts the entire arrangement. The combination of design principles and elements results in beautifully created designs that appeal to the interests of customers. Acknowledgements Jane Gloyd, TMF, AAF, Horticulture Professor, Richland College, Dallas, Texas, developed and organized the material for this topic. Keith W. Zamzow, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Materials Service, Texas A&M University, edited this topic. Vickie Marriott, Office Software Associate, Instructional Materials Service, Texas A&M University, edited and prepared the layout and design for this topic. Christine Stetter, Artist, Instructional Materials Service, Texas A&M University, prepared the illustrations for this topic. REFERENCES The references listed below were used in the development of this topic and can be researched for additional information. References indicated with (1) were consulted and permission for use was given. Benz, M., and James L. Johnson. Flowers: Geometric Form. College Station, Texas: San Jacinto Publishing Co., 1986. 1 Book of Floral Terminology. Baltimore, Maryland: The American Institute of Floral Designers, 1999. 1 Flowers by Design. Lansing, Michigan: The John Henry Company, 1998. 1 Hunter, Norah T. The Art of Floral Design. Albany, New York: Delmar Publishers, Inc., 2000. Teleflora Encycloflora: Advanced Floral Design. Los Angeles, California: Teleflora, 1994. 1 Teleflora Encycloflora: Basic Floral Design. Los Angeles, California: Teleflora, 1994. 1

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS Definitions for terms in this glossary are taken from Book of Floral Terminology, developed by the Education Committee of the American Institute of Floral Designers. Balance A state of physical or visual equilibrium or stability. Color Wheel A diagrammatic guide to color systems in which all hues appear in their proper spectral order. Composition The organization of different materials according to the principles and elements of design to achieve a unified design. Contemporary design A design that represents the current style or trend. Contrast Emphasis by means of difference. through contradiction.) (Contrast in a design adds richness and impact

Dominance The visual organization within a design that emphasizes one or more aspects. (When one element is emphasized, others are subordinated.) Elements of design The components or ingredients of design. Emphasis An area in a composition given special attention due to importance, stress, weight, etc. Focal point Focal area or center of interest that has the greatest visual impact or weight to which the eye is drawn most naturally. Form The overall three-dimensional configuration or shape of a design or composition. Harmony The aesthetic quality created through the pleasing interaction of a combination of components in a composition when compatibility or a satisfying agreement of parts occurs. Line The visual path that directs eye movement through a composition. (The lines may be straight, curved, or a combination, and may also be actual or implied.) Parallel design A design style in which the individual stems or groups of stems exist in the same direction and are the same distance apart from end to end. Pattern A repeated combination of line, form, color, texture, and space as a single component. (The silhouette or outline of an arrangement as observed against its background.) Principles of design Fundamental guidelines to aesthetic design that govern the organization of the elements and materials in accordance with the laws of nature. Proportion The relationship of one part to another part or the relation of one part to the whole. Rhythm Visual movement through a design, usually achieved by means of repetition or gradation. Scale The relative ratio of size, or the relationship of a composition to its surrounding area or environment. Space The area in, around, and between the parts of a design as defined by the three-dimensional totality of the composition. Tactile Referring to the sense of touch. - 10 -

Transition The easy visual movement that comes from gradual degrees of change in line, form, color, texture, space, pattern, and size. Unity Oneness of purpose, thought, style, and spirit. (The organization of components into a harmonious whole that results in a cohesive relationship of all parts.) BRAIN PROBES SHORT ANSWER/LISTING: Answer the following questions or statements in the space provided or on additional paper. 1. What is the general guideline of proportion that floral designers use for establishing arrangement height? _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What factor determines the maximum height of an arrangement? _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. List two types of visual balance. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 4. How is space used in a design? _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 5. List the principles of design. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 6. List the elements of design. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ - 11 -

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Sketch a floral design and label the focal area.

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Describe the difference between proportion and scale. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ CONCEPTS TO CREATIVITY

Collect a flower such as a carnation, one red, one pink, and one deep maroon. Which flower color has the greatest visual weight? Where would you use this one in an arrangement? Where would you use the others? Visit a furniture store and look at the groupings of furniture. Note symmetrical and also asymmetrical placements of pictures and accessories in the display areas. How are floral arrangements used in the displays? What styles of arrangements are used in the displays? Gather coarse, fine, and medium textured foliages from your home landscape. Bring them to class and create an all foliage arrangement. Look for patterns within the leaves. Select several professional floral magazines. On photocopies of arrangements shown in the magazine, identify principles and elements of design. Determine the type of visual balance. Search the Internet for arrangements promoted by wire services such as Teleflora, AFS, and FTD. Bring a novelty type of floral container to class. Suggest flowers and foliages that would harmonize and also complement the theme of the container. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Reproduction prohibited without written permission. Instructional Materials Service Texas A&M University 2588 TAMUS College Station, Texas 77843-2588 http://www-ims.tamu.edu 2002 - 12 -