The Elements and

Principles of Design

The Principles of Design

Balance: The arrangements of parts so that they have
equal weight or force.
Contrast: To show great difference between objects
through color, texture, value, etc.
Emphasis: When the artist makes one part more
important through color, texture, value, etc.
Movement: how an artist makes our eyes travel
around an artworks edges and lines
Repetition: To repeat (like a pattern) through color,
texture, value creating rhythm.
Unity: The appearance of oneness and similarity in an
artwork. Each part fits with each other.

The Elements of Art

Line: A path of a moving point
Shape: 2-dimensional area contained by a group of
lines or a color (flat)
Color: A visual perception that enables one to
differentiate otherwise identical objects or how an
object absorbs and reflects light
Value: The lightness and darkness of an object
Form: 3-dimensional shape or the mass an object
takes up
Texture: The way an object feels when you touch it.
Texture can be real (actual) or fake (implied)
Space: The appearance of depth and distance