4: The Principles of Design Flashcards
various elements of a work are balanced around a felt or implied center of gravity
asymmetrical balance
lack of symmetry - left and right sides are not the same
asymmetry
arrangement of parts achieving a state of equilibrium between opposing forces or influences
balance
organization of visual elements in an artwork
composition
juxtaposition of strongly dissimilar elements to dramatic effect (dark against light, large against small, bright against dull)
contrast
process of organizing visual elements and the product of that process
design
pathways that the artist embeds in a work for the viewer’s eye to follow
directional forces
method an artist uses to draw attention to an area - may be done with central placement, large size, bright color, high contrast
emphasis
principal area of emphasis in a work of art, place to which the artist directs most attention through composition
focal point
shape or proportions of a picture plane
format
all-over design created by the repetitive ordering of design elements
pattern
size relationship of parts to a whole and to one another
proportion
recurrence of visual elements
repetition
regular or ordered repetition of dominant and subordinate elements or units within a design with related variations
rhythm
size relation of one thing to another
scale
