Elements and Principles of Design
Length - 50 minutes
Objectives
Students will create abstract drawings utilizing
elements and principles of design.
Materials
11 X 17 copy paper
crayons, markers
construction paper
Anticipatory Set
Outline the elements (line, shape, color,
texture) and principles (balance, proportion, rhythm, unity, focus/emphasis)
of design.
Elements:
LINE - any of the marks that make up the formal
design of a picture. Line can be sharp and
jagged or curved and flowing.
SHAPE - something distinguished from its surroundings
by its outline.
COLOR - the appearance of objects or light sources
described in terms of the individual's perception of them. For example,
red (love, anger, passion); blue (sorrow, peace); yellow (happiness, vibrant);
green (youth, life, growth); black (power, strength, death); purple (royal,
rich)
TEXTURE - the appearance and feel of a surface.
The most basic kinds of textures are rough
or smooth.
SPACE (SCALE) - how large or small a particular
drawing or model is.
Principles:
BALANCE - in design, harmonious or satisfying arrangement
of parts or elements. Weighing
down one side of the stage with too many set pieces
creates an imbalance.
PROPORTION - like balance, but related to the size
difference between set pieces.
RHYTHM - a regular or harmonious pattern.
Created by using balance and proportion.
UNITY - ordering of all elements in a work of art
so that each contributes to a unified aesthetic.
FOCUS/EMPHASIS - where a designer want the audience
to look.
Abstract Creations
Use available materials to create drawings of abstract
concepts using elements and principle of design. Example concepts:
depression, elation, youth, old age, life, death, love, loneliness, happiness,
indifference, etc. Students will do two drawings, identical except
for the addition of color in the second drawing. The first will be
done in black and white and the second will have color added.
Discussion
Students will be asked to present drawings and justify
choices using elements and principles previously discussed.
Offer feedback regarding effective design elements
and encourage others to provide feedback as well.
Designed by M.S.
