ELEMENTS

OF ARTS AND
DESIGN
• LINE – refers to the contour, profile, or outline of an object. It
determines the shape or the form of the object.
• FORM - refers to the mass, shape, or area created by the outline. It
determines the size and proportion of the object.
• TEXTURE – it refers to the kind or quality of a surface in a certain
object. The surface may be fine or rough, hot or cold, hard or soft,
rugged or smooth, shiny or dull and so on.
• COLOR- refers to the quality or kind of light that reflects from the
surface of the object.
* VALUE – refers to the amount of light, shade or dark on an object
• - BLACK is the absence of light while WHITE of the presence of
light
PRINCIPLES OF
ARTS AND
DESIGN
• HARMONY – the art principle which produces an impression of
unity through the selection and arrangement of consistent objects or
ideas. It is the quality which unifies every part of an arrangement. If
there is harmony there is order. Every orderly arrangement is
harmonious.

FIVE ASPECTS OF HARMONY

( according to Goldstein)]
A. HARMONY OF LINES & SHAPES . Lines are made harmonious by
either repeating the shape of the lines or by connecting transitional
lines to contrasting lines. A transitional lines or merely transition is
usually a curved, graceful line which connects two opposing lines
B. Harmony of size

C. Harmony of Color
• D. Harmony of Texture – the character of texture can be determined
by feeling or touching the object with finger tips or by looking at it.
Course texture should not be combined with fine texture.

Fine Texture Course Texture

• E. Harmony of Idea - combining antique and modern furniture in the
same room does not show harmony of ideas.
• 2. Balance – it is a condition or quality which gives a feeling of rest,
equilibrium or stability and equal visual weights.
Kinds of Balance
A. Formal or Symmetrical Balance – this is the balance
of equal visual weights placed at equal distances from the axis.
a. Bisymmetrical, Absolute or Perfect Balance – balance of identical
objects.
b. Symmetrical or Obvious Balance – balance of nearly identical
description.
B. Informal or Asymmetric Balance – it is a balance of un
equal visual weights, the heavier being nearer the axis & the lighter one
is farther.
• 3. Rhythm – the regular, uniform or related movement made through the
repetition of a unit or motif. It is a visual movement in a design or
arrangement. It is the basis of mostly all primitive arts.
• A. Unit or Motif - is the dominant feature or part which is repeated in a
design or decoration. Repetition of a unit creates a feeling of movement
or rhythms.
Two Classification
of Rhythm

a. Formal or Uniform Rhythm – is the repetition of a motif in uniform and

regular arrangement.
b. Informal or Free Rhythm – the repetition of a motif with variation in its
forms, size and arrangement.
Formal or Uniform Rhythm Informal or Free Rhythm
 Ways of Attaining Rhythm or Repetition
a.Regular Repetition – this is a repetition of a motif or unit in continuous
succession and at uniform or regular intervals.

b. Alternative or Contrast – this is a repetition of large and small motifs

at regular intervals. The motif may be of the same or different forms.
• c. Progression, Sequence or Gradation of Size – repetition similar
shapes or sizes in gradual sequences.

d. Line Motion or Movement – repetition of line motif continuously with

or without breaks.
e. Radiation – repetition of a motif around a pivot or axis.

f. Opposition – repetition of motifs in opposite direction. They may

intersect each other, hence, it is called intersection.
• g. Parallelism – repetition of sets of parallel lines (narrow, broad or both)
in pleasing relationship.

• h. Complication – repetition of several motifs in complicated

arrangement. Modern dress design are of this type.