DESIGN AND COLOUR



The elements and principles of design are the building blocks used to create a work of art.

The elements of design can be thought of as the things that make up a painting, drawing, design etc. Good or bad - all paintings will contain most of if not all, the seven elements of design.

The Principles of design can be thought of as what we do to the elements of design. How we apply the Principles of design determines how successful we are in creating a work of art.

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LINE

Line can be considered in two ways. The linear marks made with a pen or brush or the edge created when two shapes meet.

SHAPE

A shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. A positive shape in a painting automatically creates a negative shape.

DIRECTION

All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquillity. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Oblique suggests movement and action

see notes on direction

SIZE

Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another.

TEXTURE

Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual.

see notes on texture

COLOUR

Also called Hue

see notes on colour

VALUE

Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Value is also called Tone

see notes on tonal contrast

BALANCE

Balance in design is similar to balance in physics