Topic 1 of 6 · Form 5
Elements and principles of art and design
Balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial), contrast, emphasis (focal point), movement and rhythm, proportion and scale, unity and variety, harmony.
Notes for this topic 1 file, in order
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Elements
- Line: direction, movement, contour, expressive quality.
- Shape and form: two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional forms; geometric and organic.
- Colour: hue, value (tone) and intensity (saturation); primary, secondary and tertiary colours; complementary, analogous and monochromatic schemes; warm and cool colours.
- Tone: light and dark; chiaroscuro for modelling form.
- Texture: actual and implied.
- Space: positive and negative space; depth through overlapping, scale, linear and aerial perspective.
- Pattern: repeated motifs (e.g. Ndebele mural patterns, basketry and textile designs).
Principles
Balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial), contrast, emphasis (focal point), movement and rhythm, proportion and scale, unity and variety, harmony.
Composition
Rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, golden section, and the relationship between figure and ground.
Applying the vocabulary
Use these terms precisely when describing your own work and the work of others.
Exam tip: In critical writing, link each element to its effect – "the strong diagonal lines create a sense of movement and tension".
Check yourself
- What are complementary colours?
- Distinguish between positive and negative space.
- Name three types of balance.
Show answers
- Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel (e.g. red and green) that intensify each other.
- Positive space is occupied by the subject; negative space is the area around and between subjects.
- Symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial.
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