The Principles and Elements of Design

 All art contains principles and elements of design, even music, theatre, and writing. The principles have many elements attached to them that work as elements. The elements are viewed as the tools for art. The principles are how to use the tools to make art. For instance, the principles of design are patterns of color, patterns of multiplicity, patterns that show the golden ratio, perspective, visual rhythm, contrast, emphasis, balance, scale, and symmetry. The tools to create the principles are line shape, form, color, texture, perspective points, space, and value.

One great master for using the principles and elements of design was the painter Johan Vermeer (Dutch 1632-1675). His painting titled The Milk Maid contains a multiple amount of principles and elements of design. Within the image we see the principle of perspective with the eye leading us to one central point on the wall just above the right forearm of the maid. All lines lead to this point known as the vanishing point. The eye then is lead directly downward to the milk being poured. Both arms lead to the milk, the main focus of the painting. The principle of texture is through out the painting. One can feel the nail on the wall, the crust on all the bread hand sewn dress of the maid. The principal of the golden ratio leads the eye into a spiral from the window to the far right and then landing within the cluster of bread.

One of Vermeer’ most popular paintings would be his Girl with the Pearl Ear Ring as shown below. The powerful use of the element of design found in the negative space in black molds the beautiful contour element line shape. The principle of harmony is shown in the manner of the colors that compliment each other. Notice the light that dances across the surface of her skin as if it were embracing her face creating the elements of highlights that arrest the eye.