Design Terms - Art 115

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Abstraction

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The reduction of an image or object to an essential aspect of its form or concept

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Achromatic

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A color such as Black or White that has no hue

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Aerial/atmosoheric perspective

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The use of reduced value range and less distinctive edges between values to describe distance or depth of field in an image

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Anomaly

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An obvious break from the norm or the expected in a design

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Assymetrical balance

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Equilibrium among visual elements that do not mirror each other on either side of an axis

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Axis

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An imaginary centered straight line that indicates movement or direction

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Balance

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Visual equilibrium within a composition. The equal distribution of weight or force among visual units.

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Blind contour

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Contour lines that are made in response to seeing but without looking directly at the drawing being made

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Cast shadow

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A shadow thrown by a form onto an adjacent surface as a result of directed light. The shadow is in the direction away from the light source

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Centricity

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A compressive compositional force

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Closure

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The mind's inclination to connect fragmentary information into a completed form.

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Chiaroscuro

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The use of light and dark to depict volumetric form (shading)

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Composition

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The combination of multiple parts into a unified or harmonious whole.

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Containment

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A unifying force created by the outer edge of a composition or by a boundary within a composition.

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Content

Back 15

The emotional or intellectual meaning or message of an artwork.

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Continuity

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The fluid connection among compositional parts. The connection can be ACTUAL (physical) or IMPLIED (made in the mind)

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Contour line

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A single line that represents the edge of a form or elements within a form

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Contrast

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The degree of difference between compositional parts or between one image and another. Contrast is created when two or more forces operate in opposition

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Cropping

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The manner in which a section of an image or fragment of observed reality has been framed

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Cross- contour lines

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Lines that refer to the surface of form and represent it's topography

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Cross- hatching

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A drawing technique using two or more networks of parallel lines in gradual angular progression. Used to create shaded areas suggestive of light and dark

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Density

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The extent to which compositional parts are spread out or crowded together. Visual connections are made stronger or weaker by density and the proximity of elements

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Diminution

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In linear perspective, the phenomenon of like sized object appearing smaller the further they are from the viewer

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Dynamic

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Energetic, vigorous, forceful; creating or suggesting change or motion

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Dynamic forms

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Forms that apply change

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Eccentricity

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An expansive compositional force which does not rely on symmetry. A suggestion of balance or out of predictable placement

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Economy

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A distillation of a design down to the essentials in order to increase impact

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Eye level

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In linear perspective, the physical level of the eyes in relation to the earth's surface. This is not the same as the direction in which the viewer is looking. Eye level defines the horizon

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Figure

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The primary or positive shape in design. A shape that is noticeably separated from the background. The figure is the dominant shape in a figure/ ground relationship

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Figure/ ground reversal

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An arrangement in which positive and negative shapes alternately command attention

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Foreground

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The "nearest" space represented to the viewer. The front of the visual stage.

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Foreshortening

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A technique for producing the illusion of an object's extension into space by compressing a form.

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Form

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-the physical manifestation of an idea, as opposed to the content which refers to an idea

- the organization of visual elements to create a unified design

-a three dimensional composition or unit within a composition

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Fusion

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The combination of shapes or volumes along a common edge

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Grouping

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Visual organization based on similarity in location, orientation, shape, color, etc.

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Harmony

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A pleasing or soothing relationship among colors, shapes, or other design elements

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Horizon line

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The eye level determined by the physical position of the artist

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Hue

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The name of a color (red, yellow, blue) that distinguishes it from others and assigns it a place in the spectrum

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Implied line

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-a line that is suggested by the position of shapes within a design or composition

-a line that is suggested by the improvement or by a gesture rather than being physically drawn or constructed

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Line

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A point in motion. A series of adjacent points. A connection between points. An implied connection between points.

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Linear perspective

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A system for projecting the apparent dimensions of a three dimensional object into a flat surface. One tool for suggesting depth in a two dimensional field.

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Monochromatic

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A color scheme based on variations of a single hue

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Negative shape

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A clearly defined area around a positive shape or form

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Non- objective

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Without reference to perceptual reality

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Organic shape

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Shapes that are suggestive of nature or natural forces

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Orientation

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The horizontal, vertical, or diagonal position of a composition or elements within a design

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Pattern

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A design created through systematic repetition. Many patterns are based on modules or a repeated visual unit

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Picture plane

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The flat surface onto which a drawing or design is executed. The picture plane can be made to appear to contain depth by use of perspective, overlapping shapes, line, atmospheric perspective etc.

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Principles of design

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The means by which visual elements are organized into a unified or expressive arrangement.

Unity and Variety, Balance, Scale and Proportion, Rhythm, Illusion of Space and Movement are fundamental principles in 2-Design.

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Proportion

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The relative size of visual elements within a composition

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Proximity

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The distance between visual or structural elements or between an object and the audience.

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Pure form

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A circle, sphere, triangle, cube or other form created without reference to specific subject matter

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Repetition

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The use of the same visual element or effect a number of times in the same composition

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Rhythm

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Presentation of multiple units in a deliberate pattern. Rhythm is generally determined by beat, accent, and tempo.

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Scale

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A size relationship between two separate objects or based on a known normative (human scale, baby scaled etc.)

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Shape

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A flat enclosed area created when a line connects to enclose an area, an area is enclosed by other shapes or an area is filled with color or texture

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Spatial relationship

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The juxtaposition of two or more images which are spatially different, such as a close- up and a long shot in a film.

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Symmetrical balance

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A form of balance that is created when shapes are mirrored on either side of a central axis, as in a composition that is vertically divided down the center.

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Unity and variety

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Unity can be defined as similarity or cohesion, oneness or togetherness. Variety is defined as difference. These two elements are among the most fundamental qualities in creating designs