Principles of Design
 Balance
 Emphasis
 Contrast
 Pattern
 Rhythm
 Movement
 Unity
Balance
Balance is the
equalizing visual forces,
or elements, in a work
of art. There are 3 types of balance:
Symmetrical – both
sides of the artwork
carry equal weight
Carter Smith
Katie Scott
Asymmetrical – one
part of the artwork
carries more weight
than the other parts.
Overall balance is
achieved by placing
many smaller items
opposite the larger
ones.
Kate Shaw
Radial – the image radiates out from a central point in the artwork
Andy Goldsworthy
Ernst Haeckel
Emphasis
Emphasis calls attention
to a point in the artwork.
The point of interest is
usually in contrast to the
surrounding space.
Contrast
Contrast is a technique for creating a focal point by
using differences in elements.
Kerry James Marshall
Contrast can also be
made by creating
differences in line,
value, texture or size.
Gerhard Richter
over-painted photographs
LOW Contrast
Pattern
The repeating of an object of symbol throughout the artwork
creates a pattern. The repetition may be organized or random.
Rhythm
Rhythm is the principle
that indicates movement
by the repetition of
elements. Visual rhythm
is perceived through the
eyes and is created by
repeating positive spaces
separated by negative
spaces.
Movement
Movement is the
creation of the
illusion of action
or physical
change in
position.
UNITY
Unity is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use
of the elements and principles of design.
Mixed Media

Used for hundreds of years

Works of art that are put together using different media for a composition such as collage,
photography, digital media or painting made from whatever the artist chooses to use.

Artist Edgar Degas used ink with charcoal and pastels and Leonardo da Vinci would also
combine media.

Modern day mixed media is associated with the Cubist development of collages early in the
20th century by artists Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso.

By assembling diverse elements the Cubists made three dimensional pieces starting in 1912.

Using paint, glue, wood and table cloth fringe Picasso created his work the "Still Life" in
1914.

The mixed media practice continued with the Surrealist movement. Surrealism was the
movement that represented the subconscious mind through creating fantastic images. This
was done by placing ideas together that appear to contradict each other. The use of mixed
media became more prevalent during the 1950's, 1960's and is still in use.
Edgar Degas
 (July 19, 1834 – September 27, 1917)
 French artist famous for his work in painting, sculpture,
printmaking and drawing.
 One of the founders of Impressionism although he rejected the
term, and preferred to be called a realist.
 A superb draughtsman, he is especially identified with the
subject of the dance, and over half his works depict dancers.
 His portraits are considered to be among the finest in the
history of art.
The Star – Pastel on Monotype
Dancers Practicing at the Bar –
Mixed Media on Canvas
Portrait of Edmond Duranty–
Pastel and Tempera
After the Bath–
Pastel, Gouache, Charcoal, Varnish, Gray Paper Strips, mounted on
Cardboard
Pablo Picasso
 (born October 25, 1881, Málaga, Spain—
died April 8, 1973, Mougins, France)
 Spanish expatriate painter, sculptor,
printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer,
one of the greatest and most influential
artists of the 20th century and the creator
(with Georges Braque) of Cubism.
 For nearly 80 of his 91 years Picasso
devoted himself to an artistic production
that contributed significantly to and
paralleled the whole development of
modern art in the 20th century.
Still Life with Chair Caning
Still Life with Bowl
Georges Braque
Tenora
Artist - Joseph Cornell
Artist - Joseph Cornell
Mixed Media Project

Brainstorm ideas and do thumbnail sketches.

Understand the principles of design and brainstorm personal choices to link to each visual
representation (ie: Pattern=Obsessions, Contrast=Arguments over beliefs, Emphasis=Determination
and focus, Rhythm=Busyness or Lazyness, Balance=Religion and family, Movement=Leaving a
group, Unity= Inclusion)

Choose one personal choice that parallels the guiding organization ideas for each principle. Complete
visual research to collect imagery needed for your compositions.

You will complete one combined work to depict each of their choices to help communicate the idea
while using organization of the principles of design (total of 7 pieces).

Each work must use three or more different types of media (colored pencil, paint, collage, digital
media, ink, photography, charcoal, etc.), one has to be digital media.

You will assess your work using a grading rubric and complete the lesson with an artist statement
about your work.
Mixed Media Project - Example
Resources
 http://www.jiskha.com/art/visual_arts/ped.html