Pictorial Qualities in a Design Shape Shape is a closed line. Shapes can be geometric, like squares and circles; or organic, like free formed shapes or natural shapes. Shapes are twodimensional and can express length and width. A shape is an area that is separate from other areas and/or its background. The two basic types of shapes: Geometric o Structured, often symmetrical shapes o Seen in architecture and manufactured items. o Include squares, circles, and triangles but also octagons, hexagons, and cones. Each of these shapes has a psychological meaning associated with it. The triangle has the attitude of conflict or action. The circle gives the feeling of protection or infinity. Honesty or equality is associated with the square. Organic o Shapes found in nature o Often irregular and fluid. o the shapes you draw freehand These shapes are generally complex and have a natural, spontaneous feel to them. Think of the enormous variety and complexity of plant and animal life. Dynamic Shapes - Shapes that appears moving and active 1
Form Forms are three-dimensional shapes, expressing length, width, and depth. You can hold a form; walk around a form and in some cases walk inside a form. In drawing or painting using value can imply form. Shading a circle in a certain manner can turn it into a sphere. Four basic forms: Cube Cylinder Sphere Cone Space Space is the area between and around objects. Space can also refer to the feeling of depth. Real space is three-dimensional; in visual art when we can create the feeling or illusion of depth we call it space. Categories of Space Positive Space o Actual shape or object. Negative Space o Space around objects o Negative Space also has shape. 2
Depth Methods of Showing Depth: Nonlinear Perspective the method of showing depth that incorporates the following techniques: o Position Placing an object higher on the page makes it appear farther back than objects placed lower on the page. o Overlapping When an object overlaps another object it appears closer to the viewer, and the object behind the object appears farther away. o Size Variation Smaller objects look farther away in the distance. Larger objects look closer. o Color Bright colors look like they are closer to you and neutral colors look like they are farther away. o Value Lighter values look like they are farther back and darker values look like they are closer. Example: Mountains often look bluish and lighter than the trees or houses that are closer to you. Linear Perspective the method of using lines to show the illusion of depth in a picture. Pattern Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the artwork. It is simply keeping your design in a certain format. For example, you could plan to have wavy lines all around your design as a pattern, but then you must continue those wavy lines throughout the design for good patterns. It wouldn't look good if suddenly you stopped all the wavy lines and drew a picture of a dog. 3
Texture Texture helps your design to be distinctive or have identifying character and characteristics. With the proper texture, your design will look more fascinating than the average design. Texture is always a part of our designs whether intentional or not. It is the visual (implied) or tactile (texture) surface characteristics of a piece. In desktop publishing, texture comes from the paper we use. We may also add visual textures through the arrangement of lines and shapes or the use of photographic images of specific surfaces. Examples of Texture: 1. Objects within a photograph Fairly smooth surface of the chalk, rough surface of the cement Smooth glass bottles; fabric of the potholders Worn wooden mallet; grass 4
2. Images created with photo-editing software Mimics drapes or folds in a satiny fabric Simulates a rough, rocky surface Random soft circles create an imaginary texture 3. Digitized images of actual textures A straw mat A piece of door mat made from old tires Tree bark 4. Symbolic textures created with lines or shapes Wavy lines could symbolize water, waves, rolling terrain Overlapping circles give the look of fish scales A grid of lines could simulate plaid or linen fabrics, wire mesh, or other textures 5
References Elements of Design. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2004, from http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/files/elements.htm Jiskha Homework Help. (n.d.). Principles and Elements of Design. Retrieved July 26, 2004, from http://www.jiskha.com/art/visual_arts/ped.html Elements of Design (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2004, from http://www.geocities.com/collegepark/classroom/6949/page3.html About.Inc (2004). Desktop Publishing. Retrieved July 26, 2004, from http://desktoppub.about.com/ 2D Design Notes (2003). Design and Composition. Retrieved July 26, 2004, from http://daphne.palomar.edu/design/ 6
Multiple Choice Questions Structured, often symmetrical shapes often seen in architecture and manufactured items are known as shapes. a. organic *b. geometric c. dynamic d. three-dimensional Three-dimensional shapes, expressing length, width, and depth are known as *a. forms b. shapes c. patterns d. textures The area between and around objects is known as a. form b. depth c. texture *d. space The repeating of an object or symbol all over the artwork is known as a. form b. depth *c. pattern d. texture Shapes that appear moving and active are known as a. organic b. three-dimensional *c. dynamic d. geometric 7