The document discusses principles of visual perception and Gestalt theory. It explains how the brain tends to group similar objects that are close together or aligned. Viewers perceive incomplete shapes or implied lines by connecting similar elements that are separated. Other concepts covered include proximity, repetition, continuation, emphasis, scale, balance, symmetry, asymmetry, rhythm and cadence in visual compositions.

1. visual perception

3. • The Gestalt theory of visual
psychology:
• The viewer tends to group objects
that are close to each other.
• In the image, the first impression
is not random squares, but two
groups of smaller elements.

4. • Negative (or empty
space) will likewise be
organized.
• In the image, the
elements are seen as
two groups. With the
groups ending on two
common boundaries,
the white empty space
is as strong as the
rectangles.

5. • Our brain will tend to
relate and group
objects of a a similar
shape.
• In the image, a cross
or plus sign is
obvious rather than
an allover pattern of
small shapes.

6. • In the image, the
pattern is not merely
circles.
• We visually close the
spaces between
similar ones to
create a design of
lines. In this case
the lines form an M.

7. • Proximity: make
separate elements
look as if they
belong together.

8. • Repetition: repeat
something in various
parts of the design to
relate the parts to
each other.

9. • Continuation:
Continuation means
that something
“continues”- usually
a line, an edge, or a
direction from one
form to another.
This allows the
viewers eye to move
from one object to
another.

10. • Continuity: The
planned
arrangement of
various forms so that
the edges are lined
up.
• Continuity is
achieved when there
is a visual
relationship between
two or more designs.

12. • The image has
complete unity. All
the images are the
same size, creating
a very boring
design.

13. • Here, there is the
same division of
space, but the
pattern is not as dull.

14. • The original
checkerboard is
almost completely
removed, but the
underlying element
of unity is still
present. This design
is filled with variety,
but keeps unity.

15. • How to catch a viewers attention?
• How to provide a pattern that attracts the eye?
• Nothing will guarantee the above, but a device that will
help is a point of emphasis or focal point.

16. • Break the pattern to
create a focal point.
• A change in color or
brightness can
immediately attract
attention

17. • Emphasis by
placement.
• If many
elements point
to one item, our
attention is
directed there,
and a focal point
is created

19. • With the absence of a focal point:
• Artists emphasizes the entire surface over any individual
element.

20. • Contrast a shape
with its surroundings.
• Create a contrast of
temperature
• Use a darker or
lighter value

21. • Focus attention with
converging lines
• Increase an object’s
intensity of color

22. • Cow’s Skull:
Red, White,
and Blue
Georgia
O’Keefe

23. • Scale is another term for size.
• Large scale, small scale
• What is big? Need a point of reference.
• Proportion refers to relative size, measured against
other elements, against a standard.

24. • Proportion seems
off because of scale
of house to
man…reference
points.

26. • Balance is the
distribution of
visual weight
within a
composition.

27. • Like shapes are
repeated in the same
position on either side
of a vertical axis

29. • With asymmetrical balance, balance is achieved with
dissimilar objects that have equal weight or equal eye
attraction.

31. • All the elements of the composition radiate or circle out
from a common central point.

34. • In writing and
poetry, words can
establish a
cadence, a
repetitive flow of
syllables.

35. • Progressive rhythm
involves repetition
of a shape that
changes with a
regular manner.

36. • Successive patterns
where the same
elements reappear in
a regular order.