This document discusses principles of design and color theory. It outlines different types of lines and shapes that can be used in art and what meanings they may convey. It also defines hue, value, tint, shade, intensity and complementary colors. Principles of composition are covered including proportion, unity, balance, rhythm and harmony. Elements of art are listed as illustrative element, decorative element, medium, material and style.

1. Principles of Design and Color Theory
Hue
Principles of Design - Ordinary name of “color”
Line Primary Colors
Is a mark that is made on a surface - Blue, Red, Yellow
Horizontal Line Secondary Colors
- Signifies peacefulness, calmness, rest, - Obtained by mixing equal amounts of two
acceptance primary colors
Vertical Line - Violet, Green, Orange
- Suggests ambition, victory, nobility, Complementary Colors
strength and balance - Refer to two colors opposite each other on
Diagonal Line the color wheel
- Suggests dynamic action, anxiety, stress, Intermediate Colors
frustration and defeat - Is the mixture of primary and secondary
Curve Line colors
- Part of circle; suggests gracefulness; Tertiary Colors
connotes aspiration but bends down as to - Is produced by mixing equal amount of two
accept humanity secondary color
Repetitive Lines Value
- When two or more lines lying parallel to - Appearance of lights and darks found in a
each other work of art
Implied Line - These range from black to white with
- A line that is not really there but guides the numerous shades of gray in between
eye and organize the image Tint
Mass Area / Shape - When white is mixed with a light color
Take form of shape of trees, clouds, mountains or Shade
bodies of water - When white is mixed with a darker color
Volume Intensity
Mass on a 3D geometric form; implied in painting - Brightness and dullness of a color
but actual in sculpture Light and Shadow
Line Shape Volume Applying light and shadow makes the object
Ameoboid Shape looks round
Shape which has no definite form
Texture Art of shading “chiaroscuro”
Is the roughness or smoothness of a surface
Linear Perspective
Principles of Artistic Composition
The principle of two parallel lines receding into
Composition – is a process, the act of composing or
distance
organizing the elements of art.
(vanishing point, bird’s eye view, ant’s view)
Color 1. Proportion
The character of a surface created by the - The comparative relationship of the parts to
response of vision to the wavelength of light each other and to the whole.
reflection. 2. Unity and Harmony
- Unity is the oneness or wholeness.

2. - Repetition will give a harmonious effect
- To relieve monotony, there must be variety
3. Balance
- It is when visual or actual weights or
masses are distributed in such a way that
they achieve harmony
 Formal / Symmetrical Balance
- Achieved when / by both side exactly
alike
 Informal / Asymmetrical Balance
- Achieved when objects of unequal
weight are placed at the correct
distances from the center
4. Rhythm
- Regular repetition of sensory inmpressions.
5. Harmony
- Giving the proper importance to the parts
or to the whole
General Elements of Arts
ILLUSTRATIVE ELEMENT – subject matter
DECORATIVE ELEMENT – used in beautifying the
subject
MEDIUM – technique and method in making the
artwork
MATERIAL – what to use
STYLE – personal rendition of the artist