2-d Design Form

VOCABULARY REVIEW: FORM

Form total appearance, organization, or arrangement of visual elements

Elements of art basic visual essentials of line, shape, value, texture, & colour
Line path of a moving point made by a tool or material
Shape defined or implied 2 D configuration
Value relative degree of light or dark
Texture real or implied surface characteristics
Colour visual response to wavelengths of light/ properties of hue, intensity, and value

Principles of organization include harmony, variety, balance, repetition, rhythm, movement, proportion, spatial tension, dominance, and economy
Harmony “sameness” of properties/ repetition
Variety dissimilarity caused by contrast and elaboration
Balance a visual feeling of equilibrium
Symmetry exact likeness on either side of a central axis

Approximate symmetry similar imagery on either side of a central axis
Radial symmetry radiating from a central point
Asymmetrical balance “felt” or implied equilibrium

Repetition repeated use of an element or visual effect
Rhythm flow or rhythmic movement caused by repetition
Movement eye travel directed by visual components
Proportion comparative relationship between parts of a whole
Spatial tension relationships between spaces
Dominance importance
Hierarchy forms in order of visual importance
Economy reducing to basic essentials for visual clarity

Pattern any organization of form, often using repetition
Motif a design that is repeated
Positive shapes the imagery
Negative shapes unoccupied space around positive shapes

Picture frame outer boundary of the picture plane
Picture plane 2D surface on which the artist works

Unity total effect of a work’s component parts