Mini Art School: Elements and Principles of design

Mini Art School: Elements and Principles of design

I am a big fan of well taken photographs that capture any viewers attention. From the many on the Library of Congress website: www.loc.gov/rr/print, I chose the following photos for this class activity. 

 1. Art in Golden Gate Park in front of the de Young Museum, San Francisco, California

      Its interesting how artists capture views attention through there pieces. In this piece I liked how the Artist made use of the elements of Space, Shape, Size/Scale, Value and the principles of focal point and Unity. The space occupied by the piece is enough for the viewer and size is proportionate. Any viewer who sees this piece focuses his attention to it and its entirely in unity  meaning that every thing on it look together. No wondering of eyes.

2. Carnaval, San Francisco, California

     This piece by all standards qualify for all the elements and principles. I like the color that was used on the piece especially on hair and in fact it captures someones attention i.e there an emphasis in the design. The texture used on the face of the piece shows perfection on the side of the designer and it relates well with viewer.

3. Library of Congress
    The architectural  design of this magnificent library shows a lot to be admired on the side of the viewer. The texture, color, shape, Size and line elements are reflected in the piece. The support of the poles of the library support the roofing and at the same time occupying the negative space. They signify direction and movement as one progresses to the entrance. The movement principle is reflected as one looks directly to the steps and doorway.

4.Stain glass in Neiman Marcus store, San Francisco, California

   This glass has a nice view and the designer must have though had through the application of the elements and principles of design. I like the focal point and as one wonders away along the lines, the colors used are viewer friendly and its a well thought out shape. The contract of the focal point is eye catching. Over all the piece is unified and is strongly together.

5.  Free form pool at the Jon and Lillian Lovelace home in Montecito, California
     I like this free from pool, it brings out a nice view. It acts as a centre of focus and as the eyes move away to the green scenery, there is little negative space. Most space  is occupied and the size of the pool is proportionate to the surrounding.

 6. Joseph Strauss statue at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

     This statue acts as a focal point and there contrast between the colors used and the sky. This is important for the viewer to have a clearer view of the shape. The big blue sky can act as negative space though in good spirit because it leaves the design in unity. The shape and size are fine and value is well respected. I like the way the ground is white in comparison to the background and blue sky which makes viewing of the statue more interesting.

The elements and principles exhibited in this pieces makes them exceptional and the visual message they send is very clear and effective.