Composition and Design Principles

Elements of art

These are the building blocks of any artwork:

• Line: straight, curved, thick, thin; shows direction and movement.
• Shape: flat 2D area (circle, square) or organic shape.
• Form: 3D shape with volume (sculpture).
• Colour: hue, value and intensity.
• Value: lightness or darkness.
• Texture: how a surface feels or looks.
• Space: positive (objects) and negative (empty area).

Principles of design

• Balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial.
• Rhythm: repetition creating movement, as in kente-like or Maasai beadwork patterns.
• Emphasis: focal point.
• Proportion: size relationships.
• Unity and harmony: parts work together.
• Contrast: differences that add interest (light and dark).
• Variety: differences that avoid monotony.

Composition

Composition is how elements are arranged. Techniques:

• Rule of thirds: divide the picture into 3 x 3 and place the subject on intersections.
• Leading lines: roads or rivers guiding the eye.
• Overlapping and scale to show depth.
• Framing the subject.

Colour theory

• Primary: red, yellow, blue.
• Secondary: orange, green, violet (mix two primaries).
• Tertiary: mix a primary and a secondary.
• Tints (add white), shades (add black), tones (add grey).
• Warm colours (red, orange, yellow) advance; cool colours (blue, green) recede.
• Colour schemes: monochromatic, analogous, complementary, triadic.

Perspective

Linear perspective uses a horizon line and vanishing points so objects appear to recede. Atmospheric perspective makes distant objects lighter and bluer.

Kenyan context

Kenyan art draws on Kisii soapstone carving, Akamba woodcarving, Maasai beadwork, kiondo basketry, batiks and the paintings of artists such as Elimo Njau and Joseph Murumbi's collection at the Nairobi Gallery. Observe how patterns, rhythm and colour symbolism are used.

Worked example: still life

Arrange a calabash, a kiondo and two fruits. Place the calabash on a third line as the focal point. Use side light to show value and texture. Choose a warm background to contrast cool blue cloth, giving contrast and balance.

Critique method

1. Describe what you see.
2. Analyse the elements and principles.
3. Interpret the meaning.
4. Judge the success.

Safety and care

Use brushes, knives and chemicals safely, work in ventilated areas and recycle materials like cartons and old fabric.

Try it

• Sketch a market scene using the rule of thirds.
• Create a colour wheel with tints and shades.
• Critique one artwork using describe, analyse, interpret and judge.