5 Examples of the Principles and Elements of Design

Spider on her web, taken in my garden in Brookings, SD.
This picture is depicting the principle of movement, which can be seen through the spider's web.

Carnival rides from the Brown County Fair, in Aberdeen, SD.
This picture is depicting the principle contrast, which can be seen in the varying values and colors.

Grain bin on my family farm, in Aberdeen, SD.
This picture is depicting the element of shape.

A quilt made by my grandmother.
This picture is depicting the principle of unity.  All the fabric patterns and colors are varrying, but are brought together by the common shape used.

A barn on my family farm, in Aberdeen, SD.
This picture is depicting the element of texture, that can be seen in the aging wood of the barn.

This project is used as a way to provide students with the opportunity to identify and capture all the different principles and elements of design. Above are five examples of the pictures I took. I thought that this was a really great way to show students that the elements and principles of design are in the world around us, every day. An extension activity for this could be, to then use one of their photos they took and create a drawing to see how they could incorporate that element into a specific work of art.

Foot Print Introduction

This project was designed as a way for a teacher and his/her students to introduce themselves to one another. To begin the project, simply trace the outline of your foot on construction paper and cut it out. Next, to fill in the foot have students think about symbols or objects that are important to them or help tell about themselves. For example, the bookworm on my foot represents my love for reading. Some guidelines are to use at least three different medias. For example, my footprint is made out of construction paper, computer paper, crayons, marker, pen, glitter, and a skewer. Encourage the students to let their creativity go! 

Not only is this a great project for making introductions, but it could be used in other projects as well. I think that this would be a great way for students to start brainstorming ideas for a first drawing or how they would like to portray themselves in a self-portrait.