Design: Elements and Principles of Art

Fiber Artists are a special 'breed'! They encompass all aspects of mediums to create interesting and intriguing wearables as well as wall pieces. When does one begin to call themselves a 'Fiber Artist"? Let's begin with these fundamentals:


Elements of Art--these are building blocks used by artists to create a work of art:

• Line (can show movement, be straight
• Shape & Form (closed lines present 3D effect)
• Color (reflect light, hue, value, intensity, usage and varies with culture)
• Texture can be visual or actual
• Space--negative, perspective, overlaps, positive
• Value--range of light to dark; contrast

Principles of Art--ways artists use the Elements in their artwork

• Pattern (repetition of the elements of art)
• Emphasis (focus--main idea or what 'grabs' your attention)
• Variety (an assortment of lines, shapes, colors and other elements of art in the art work) Variety adds detail and interest to the work
• Unity (how the elements work together, fit together, so the art work looks complete)
• Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical)
• Rhythm & Movement (a regular repetition of the elemtns of art to create a sense of rhythm and/or movement)  Does your eye move across the piece?
• Proportion (how parts fit together to make a whole--size relations including scale, monumental, miniature, exaggeration)***

***Awesome Artists (The ABC's of Art: complied, organized and added to by M.C. Gillis)

Now, putting all those steps together, let's take a look at some Art pieces:  these come from Studio Art Quilt Association

Sharon Crary--small tapestry

CINDI HUSSAFTER THE STORM II

DENISE LABADIETRINITY CHURCH

SUSAN WEBB LEEELECTRIC BLUE

 

YAEL DAVID-COHENMASK

B. J. ADAMSBIRDS