Government of Manitoba
Art Language and Tools

Art Language and Tools (A-L1) »
Students demonstrate understanding of and facility with the elements and principles of artistic design in a variety of contexts.

 

Students who have achieved expectations for this grade are able to

Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
use art media, tools, and processes to explore and demonstrate understanding of the elements and principles of artistic design

5-8 A-L1.1
Appendix B: Elements of Artistic Design
Appendix C: Principles of Artistic Design
describe in detail, the characteristics of art elements observed in art works and in the natural and constructed environment

5-6 A-L1.3

  
analyze how specific principles of design can be applied to the organization of art elements in artworks

5-6 A-L1.4

 demonstrate an integrated understanding of the elements and principles of artistic design in analyzing visual components in artworks and in the natural and constructed environment

7-8 A-L1.4
use appropriate art vocabulary to explain the use of art elements and principles in own compositions

5-8 A-L1.8
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Key Concepts: Principles of Artistic Design
Principles of Artistic Design
Balance
  • balance refers to the way art elements are arranged to create a sense of stability or equilibrium in a composition
  • balance may have the following characteristics: symmetrical, approximately symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial
Contrast
  • contrast refers to differences between art elements arranged in proximity to each other
  • highly contrasting elements can create drama or excitement in a work, while the absence of contrast can create a calming, peaceful effect
Emphasis and focal point
  • emphasis occurs when an art element, or combination of elements attract more attention in a composition
  • an artist may create a strong focal point in a work by emphasizing a particular element
Movement
  • artists can create real movement (as in a kinetic sculpture, or video), compositional movement (e.g. the way the parts of an artwork may be arranged to “lead the eye” from one place to the next), and representational movement (e.g., the depiction of a figure in motion)
Proportion
  • proportion is the relationship in size of parts to one another, and to the whole
  • depicting things in accurate proportion to each other may create realism
  • proportions can be exaggerated or distorted for expressive purposes (e.g., caricatures)
Pattern and rhythm
  • pattern is the repetition of art elements, or combinations of art elements in a recognizable organization
  • visual rhythm refers to the sense of movement that may be created through the repetition, alteration, and progression of elements
Harmony and unity
  • harmony occurs when art elements appear to work together in a pleasing way (the opposite of discord,  as in when colours clash)
  • unity refers to the sense of wholeness that a composition may achieve when all the elements combine in a harmonious way
Variety
  • variety is the inclusion of differences in the elements of a composition
  • variety may be thought of as a principle that offsets unity to create interest

 

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