Free Principles of Design Lesson for Teachers

Learning the principles of design is fun and allows artists and designers to approach their work with a clarity that goes hand in hand with understanding not only the how of a thing but also the why. By analyzing the principles of design, we examine why certain combinations of visual phenomena are more attractive to the eye than others. Why does a design or work of art attract our attention and lure us while another leaves us flat and disinterested? To grasp and apply principles accurately is similar to a chef who knows how certain ingredients complement or contrast with each other. A good cook uses the same ingredients that we all use but somehow makes the food so much better. An artist uses the elements of art as ingredients and the principles of design as combinations of these ingredients to create truly dynamic artistic compositions.

This article is offered as a complete lesson that can be given to art students or used by casual learners. It reviews the elements of art and then discusses each of the principles of design. The lesson teaches first and then asks the reader or student to analyze and discuss works of art related to the Principle. It is suitable for middle school students to college-age students and complements art units based on the elements of art and principles of design. I have been an art teacher for over twenty-four years and use this lesson every year with my own high school students.

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Lesson Plan for Principles of Design: 

• Have students write each principle of design on a separate page in their sketchbook at the top. 
• Have them add the definition to that principle as you go through this slide show.  
• In the room that is left on their page, have them create a design that demonstrates that given art principle. 
• Have them choose their favorite and share it with the class along with an explanation of how it demonstrates the given principle of design.  
• To make this more challenging, you can require that each design be an abstract, non-representational work of art.  
• To make it even a bit more challenging, have them choose their favorite one and create three or four more drawings using the same principle and methods, but varying the application.  This will push their creativity.   

If you enjoyed this lesson, please feel free to share it with others and follow me on Instagram: @bruceblackart

Below is the full slide show on Slide Share.  You can download this slide show for free.  

Principles of Design for the Artist from Bruce Black Art

If you enjoyed learning about the principles of design, you may also be interested in this art lesson that is perfect for middle school and high school students.  

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