Basic 7 · Creative Arts and Design · Design in Nature and the Manmade Environment
Principles of Design, Making Artworks and Creating Drama
In this topic you will learn the principles of design that organise the elements, design and produce an artwork that reflects local history and culture, and use the design process to create a short dance-drama.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the principles of design and how they organise the elements
- Produce a 2D or 3D artwork that reflects local history and culture
- Use the design process to create and present a short dance or drama
What you already know
- Elements of design
- The stages of the design process
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Design
- Sub-strand
- Design in Nature and the Manmade Environment
- Indicator
- B7.1.1.3 – Research ‘principles of design’ to describe how they are used to organize the ‘elements of design’ into building blocks for visual design composition and creative expression of ideas
Introduction
If the elements of design are the ingredients, the principles of design are the recipe. They tell the designer how to combine lines, shapes and colours into a pleasing whole.
1. The Principles of Design
| Principle | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| balance | equal visual weight on both sides | a symmetrical Asante stool |
| rhythm (repetition) | repeated elements that lead the eye | stripes in kente |
| proportion | correct size relationships between parts | a figure's head and body |
| emphasis (dominance) | one part stands out as the centre of interest | a large adinkra symbol in the middle of a cloth |
| contrast | strong differences between elements | black symbols on white cloth |
| unity (harmony) | all parts look as if they belong together | matching colours in a kaba outfit |
| variety | differences that make the design interesting | different motifs in a kente strip |
| movement | the path the eye follows through a design | zigzag patterns on a basket |
2. Types of Balance
Symmetrical (formal) balance has the same design on both sides of a centre line, like a butterfly or the front of a church. Asymmetrical (informal) balance uses different elements that have equal visual weight, like one big shape balanced by several small ones. Radial balance spreads out from a centre, like a flower or a sunflower head.
3. How Principles Organise Elements
The principles are used together. In kente, repeated blocks create rhythm, bright yellow against black creates contrast, and the matching strips create unity. The weaver still adds variety by changing the motifs. A design that ignores the principles may look confusing, crowded or dull.
New words
- principles of design
- Guidelines for arranging the elements of design.
- symmetry
- Equal design on both sides of a centre line.
- emphasis
- Making one part stand out.
- unity
- When all parts belong together.
Summary
- Principles of design include balance, rhythm, proportion, emphasis, contrast, unity, variety and movement.
- Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial.
- Principles work together to organise the elements into a pleasing design.
Class activity: Principles Hunt
- Study photographs of kente, a basket and an Asante stool.
- Identify at least three principles of design in each.
- Present your findings on a chart with labelled sketches.
You need: Pencils, Drawing paper, Printed photographs of Ghanaian stools, Baskets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Equal design on both sides of a centre line shows…
- A. symmetrical balance
- B. contrast
- C. variety
- D. emphasis
Show answer
Answer: symmetrical balanceMirror image.2. Black adinkra symbols on white cloth show…
- A. contrast
- B. unity
- C. proportion
- D. radial balance
Show answer
Answer: contrastStrong difference.3. Rhythm is created by repeating elements.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRepetition leads the eye.4. Making one part of a design stand out is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: emphasisCentre of interest.5. Explain the difference between elements and principles of design.
Show answer
Answer: Elements are the parts (line, shape, colour); principles are the ways of arranging them (balance, rhythm, contrast).Ingredients vs recipe.6. Identify three principles of design in kente cloth and explain each.
Show answer
Answer: Rhythm from repeated blocks; contrast of bright and dark colours; unity from matching strips.Any three.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Visual Arts
- Sub-strand
- Design in Nature and the Manmade Environment
- Indicator
- B7.2.2.1.1 – Design and produce own visual artworks that reflect the history and culture of the people of the local community
Introduction
Now it is time to make your own artwork. Using the design process, you will create a 2D or 3D piece that tells something about the history or culture of your community.
1. Choosing a Theme
Good themes come from your environmental walk, your research and the stories of elders. Examples include the founding of your town, a local festival, a chief's regalia, traditional occupations such as fishing or weaving, or a modern issue such as keeping water bodies clean.
2. Planning the Artwork
| Plan item | Example |
|---|---|
| theme | the Aboakyer (deer-hunting) festival of Winneba |
| form | 2D painted poster |
| size | A3 cardboard |
| materials | poster colours, brushes, pencils |
| elements used | bold lines, warm colours |
| principles used | emphasis on the hunters, rhythm of dancing figures |
| message | bravery and unity of the Effutu people |
3. Making the Artwork
- Make a final sketch on the chosen surface with light lines.
- Lay in large areas of colour first, then smaller details.
- For 3D work, build the basic form first, then add texture and decoration.
- Keep checking that your elements and principles support the message.
- Sign and title your work when it is finished.
4. Appraising Your Work
When the artwork is complete, appraise it using four steps: describe what you see, analyse how the elements and principles are used, interpret the meaning or message, and judge how successful the work is. Write a short artist's statement explaining your theme and choices.
New words
- theme
- The main idea of an artwork.
- regalia
- Special objects and clothing used by chiefs.
- artist's statement
- A short written explanation of an artwork.
- appraise
- To judge the value and quality of a work.
Summary
- Choose a theme from local history, culture or current issues.
- Plan the form, materials, elements and principles before making.
- Appraise by describing, analysing, interpreting and judging.
Class activity: Culture Artwork
- Plan and make a 2D or 3D artwork on a local theme.
- Write a short artist's statement.
- Display your work and appraise one classmate's piece.
You need: Pencils, Drawing paper, Printed photographs of Ghanaian stools, Baskets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The main idea of an artwork is its…
- A. theme
- B. texture
- C. size
- D. tool
Show answer
Answer: themeWhat it is about.2. Which step of appraisal explains the meaning of a work?
- A. Interpretation
- B. Description
- C. Analysis
- D. Judgement
Show answer
Answer: InterpretationWhat it means.3. Regalia are special objects used by chiefs.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSuch as stools, swords and umbrellas.4. A short written explanation of an artwork is an artist's ______.
Show answer
Answer: statementExplains the work.5. Name the four steps for appraising an artwork.
Show answer
Answer: Describe, analyse, interpret, judge.In order.6. Suggest a theme from your community and explain which elements and principles you would use to show it.
Show answer
Answer: Example: Homowo; warm colours and rhythm of dancing figures to show joy and plenty.Any sensible plan.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Performing Arts
- Sub-strand
- Media and Techniques
- Indicator
- B7.2.2.3.6 – Demonstrate the ability to use concepts of design process to produce and display own creative and expressive artworks that reflect in the range of different times and cultures in dance and drama
Introduction
A play or a dance is designed just like a basket or a poster. Performers plan, research, create, rehearse and evaluate before they present their work to an audience.
1. The Design Process in Drama and Dance
| Stage | In drama or dance |
|---|---|
| identify | choose a story or issue from the community |
| research | ask elders, read and watch similar performances |
| create ideas | brainstorm scenes, characters and movements |
| develop | write a simple script or plan the dance sequence |
| rehearse | practise lines, movements and music |
| perform | present to an audience |
| evaluate | discuss strengths and how to improve |
2. Elements of a Skit
A skit is a short, simple play. It has characters (the people in the story), a setting (where and when it happens), a plot (what happens, with a beginning, middle and end), a conflict (a problem to solve) and dialogue (what the characters say). Many Ghanaian skits use Ananse stories or everyday issues such as greed, laziness and respect for elders.
3. Building a Dance-Drama
A dance-drama tells a story through movement, music and a few words. Start with a story, then match each scene with movements and music. For example, a story about a war might use Fontomfrom drumming and strong warrior steps, while a scene of mourning might use slow Adowa gestures.
Plan a short dance-drama
Story: a greedy hunter who refuses to share his catch.
- Scene 1: the hunter catches a deer; joyful dance with drums.
- Scene 2: he hides the meat; sneaky, slow movements.
- Scene 3: the villagers discover the trick; fast, angry movements.
- Scene 4: he apologises and shares; the whole group dances together.
Answer: A four-scene dance-drama teaching that sharing builds a community
New words
- skit
- A short, simple play.
- plot
- The order of events in a story.
- conflict
- The problem in a story.
- dialogue
- The words spoken by characters.
Summary
- Drama and dance follow the same design process as visual art.
- A skit has characters, setting, plot, conflict and dialogue.
- A dance-drama tells a story through movement, music and few words.
Class activity: Our Dance-Drama
- Choose a community story or issue and plan four scenes.
- Add movements, music and short dialogue to each scene.
- Rehearse, perform and evaluate your dance-drama.
You need: Atumpan drum, Calabash rattle, Printed photographs of Ghanaian dance poses
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A short, simple play is a…
- A. skit
- B. song
- C. chorus
- D. proverb
Show answer
Answer: skitShort drama.2. The problem that the characters face in a story is the…
- A. conflict
- B. setting
- C. dialogue
- D. costume
Show answer
Answer: conflictIt drives the plot.3. A dance-drama can tell a story mostly through movement.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueFew words are needed.4. The words spoken by characters in a play are called ______.
Show answer
Answer: dialogueConversation.5. Name the elements of a skit.
Show answer
Answer: Characters, setting, plot, conflict and dialogue.Five elements.6. Explain how music and movement can show different moods in a dance-drama.
Show answer
Answer: Fast drumming and strong steps show excitement or anger; slow drumming and gestures show sadness.Matching mood.
Homework
- Collect pictures of two Ghanaian artefacts and label the principles of design in each.