Mastering the Elements and Principles of Design: Leveraging Value, Contrast, and Rhythm

Pen and ink contemporary fine art by Doug Ashby.

Elements of Design: The Foundation of Art

Principles of Design: Guidelines for Using the Elements

Scientific illustrations have always fascinated me. They represent a bridge between two worlds I inhabit: one as an artist, and the other as an educator. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how similar these two roles are and how my years of experience as an art teacher can be integrated into my online presence as an artist. How can my teaching experience serve those who enjoy my artwork? I’ve realized that I employ the same design principles I teach in my work. As my competence in teaching these principles has grown, it has had a direct impact on my own art. In this specific artwork, I use the principles of rhythm and contrast, along with the element of value. Let me explain.

If you’ve had any exposure to art education, you’ve likely encountered the elements and principles of design. For me, they are the foundation of what—and in many ways, how—I teach. As an educator, I encourage students to embrace their innate creativity, allowing them the freedom to explore their visual ideas. However, I also structure my curriculum to build a deep understanding of how to use design elements and principles. Mastery of these tools makes it easier to execute one’s artistic vision and communicate effectively with viewers. No matter the type of artwork, including educational art like scientific illustrations, the goal is to keep the viewer engaged. The longer someone’s attention is held, the more impactful the artwork becomes.

This particular artwork was inspired by a fine day in April during the early days of the COVID pandemic. My daughter and I were in the front yard when we stumbled upon a dried, almost petrified, hosta flower. I was amazed it had survived the winter so intact—it was truly fascinating. I’ve created several artworks based on this object, but this one is the most straightforward. In my role as an art educator, I often collaborate with other disciplines, including science, to integrate the arts. Scientific illustration, in particular, offers a unique way to blend artistic abstraction with informative content. In this piece, I aimed to maintain my personal approach of abstracting nature while also providing educational information, such as the Latin name of the hosta, its common name, and the specific parts of the flower. The design principles of rhythm and contrast, along with the element of value, are key to how this artwork functions.

Let’s start with the element of value, one of the most fundamental components in my work and in most artworks. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or grayscale. Since the majority of my work is in black and white, I use grayscale to create depth and interest. When I first teach value to my students, I have them create a 10-step value scale, from the pure white of the paper to the darkest mark they can make with a pencil. A former colleague once argued that value is the most important element an artist can master. I use value extensively in my stippling technique—more dots create darker areas, fewer dots create lighter areas. By controlling the density of the dots, I control the value and, ultimately, the viewer’s focus.

Next, let’s move to the principles of contrast and rhythm. Contrast refers to the differences within an element. In this case, contrast is created through value—by using a wide range of light and dark shades, I create dynamic visual interest. I intentionally play dark against light and incorporate gradients to engage the viewer and keep their attention on the artwork. Contrast helps emphasize key areas and ensures that viewers don’t lose interest or move on too quickly. The stippling technique, with its intricate pattern of dots, invites viewers to explore the artwork closely.

Rhythm, the second principle at work here, is often confused with pattern, but there are important distinctions. While a pattern follows a predictable path, rhythm can change and evolve, much like in music where the emphasis might shift between beats. In this artwork, I use rhythm in the large, curled-up dried section of the flower (the leaf blade). By leveraging value and contrast in a repetitive but slightly varied manner, I create a rhythmic movement that adds a sense of gravity, anchoring the viewer’s eye at the bottom of the artwork. This sense of “weight” holds the composition together, creating a grounded feel. There is also a small rhythmic element near the top of the hosta, adding balance, but I’ll save that discussion for another time.

What I find most rewarding as both an artist and educator is that teaching these design principles continually enhances my own work. Every time I explore these concepts in the classroom, I discover new ways to apply them in my art. These principles and elements are indispensable tools in any artist’s toolbox, and I believe that by continuously working with them, I’ll only get better at communicating the themes in my work. If you’re an aspiring artist, I encourage you to delve deeper into these concepts. Understanding how to use value, contrast, rhythm, and other principles will make your artwork more impactful and effective.

As always, I hope you enjoy both the artwork and the writing. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to reach out through the comments or my contact page. Let’s start a conversation.

Thanks,

Doug