ART
Last Art & Soul Newsletter we finished the Elements of Design. The Elements of Design are the different parts of an artwork; they are line, shape, form, colour, value, space and texture. The Principles of Design are how we organize or use these parts (the lines, the shapes, the colours etc.). The Principles of Design are Balance, Contrast, Unity, Repetition / Pattern, Emphasis / Dominance. We will study Balance first.
Balance refers to the overall distribution of visual weight in a composition. A well-balanced composition feels comfortable to look at. Symmetrical balance is when design elements on the left side of an image mirror the design elements on the right side, of the top mirrors the bottom of the composition.
Asymmetrical balance occurs when you have different visual images on either side of a design, and yet the image still seems balanced.
Radial balance is symmetry in several directions (i.e. like a radial tire). Visual elements are arranged around a central point in the composition, like the spokes on a bicycle wheel.
So now you know symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial balance. Next time you look at an art work, try to figure out whether it is symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial balance; it will be on of the three.
SOUL
I always try to keep an open mind and attitude toward life and what I am presented. As you found out last Art & Soul Insider, we have a new member in our family; her name is Wailea (Why-lee-ah). The vet said she was about seven months old; so, still a young one in my eyes. Despite her age, I have learned from her.
She has such an incredible zest for life. She examines everything with the greatest curiosity. To me it is a great reminder to always be open, and to be willing to try, new tastes, sounds and sights. Often we become set in our ways and unwilling to try anything new. There is a great deal that life has to offer, we just need to be who we are, with a dash of curiosity.
Wailea has two speeds: on and off. She will get up to 110 km/hr, and then she sleeps. I have always loved the idea of giving life everything you’ve got and then stopping to rest and recuperate. Often we forget, or short change, the later. We are good at giving and going, in fact almost too much. As I’ve gotten older (and after cancer), I’ve realized that striving for balance is a good thing. There is always something to do, but we need to rest and recharge.
Being younger than Anise and Makena, she naturally looks up to them. Especially with Makena, Wailea follows him around and intercepts his path with drive by cuddling with her tail. (I’m not advocating drive by cuddling, unless you know the person well!) But I think we all need someone to look up to, to have a mentor in work and in life; someone to turn to for advice and an ear to listen.
As I mentioned Wailea loves to move, but more importantly, she loves to play. She happily plays with herself, but she truly loves chasing and playing with Anise & Makena. It is important to have time on our own with our hobbies, as well as fun time with others. It gives us a chance to learn and laugh.
So I hope this month you find time to be curious, rest, spend time with someone you admire and take moments for your hobby. Life is to be enjoyed and savoured.
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