Lesson plan for students to learn about the principles and elements of design and use them to critique art. (Note: Link to Sanford & A Lifetime of Color: Study Art does not work.)

In this third unit of a course on Art Appreciation, students learn how to describe the technical aspects of an artist's work by discussing elements of art and principles of design. They also look at the stylistic qualities of an artist's...

This site from Artlex provides a thorough definition of the Principle of Design known as Rhythm. There are links to other sources and terms as well as visuals from artists such as Klee, Matisse and Mondrian that show further examples.

A site dedicated to providing vocabulary for the elements of visual design. Includes a visual notation system for describing both the elements and attributes of art.

A definition of composition with other terms and how they relate to composition. This site shows an example and also explains the terms provided.

The Smithsonian profiles the work of master furniture craftsman, Sam Maloof. While not technically sculpture, Maloof's work approaches fine art in its beauty yet has a strong element of function. Videos require QuickTime plug-in.