Lesson #5: The Principle of Simplicity
 Simplicity in art, also known as visual economy or minimal design, is omitting all non-essential or un-important elements and details which don't really contribute to the essence of the overall composition in order to emphasize what is important. It is about really understanding the design problem, and focusing on the essentials. Much of the beauty and skill in good design focuses on what is left out, rather than trying to include everything you can. The secret to a great composition is in knowing when to stop; when to put the brush down, stand back and say "that’s just about right".
Keeping It Simple is The Key To Good Design
Good design means as little design as possible. It involves a paring down to only the essential elements required to achieve the desired effect. Restraint and simplicity are key in the creation of good design. There are no rules for using economy, if an element works in the composition with respect to the whole design, it should be kept. If it distracts from the desired effect, it should be re-evaluated for its purpose. Never use anything for its own sake, always consider and justify its inclusion for the contribution it makes to achieve the overall design effect.
The principle of simplicity suggests that a good composition is the most simple solution to the design problem.
Examples of the effective use of Simplicity
Simplicity is suggested in this painting of the cowboy by zooming in thus eliminating the extra surrounding elements that would otherwise detract from the main focus of the painting.
There is simplicity in the design of the buildings in the painting right. Detail has been left out to call your attention to the unique architecture.
In the painting of Egypt on the right detail has been deliberately left out so the shapes rather than the features become the areas of interest.
In the painting on the right the background and clothing are done in a very simplistic manner so that the viewer's attention is drawn to the face of Mary and that of baby Jesus. More detail would have been a distraction.
Your Next Art Lesson
Click on a link below to proceed on to the next lesson or go back and study a previous one or return to the
Art Lesson Index to select your next lesson.
• Lesson #1: Introduction
• Lesson #2: The principle of balance
• Lesson #3: The principle of movement
• Lesson #4: The principle of emphasis
• Lesson #5: The principle of simplicity
• Lesson #6: The principle of contrast
• Lesson #7: The principle of proportion
• Lesson #8: The principle of space
• Lesson #9: The principle of unity
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