Visual Literacy

The Basic Morphological Forms  of Visual Grammar
Dot	The dot is the minimal visual unit. It functions as a pointer or a marker of visual space. If a dot is placed in the center of visual space, it provides a balanced picture. If it is placed either to the left or the right of the center, it needs to be countered by another visual element (Arnheim, 1988).  Centricity stands for a self-centered attitude that is characteristic of human beings.  The infant sees himself as the center of the world around him. A social group, a group or an organization, is also compelled to recognize that it has a center. Things are organized around that center.
Line	A line is produced by moving a point in space. Lines may be thick, thin, straight, curved,  jagged, or wiggly. Lines may also be implied as when four dots are placed on a page and linearly linked by the mind that searches for such recognizable patterns. Lines also invoke feelings. Vertical lines imply tranquility and rest; horizontal lines demonstrate power and strength; oblique lines imply movement, action and charge; curved lines create calm and sensual feelings (Szabaro, 1986).
Shape	There are certain basic shapes that command visual space. They are the circle, the square, the triangle, and their various extensions.  These shapes enclose a two dimensional area. Shapes may be organic (curved edges, continuous) or geometric (sharp edges or angles). Spaces that are determined by shapes and forms.  When these shapes and forms exist, the shapes are positive. When they exist outside of these shapes and forms and lurk around them, they are negative shapes.
Space	Shape encloses a two dimensional area.  Space can be created by overlapping shapes or forms in front of each other by by using holes and cavities.  Space can provide the illusion of depth.
Color	Color is light reflected from a surface. It can create emphasis, harmony, emotions, unity, and dimension. Color has three distinct qualities: Hue (color), value (from light colors to dark colors), and intensity (from bright colors to dark colors).
Texture	This is a quality that is closely related to touch.
Value	This has to do with a range of shadows from light to dark.  It provides a sense of space and depth to an object and emphasizes its tri-dimensional aspects.
Form	This is a quality that encloses a volume or three dimensional area.

  Although many contributors to visual communication theory prefer to call these elements “the alphabet of visual art,” these forms function as morphological forms, iconic morphs. These elements are arranged in accordance to visual principles that provide it with the syntax of a visual grammar.  

Principles of Visual Syntax
Unity, Harmony	This relates to the oneness or the wholeness of visual space. Colors, shapes, lines, textures, and patterns are arranged to create a harmonious unity.
Variety	Variety is achieved by using different kinds of lines, colors, textures, and shapes.
Balance	Balance involves the equalization of elements in a work of art. Elements may be organized into symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial patterns.
Emphasis	This refers to placing greater attention to certain areas or objects in art.  Emphasis can be created through the sudden or abrupt changes in opposing elements.
Rhythm	This is created by repeating objects or elements within a visual space. These repetitions may be either regular or irregular.
Movement	This refers to the arrangement of parts in a work of art to create a visual reaction that is either fast or slow. This is done by the use of patterns, contrasts, and lines.
Pattern	This involves the repetition of lines, shapes, colors, and textures.
Graduation	This is accomplished by combining elements in a series of gradual changes in shapes or color. Or darkness.
Proportion	This has to do with relationship of elements to each other within the whole of a visual space