- Line is an element of design that reaches across the spectrum of artistic practices. In floral art, the plants can be arranged in such a way that it draws the eye along a particular path. This is achieved by physically placing the plants in a position that forms a line. A vertical emphasis often gives a formal or elegant effect. A horizontal line typically gives a calm and restful impression, while a diagonal line is edgy or stimulating.
- Different combinations of texture create interest in a floral arrangement. For example, a smooth, bold leaf may be an interesting juxtaposition to a very intricate and varied flower. Without variety in texture, the piece may become boring. Simply using a variety of plant materials can often solve this problem. Floral art may contain other things like twigs and branches, grass, cattail, moss and greenery in addition to the flowers themselves.
- The most striking floral art may not be the fullest or most complex arrangements. Sometimes a creative use of very simple elements is the most affecting. This principle is often seen in eastern floral art. When arranging a more sparse piece, be aware of the empty space. Negative space is as much a piece of the art as the physical materials.
- Color is perhaps one of the most exciting elements for the beginning floral artist to experiment with. Any combination can be successful as long as color is addressed in a mindful way. Creativity plays a large part here because traditional ideas about "matching" need not apply. Color has an effect on the emotions of the viewer so keep the overall feeling of the piece in mind when making color decisions. For example, a calm and restful idea may be best communicated with neutral and light tones.
- Combining varying sizes of plants and blossoms creates interest for the eye and brings energy to the arrangement. There are three essential types of flowers to be aware of when considering scale. Focal flowers are the large bold "center pieces" of the group. These are single stems with blossoms that would typically measure from three to six inches across. Intermediate flowers are typically one to three inches in diameter and often have branched stems. Filler flowers are plants with a profusion of very small blossoms that can be tucked in and around the intermediate and focal flowers. Filler could also include greenery, grasses, feathers, branches and other material. Arrangements do not need to contain all three types but be mindful when combining the types.
- Many arrangements will benefit from a theme or repeated elements. Groups of three and five are typically considered the most appealing to the human eye. A common thread ties a piece together making it appear more harmonious. If your piece seems disjointed or uncomfortable, see if there is somewhere you can repeat a common theme. This could come in many forms, for example, repeating a particular flower or adding another material from the same color family may solve the issue.
- The more experience you acquire, the more sense you will have for the overall effectiveness of your floral art. Does the piece feel symmetrical? Is it unified? Does the eye travel around the arrangement in a comfortable pattern? Ask yourself and others these questions to gauge your success until you become more confident. As with other forms of art, you success is subjective so use your own preferences and sensibilities to guide you. As your floral art develops you can become more complex in your thinking, adding more design elements to consider.
