BEST METHODS OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT- (PART III)

                                      

Certain principles of flower arrangement are needed to be followed to attain a absolutely stunning flower arrangement. Knowledge of principles combined with innovative techniques adds gloss to the arrangement. The following are the principles of flower arrangement that needs to be kept in mind while doing the arrangement.

Design: This is the structural pattern of the arrangement, it decides the shape, light& width &co-relates the relationship between the flowers, containers and the location of the room. Any design can be produced to suit any occasion but most accepted are triangle, rectangle, oval, circle, half circle etc. I n flower arrangement dominant interest can be on largest or brightest bloom. The spot in the design where the dominant interest is placed is often termed as focal point, the heart or the hub of the design.

Balance: Balance in any arrangement is very important. There are 2 types of balance .Symmetric &asymmetric. On symmetric balance, the arrangement appears equal on both sides, but in asymmetric two sides can be different and yet have equal visual weight.

Scales: Scale means proportion. Any decoration in the room has to be proportionate with the items of the room. In the same manner the plant material has to be in proportion with the container used and scaling by plant items with each other. 

Rhythm: Rhythm is a feeling movement or motion and is achieved in flower arrangement by the placement of curving lines and graduating sizes leading toward the center and again these lines are part of the original design and are placed in rhythmic rules before the filling in material is added. Rhythm can also be obtained by colour.

Transition: Items used in transition are those which are hidden & not eye catching. When composing with the plant material some in between items are needed as transition. They should not be as strong as the noticeable item in the arrangement. This principle is not always practised but is important to understand.

Texture: Texture is important. A flower arrangement always searches for the contrasting textures that will give most effect such as shiny leaf will add brilliance to group of dull surfaced leaves. So, one must have an open eye for textural values of different flowers, leaves &plants while arranging flowers. The surface and structure of plant materials determine their texture. Unity in texture is necessary between the flowers themselves and the containers.

Colour: Colour is very important in flower arrangement. It is necessary to know where to place the plants of certain colour for the best effect either in a design or in a room. A line is a lighter version of colour and they are better used as highlights. They may be introduced in the centre of a design out of typical interest. Similarly a shade in a darker version of colour used to give depth to a flower plant or leaf. It is better to allow one to be subordinate to the other. Colour can affect our sense. So, remember stunning effect can be gained by using warm colours and more smoothing and delicate effects can be obtained by using cool colours such as blue, pink, purple etc.

Composition: Every flower, leaf or plant arrangement is in itself a composition. It is often wondered how to bring composition to a flower arrangement, so, collect all your items and decide which of them shall be used for the main interest, because everything cannot be expressed equally, you may find some flushed green leaves and one sea lees and artichoke interesting but all cannot be given equal importance.

Focal point: This is sometimes termed as the “target”, “highlight”, ”heart”, or “accent” of the design. It is the centre of the interest in   an arrangement, At this point the most important material should be given importance, it can be either for size, colour, dominance or texture.

Line: Line is the passage on which your eye is led from one item to another in the arrangement and it is closely connected with rhythm. Each bud, leaf, or flower should be so placed to take your eyes from a starting point to the central point of interest where it rests.

These principles allow us to have a thorough idea of presenting a complete flower arrangement. The line &form can be gently modified so as to attain a desired effect. Shapes can be cone or curved but the finished arrangement should appear as on unit.