The Principles of
Design:
Rules that govern how the art
elements are organized.
Balance
How well the elements of design are arranged;
equalizing visual forces and elements. (“visual weight”)
Mirror images
on both sides of
the sculpture
Different
parts are
balanced like
a seesaw
All sides rotate
around a
central point
The size relationship of
one part to another.
A great difference between two things.
Contrast of value:
highlights and shadows
different
Colors
Creating a focal point; making one part
more dominant over the other parts.
The appearance that
all of the
components of an
artwork are working
in harmony; the
quality of wholeness
or oneness.
Adds visual
interest to a
work. Uses
differences or
contrast to keep
the viewer
curious or
involved.
Repetition
Using an element
such as texture,
forms, colors, or
other design
elements again
and again.
Creating a
feeling of
action to
guide a
viewer’s eye
throughout
the piece.
Related to both
pattern and
movement. The
use of pattern,
or repeated
elements or
recurring paths
of movement to
create a visual
tempo or beat.