The Principles of Art
The principles of art are the rules that govern how artists
organize the elements of art. The principles are rhythm,
movement, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis,
harmony and unity.
Rhythm
The principle of art that indicates movement by the
repetition of elements. Visual rhythm is perceived
through the eyes rather than your ears and is
created by repeating positive spaces separated by
negative spaces.
There are 5 types of
rhythm:
random, regular,
alternating, flowing
and progressive.
Movement
The principle of art used to create the look
and feeling of action and to guide the
viewers eyes through the work of art.
Balance
The principle of art concerned with equalizing visual
forces or elements in a work of art. If a work of art has visual
balance the viewer feels
that the elements have
been arranged in a
Satisfying way. Visual
imbalance makes the
viewer feel that the
elements need to be
rearranged.
The two types of balance
are symmetrical and
asymmetrical.
Proportion
The principle of art concerned with the size relationships
of one part to another.
Variety
The principle of art
concerned with
difference or contrast.
It is achieved by
adding something
different to a design
to provide a break
in the repetition.
Emphasis
Principle of art that makes
one part of a work dominant
over the other parts.
Emphasis controls the
sequence in which the parts
are noticed. The dominant
part is noticed first and is
the focal point; the other
parts are subordinate.
Techniques used are
contrast, isolation, location,
convergence, and something
different or unusual.
Harmony
The principle of art that creates unity by stressing the
similarities of separate but related parts. Color, or
repetition of shapes, lines or space can create harmony
Unity
The quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved
through the effective use of the elements an principles of
art. To create unity an artist adjusts the parts of a work
so they relate to each other and the whole work.
The End