The Principles of Art and
Design
Principles of WhhhaT?
• The principles of art are the set of rules
or guidelines of art that are to be
considered when considering the
impact of a piece of artwork. They are
combined with the elements of art in
the production of art
Balance
• Balance refers to the distribution of
visual weight in a work of art.
• Types of Balance: asymmetrical,
symmetrical, radial
Symmetrical Balance
• Symmetrical
balance can be
described as
having equal
"weight" on equal
sides of a centrally
placed fulcrum. It
may also be
referred to as
formal balance.
Asymmetrical Balance
• Asymmetrical
balance, also called
informal balance
involves placement
of objects in a way
that will allow objects
of varying visual
weight to balance
one another around
a fulcrum point.
Radial Balance
• Arranging elements
equally around a
central point ,
resulting in radial
symmetry.
Movement
• Visual movement is used by artists to
direct the viewers’ eyes through a
work of art.
Movement
Movement
Rhythm
• Is the repetition of visual movement
using color, shapes, or lines. Movement
and rhythm work together to create
the visual equivalent of a musical beat
Rhythm
Pattern
• Uses the elements of art in planned or
random repetitions that enhance the
surfaces of paintings or sculptures.
Contrast
• Contrast refers to differences in values,
colors, textures, shapes and other
elements.
Emphasis
• Emphasis in a composition refers to
developing points of interest to pull the
viewer's eye to important parts of an
artwork.
Unity
• Unity or harmony is the quality of
wholeness or oneness that is achieved
through the effective use of the
elements and principles of art.
Unity
Your Assignment
• Choose one of your own artworks and find
as many principles of design as you can.
• Choose a famous work of art and find as
many principles of design as you can.
• Put a thumbnail of each in a Word
document along with your list and hand in
to me by the end of class.