Principles of Art
Balance
Balance refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. It is a sense that the
painting feels stable and "feels right." Imbalance causes a feeling of discomfort in the viewer.
Balance can be achieved in three different ways:
1. Symmetry: A quality in which both sides of a composition have the same elements in
the same position, as in a mirror image or the two sides of a face.
2. Asymmetry: The opposite of symmetry, in which the composition is balanced due to
the contrast of any of the elements of art. For example, a large circle on one side of a
composition might be balanced by a small square on the other side
3. Radial Symmetry: Elements are equally spaced around a central point, as in the
spokes coming out of the hub of a bicycle tire.
Contrast
Contrast is the difference between elements of art in a composition such that each element is
made stronger relative to the other. When placed next to each other, contrasting elements
command the viewer's attention. Areas of contrast are among the first places that a viewer's
eye is drawn. Contrast can be achieved by juxtapositions of any of the elements of art. The
use of negative and positive space is an example of contrast. Complementary colours placed
side by side are an example of contrast. Notan, a Japanese design concept, is an example of
contrast.
Emphasis
Emphasis is when an artist creates an area of the composition that is visually dominant and
commands the viewer's attention. This is often achieved by contrast.
Movement
Movement is the result of using the elements of art such that they move the viewer's eye
around and within the image. A sense of movement can be created by diagonal or curvy lines,
either real or implied, or by edges, the illusion of space, repetition, or energetic mark-
making.
Pattern
Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or a combination
thereof. Anything can be turned into a pattern through repetition. Some classic patterns are
spirals, grids, and weaves. Zentangles is one popular design practice in which an abstract or
representational outline is divided into different areas, each of which contains a unique
pattern.
Rhythm
Rhythm is created by movement implied through the repetition of elements of art in a non-
uniform but organized way. It is related to rhythm in music. Unlike pattern, which demands
consistency, rhythm relies on variety.
Unity or Variety
You want your painting to feel unified such that all the elements fit together comfortably. Too
much unity creates monotony, and too much variety creates chaos. You need both. Ideally,
you want areas of interest in your composition along with places for your eye to rest.
Harmony
Harmony in art is a principle that involves arranging elements in a way that creates a sense of
unity, balance, and completeness. It ensures that all parts of an artwork work together
cohesively, making the whole piece aesthetically pleasing and satisfying to view. Harmony
can be achieved through various methods, including the use of colour, shape, line, texture,
and space.
Principles of Harmony
1. Similarity
Repetition: Repeating elements such as shapes, lines, colours, or textures throughout the
artwork helps in creating a sense of consistency and unity. For example, repeating a particular
shape or motif can tie different parts of the composition together.
Pattern: Creating patterns by repeating elements in a regular and predictable manner can
enhance the sense of harmony. Patterns can be geometric, organic, or abstract and can be used
in various art forms, including visual arts, graphic design, and textiles.
2. Proximity
Grouping Elements: Placing similar or related elements close to each other helps in forming
visual groups, which the viewer perceives as a single unit. This technique is often used in
layout design and composition to organize information effectively.
Overlapping: Overlapping elements can create a connection between them, making them
appear as parts of a cohesive whole. This technique is useful in creating depth and layering
within a composition.
3. Continuity
Flowing Lines: Lines that lead the viewer’s eye smoothly across the artwork help in creating
a sense of movement and continuity. Flowing lines can guide the viewer through different
parts of the composition, ensuring a cohesive visual journey.
Gradation: Gradual changes in colour, tone, or texture can create smooth transitions and
enhance the sense of flow within the artwork. Gradation can be used to blend elements
seamlessly and avoid abrupt changes that might disrupt harmony.
4. Balance
Symmetry: Symmetrical arrangements provide a sense of stability and order, contributing to
a harmonious composition. Symmetry can be formal (perfect symmetry) or informal
(balanced but not identical).
Asymmetry: Asymmetrical balance, where different elements have equal visual weight, can
also create harmony in a more dynamic and interesting way. This approach is often used in
modern and contemporary art.
5. Unity
Consistent Style: Maintaining a consistent artistic style, whether through brushstrokes,
colour palette, or subject matter, contributes to the overall harmony. Consistency helps in
creating a cohesive and recognizable visual language.
Theme: A unifying theme can bind different elements together, creating a coherent narrative
or visual experience. The theme can be conceptual, such as a particular mood or message, or
visual, like a common motif or subject matter.
6. Thematic Decor
Using decor that aligns with a central theme for a cohesive look
Coastal: Emphasizes beach-inspired elements like blues, whites, and sandy tones, along with
wicker furniture and nautical decor.
Rustic: Incorporates natural elements such as earthy tones, distressed wood furniture, and
vintage-inspired accessories for a cozy, countryside feel.
Modern: Focuses on sleek lines, minimalist aesthetics, and neutral colour palettes, often with
a touch of bold accents or statement pieces.
Industrial: Characterized by raw, unfinished materials like exposed brick, metal accents, and
utilitarian design elements reminiscent of factories or warehouses.
Bohemian: Showcases a relaxed, eclectic mix of colours, patterns, and textures, often
featuring vintage furniture, vibrant textiles, and global-inspired decor.
Minimalist: Centers around simplicity, with clean lines, a neutral colour scheme, and
minimal clutter, creating a serene and uncluttered space.
7. Contrast
Subtle Contrasts: Gentle contrasts can enhance elements without disrupting harmony. For
example, slight variations in colour or texture can add interest while maintaining unity.
Balanced Opposition: While contrast is often seen as the opposite of harmony, a well-
balanced use of contrast can enhance the harmonious quality of an artwork by highlighting
differences in a way that feels intentional and cohesive.
Balance
The balance principle in art refers to the distribution of visual weight within a composition to
create stability and harmony. It's about arranging elements in a way that feels equalized and
visually satisfying.
Symmetrical Balance:
Symmetrical balance is achieved when elements within a composition are mirrored or
evenly distributed on either side of a central axis.
This balance creates a sense of formality, stability, and orderliness.
Examples include architectural facades, traditional portraits, and perfectly balanced still life
arrangements.
It's often used in classical art and architecture, where a sense of harmony and equilibrium is
desired.
Asymmetrical Balance:
Asymmetrical balance occurs when elements of varying visual weight are arranged in a
way that achieves equilibrium.
Unlike symmetrical balance, there's no mirroring or exact replication of elements on both
sides of a central axis.
Asymmetrical balance creates a dynamic and visually interesting composition.
Artists use contrast in size, colour, shape, or texture to achieve balance without symmetry.
It's commonly found in modern and contemporary art, where artists seek to create tension
and movement within the composition.
Radial Balance:
Radial balance involves arranging elements around a central point, creating a circular or
spiral pattern.
This type of balance is often found in designs such as mandalas, sunbursts, and radial
patterns.
Radial balance creates a sense of movement and energy emanating from the central point.
It's used to draw the viewer's attention towards the center of the composition while
maintaining a harmonious arrangement of elements.
Crystallographic Balance:
Crystallographic balance, also known as all-over balance, occurs when elements are evenly
distributed throughout the composition with no clear focal point.
This balance is often seen in repetitive patterns and textile designs.
It creates a sense of unity and coherence across the entire surface of the artwork.
Each individual element contributes to the overall balance of the composition, even though
there may be no specific focal point.
Horizontal Balance:
Horizontal balance focuses on the distribution of elements along a horizontal axis.
It creates a sense of calmness, stability, and tranquility within the composition.
Horizontal balance is often used in landscapes, seascapes, and other scenes where the
horizon line plays a significant role.
It can convey a feeling of expansiveness and openness, especially when combined with
other compositional elements.
Vertical Balance:
Vertical balance centers on the distribution of elements along a vertical axis.
It conveys a sense of strength, stability, and hierarchy within the composition.
Vertical balance is commonly found in compositions with tall or upright elements, such as
trees, buildings, or figures.
It can create a sense of upward movement or groundedness, depending on how the
elements are arranged.
Rhythm
Rhythm in art refers to the visual flow created by the repetition or alternation of elements
within a composition. It's similar to rhythm in music, where patterns of sound create a sense
of movement and continuity. In art, rhythm guides the viewer's eye through the artwork,
creating a sense of movement, energy, and harmony.
1. Repetition: Repetition involves the use of similar or identical elements throughout the
composition. These elements may be shapes, lines, colours, textures, or other visual
components. Repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence within the artwork, helping to
establish a visual rhythm.
2. Radiation: Rhythm can be achieved through radiation, whereby design elements are
balanced and repeated around a centrepiece. By spreading movement in various directions
from a central point, one can create interest from the point from which the elements radiate.
One can achieve radiation with a circular dining table with a central vase of flowers and
surrounding chairs radiating from the table, or a seating area where the furniture is grouped
around a focal object. Adding a pendant light above the centre of a group of elements will
also emphasise radiation.
3. Contrast: Contrast refers to the juxtaposition of different elements within the composition.
This can include contrasting colours, shapes, textures, or values. Contrast creates visual
interest and adds emphasis to certain elements within the artwork. It can also create a sense of
tension or dynamism within the composition.
4. Alternation: Alternation occurs when different elements are used interchangeably within
the composition. This can involve alternating between different shapes, colours, or patterns.
Alternation adds variety and interest to the artwork, preventing it from appearing too
monotonous or static.
5. Transition: Introducing rhythm through transition leads the eye through a continuous,
uninterrupted flow from one area to another. It’s a design element, usually a shape that subtly
assists in navigating a space.
Typical examples of this include rounded edges, winding paths and arched doorways.
However, this can easily be employed elsewhere; for example, a seating area that features
curved furniture exemplifies transition, such as the curved lines of a sofa accentuating the
curves in a bay window, leading the eye around the space.
6. Gradation: Gradation involves the gradual transition from one element to another. This
can include a gradual change in size, scale, colour, or value. Gradation creates a sense of
depth and dimension within the artwork, as well as a sense of progression or movement.
Emphasis Proportion
A way of combining elements to stress the differences between those elements.
Contrast:
Contrast is a powerful tool for creating emphasis by making elements stand out from
their surroundings.
Artists use contrast in various ways, such as contrasting colours (e.g., complementary
colours), shapes (e.g., geometric shapes against organic forms), sizes (e.g., a large
object surrounded by smaller ones), or textures (e.g., a rough surface against a smooth
one).
High-contrast elements draw immediate attention due to the visual difference they
create, effectively guiding the viewer's gaze to the focal point.
Isolation:
Isolation involves physically or visually separating the emphasized element from its
surroundings within the composition.
This can be achieved through negative space, where the emphasized element is placed
in an area with minimal visual distraction.
Isolation creates a clear visual hierarchy by directing attention towards the isolated
element, making it stand out and emphasizing its significance.
Expectation
Expectation in emphasis within art involves strategically guiding the viewer's attention
through various visual cues, composition, and storytelling techniques. Artists utilize elements
such as leading lines, contrasts, and focal points to create anticipation about where the
viewer's gaze will be directed. Additionally, narrative structures and symbolic imagery
contribute to shaping the viewer's expectations regarding the unfolding story or deeper
meanings within the artwork. However, there are exceptions where artists intentionally
subvert these expectations, either through unconventional compositions, unexpected
contrasts, or narrative twists, challenging viewers to engage more deeply and explore
alternative interpretations. These exceptions, rather than detracting from the artwork's impact,
often serve to enhance its intrigue and foster a richer and more dynamic interaction between
the viewer and the artwork.
Convergence
Convergence in the principles of art refers to the technique of using visual elements such as
lines, shapes, or perspectives to lead the viewer's eye towards a specific focal point or area
within the composition. It involves directing the viewer's attention along converging paths,
where lines or forms gradually come together or intersect. Convergence creates a sense of
depth, movement, and unity within the artwork by drawing attention towards the central point
of interest. This technique is commonly used in compositions to establish a clear focal point,
guide the viewer's exploration of the artwork, and create a sense of visual harmony and
coherence. Examples of convergence include converging lines in linear perspective, leading
shapes or forms, or directional gestures within the composition, all of which work together to
guide the viewer's gaze towards the intended focal point or key elements of the artwork.
Subordination
Subordination in the principles of art refers to the technique of giving lesser emphasis or
importance to certain elements within a composition in order to support the focal point or
main subject. It involves arranging elements hierarchically so that some are dominant while
others serve a supporting role. Subordination helps to create balance, harmony, and clarity
within the artwork by ensuring that the viewer's attention is primarily directed towards the
main subject or focal point. This technique can be achieved through various means, such as
reducing the size, contrast, or detail of subordinate elements, placing them in less prominent
positions within the composition, or using muted colours or textures to de-emphasize their
visual impact. By effectively subordinating certain elements, artists are able to establish a
clear visual hierarchy, guide the viewer's interpretation of the artwork, and enhance the
overall coherence and unity of the composition.
Location
The principle of location in art refers to the deliberate placement of elements within a
composition to create visual interest, guide the viewer's eye, and convey meaning. It involves
the strategic arrangement of objects, shapes, lines, colours, and other elements to establish a
sense of balance, hierarchy, and spatial depth. The location of elements within the
composition can influence the overall composition's dynamics, narrative, and emotional
impact. Artists use various techniques, such as positioning elements off-center to create
asymmetry or arranging elements along leading lines to direct the viewer's gaze towards a
focal point. The principle of location plays a crucial role in creating harmonious and
compelling compositions, enhancing the viewer's engagement and understanding of the
artwork.
