Principles of Art

 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.