Principles of art
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.[1][2] The principles are movement, unity, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, proportion, and pattern.
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[edit] Movement
Action, or alternatively, the path the viewer's eye follows throughout a artwork. Movement is used caused by using elements under the rules of the principles in art to give the feeling of action and to guide the viewer's eyes throughout the artwork.[2]
[edit] 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. The arrangement of elements and principles to create a feeling of completeness.[2]
[edit] Variety
Variety is the quality or state of having different forms or types. The differences which give a design visual and conceptual interest: notably use of contrast, emphasis, difference in size and color.[2]
[edit] Balance
Balance is arranging elements so that no one part of a work overpowers, or seems heavier than any other part. Two different kinds of balance are symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical (or formal) balance is when both sides of an artwork, if split down the middle, appear to be the same. The human body is an example of symmetrical balance.[2]
[edit] Emphasis
Emphasis (also called focal point) is where the focus is concentrated through design principles or meaning. To do this one develop points of interest to pull the viewer's eye to important parts of the body of the work. It is to make one part of an artwork dominant over the other parts. It makes an element or object in a work stand out. To use emphasis in an artwork is to attract the viewer's eyes to a place of special importance in an artwork.[2]
[edit] Contrast
Contrast to show difference and diversity in an artwork by combining elements to create interest. Contrast is to provide an artwork with something interesting to break the repetitions.[2]
[edit] Proportion
Proportion (sometimes called scale) describes the relative sizes and locations of objects in the artwork. It refers to the relationships of the size of objects in a body of work. Proportion gives a sense of size seen as a relationship of objects, such as smallness or largeness.[3][2]
[edit] Pattern/Rhythm
Pattern and rhythm is showing consistency with colors or lines. Putting a red spiral at the bottom left and top right, for example will cause the eye to move from one spiral, to the other, and everything in between. It is indicating movement by the repetition of elements. Rhythm can make an artwork seem active.[2]
