Principles of design

Provides diversity

Variety

Describes elements that work together, and variety counterbalances the boredom of sameness.

Unity

The achievement of equilibrium. (Consider a symmetrical image)

Balance

Neutral areas of lesser interest

Subordination

Often the focal point(what catches your eye first) while subordination provides areas of lesser interest surrounding the focal point.

Emphasis

The juxtaposition of strongly dissimilar elements. Consider black and white, straight and curvilinear, etc.

Contrast

the size relation of one thing to another. Consider an ant to a human.

Scale

The size relation of parts to a whole. Consider an arm to a body.

Proportion

we clearly identify a person, place or things in the artwork

Representational

the artwork is made of lines, forms, and shapes that do not represent actual people, places or things

Non-representational