Principles

Principles

1. Unity (also referred to as Harmony) – a sense of “oneness” within a work of art.  In other words, a certain degree of agreement between the elements has been achieved in the work.

2. Variety (also referred to as contrast) – differences within a work of art.

3. Balance (also referred to as visual weight) – the even distribution of visual weight in a composition.

Symmetrical Balance – this is achieved by creating two very even halves within the composition.  Everything is organized and arranged by utilizing a central, vertical axis. (think of each half as a “reflection” of the other).

Asymmetrical Balance – a variety of shapes, and values are distributed within each half of the composition. The sizes and quantities within these two halves are different. However, the way they are distributed (placed) within the work is intended to balance the work as a whole.

Radial Balance – the arrangement of elements that “radiate” from a specific place of origin within the composition. 

4. Emphasis - (also referred to as Dominance or a Focal Point) – an area in which great attention is placed within the work.

5. Proportion & Scale – each of these terms deals with size…

Proportion - the size relationship or comparison of parts to the whole.

Scale – the size relationship of an object compared to other objects in its surrounding environment.

6. Rhythm (also referred to as movement or repetition) – directed eye travel.  This normally occurs when the same visual elements are repeated over and over again.

7. Economy – the distillation of an image or composition for clarity of presentation.  Economy is based on the notion of “Less is More.”

An Abstract work like Picasso’s painting titled “Guernica,” uses the principle of Economy to make an impact on the viewer.