Principles of Art

Movement

Movement is the design principle that uses some of the elements of art to produce the look of action or to cause the viewer's eye to sweep over or follow a path created by the artist through the art work in a certain manner. This Principle of Art leads the viewer's eye through the composition.

Pattern

Repetition of an element of art (i.e., shapes, lines, or colors) to achieve decoration or ornamentation. There is regular and irregular pattern. Irregular Pattern -A pattern affect because it is a repeated shape of motif, but can be scattered or not controlled as in an all-over pattern. Less formal. Regular Pattern - A pattern created through repeating the same motif with the same predictable distance between placements

Rythm

Rhythm refers to a way of utilizing the art elements to produce the look and feel of rhythmic movement with a visual tempo or beat. There is regular and irregular rhythm. Irregular Rhythm -Visual rhythm in which a motif is repeated the same motif with the same distance between placements. Regular Rhythm - Visual rhythm created through repeating the same motif with the same predictable distance between placements.

Unity

This principle refers to the visual quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements of art and principles of art.

Emphasis

- The principle of design that is concerned with dominance; the development of a main idea or center of interest. The center of interest is also called focal point. The focal point is most emphasized place in the artwork.

Balance

- This principle of art refers to the visual equalization or visual weight of the elements in a work of art. There are three major forms of balance: Symmetrical balance: where the art elements in a composition are balanced in a mirror-like fashion (it does not have to be exact but close). Asymmetrical balance: where equilibrium is achieved by the balanced differences in the art elements within a composition. Radial balance: a kind of balance where the elements branch or radiate out from a central point.

Contrast

-A design principle that shows opposites between the art elements. For example, a painting may have bright colors that contrast with dull colors or angular shapes that contrast with rounded shapes. Sharp contrast draws attention and can direct a viewer to a focal point within a work of art. This is achieved by using the most extreme opposites in an artwork when using the elements of art. This would be considered the dominant area or focal point of an artwork. Low contrast - A less visually interesting area of a work that is de-emphasized so areas should not get attention. This is achieved by creating less difference in opposites in an artwork when using the elements of art. This would be considered the subordinate area in an artwork.