The Principles of Art

The principles of art are the rules that govern how artists organize the elements of art. The principles are rhythm, movement, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis, harmony and unity.

RhythmThe principle of art that indicates movement by the repetition of elements. Visual rhythm is perceived through the eyes rather than your ears and is created by repeating positive spaces separated by negative spaces.

There are 5 types of rhythm: random, regular, alternating, flowing and progressive.

MovementThe principle of art used to create the look and feeling of action and to guide the viewers eyes through the work of art.

BalanceThe principle of art concerned with equalizing visual forces or elements in a work of art. If a work of art has visual balance the viewer feelsthat the elements have been arranged in a Satisfying way. Visual imbalance makes the viewer feel that the elements need to be rearranged. The two types of balanceare symmetrical and asymmetrical.

ProportionThe principle of art concerned with the size relationships

of one part to another.

Variety

The principle of art concerned with difference or contrast.It is achieved by adding something different to a design to provide a break in the repetition.

EmphasisPrinciple of art that makes one part of a work dominant over the other parts. Emphasis controls the sequence in which the parts are noticed. The dominant part is noticed first and is the focal point; the other parts are subordinate. Techniques used are contrast, isolation, location, convergence, and something different or unusual.

HarmonyThe principle of art that creates unity by stressing the similarities of separate but related parts. Color, or repetition of shapes, lines or space can create harmony

UnityThe quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements an principles of art. To create unity an artist adjusts the parts of a work so they relate to each other and the whole work.

The End