PRINCIPLES OF ART

PRINCIPLES OF ART
 Are and how they are used to create art
objects.
 Ways artists organize the elements of art
in works of visual art.
 The principles of art are the set of rules or
guidelines that should be considered
when doing a piece of artwork.
 PRINCIPLES OF ART
Balance Pattern
Focus/Emphasis Proportion

Gradation/Contrast Repetition

Harmony/Unity Rhythm

Movement Variety
 BALANCE
 The arranging of elements so that not one
part of a work overpowers, or seems
heavier than any other part.
 Distribution of apparent visual weights.
 Three KINDS of BALANCE:
I. Symmetrical (or formal) balance
II. Asymmetrical balance
III. Radial balance
 I. SYMMETRICAL
 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.
 The left and right sides
are exact or near mirror
images of each other.
 II. ASYMMETRICAL
 The balance that
does not weigh
equally on both
sides.
 Both sides are
similar in visual
weight but not
mirrored. It is more
casual, dynamic, and
has a relaxed feeling.
 III. RADICAL
 Radial balance is equal in length
from the middle. An example is the
sun.
 EMPHASIS/FOCUS
 The predominance of one area or
element in a design
 When awareness is drawn in a
single place, this is called Focal
Point.
EMPHASIS/FOCUS
 GRADATION/CONTRAST
 Gradation is the passing of one tint or
shade of colour to another, or one surface
to another, by very small degrees, as in
painting or sculpture.

 Contrast uses elements in opposition

from each other such as light and dark.
GRADATION/CONTRAST
 HARMONY/UNITY
 A way of combining similar
elements in an artwork to accent
their similarities.

 The use of subtle repetitions and

gradual changes.
HARMONY/UNITY
 MOVEMENT
 To produce the look of action or to
cause the viewer’s eye to sweep
over the work.
MOVEMENT
 PATTERN
 The arrangement of shapes within an
artwork, in a repetitious manner,
creating a design of its parts or
elements.
PATTERN
 PROPORTION
 Refers to the relationship of certain
elements to the whole & to each other.
 All parts should be in pleasing proportion
to each other.
 Proportion is a measurement of the size
and quantity of elements within a
composition. In ancient arts, proportions
of forms were enlarged to show
importance.
PROPORTION
 REPETITION
 Quality to unify objects by use of
repeating an element of art.
REPETITION
 RYTHM
 Elements of art are repeated in various size
and directions in order to create visual tempo.
RYTHM
 VARIETY
 Principle of art that combines
contrasting elements in a work of art to
create visual interest
 Acts as a counterbalance to extreme
unity. The balance between boredom of
too much sameness and the chaos of
uncontrolled variety creates continuity,
vitality and interest in both art and life
VARIETY
THANK YOU