The elements and principles of art and design are the foundationof the language we use to talk about art.The elements of art are the visual tools that the artist uses to create a composition. These areline, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space. Meanwhile, the principles of art represent how the artist uses the elements of art to createan effect and to help convey the artist's intent.
The principles of art and design are balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity or variety. The use of these principles can help determine whether a painting is successful, andwhether or not the painting is finished.
How to Use the Principles of Art
The artist decides what principles of art he or she wants to use in a painting. While an artist might not use all the principles of design in one piece, the principles are intertwined and the use of one will often depend on another. In other words, one principle of art can influence the effect and impact of another.For example, when creating emphasis, the artist might also be using contrast or vice versa.It is generally agreed that a successful paintingis unified and also hassome variety created by areas of contrast andemphasis. Generally, it must also be visually balanced, movingthe viewer's eye around the composition.
The 7 Principles of Art
Balance
Balance refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. It is a sense that the paintingfeels stable and "feels right." Imbalance causes a feeling of discomfort in the viewer.
Balance can be achieved in three different ways:
- Symmetry: A quality in which both sides of a composition have the same elements in the same position, as in a mirror image or the two sides of a face.
- Asymmetry: The opposite of symmetry, in which the composition is balanceddue to the contrast of any of the elements of art. For example, a large circle on one side of a composition might be balanced by a small square on the other side
- Radial Symmetry: Elements are equally spaced around a central point, as in the spokes coming out of the hub of a bicycle tire.
Contrast
Contrast is thedifference betweenelements of art in a composition such that each element is made stronger relative to the other.When placed next to each other, contrasting elements command the viewer's attention.Areas of contrast are among the first places that a viewer's eye is drawn. Contrast can be achieved by juxtapositions of any of the elements of art.The use of negative and positive space is an example of contrast. Complementary colors placed side by side are an example of contrast.Notan, a Japanese design concept, is an example of contrast.
Emphasis
Emphasisis when an artist createsan area of the composition that is visually dominant and commands the viewer'sattention. This is often achievedby contrast.
Movement
Movement is the result of using the elements of art such that theymove the viewer's eye around and within the image. A sense of movement can be created by diagonal or curvylines, either real or implied, or by edges, the illusion of space, repetition, or energetic mark-making.
Pattern
Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or a combination thereof.Anything can be turned into a pattern through repetition.Some classic patterns are spirals,grids, and weaves.Zentangles is one popular design practicein which an abstract or representational outline is divided into different areas, each of which contains a unique pattern.
Rhythm
Rhythmis created bymovement implied through the repetition ofelements of art in a non-uniform but organized way.It is related to rhythm in music. Unlike pattern, which demands consistency, rhythm relies onvariety.
Unity or Variety
You want your painting to feel unified such that all the elements fit together comfortably.Too much unity creates monotony, and too much variety creates chaos. You need both. Ideally, you want areas of interest in your composition along with places for your eye to rest.
Key Takeaways
- The elements of art, such as line, shape, and color, are the building blocks for creating visual compositions.
- The principles of art, including balance, emphasis, and movement, guide how these elements are combined to convey meaning and impact.
- Achieving unity by using a variety of elements in art is key; balancing elements like contrast and emphasis ensures a composition is both cohesive and engaging.
