Contrast can be achieved by juxtapositions of any of the elements of art. Negative/Positive space is an example of contrast. See the article, Balance, for some visual examples of how the elements of art can be used to achieve balance.Ĭontrast is the difference between elements of art in a composition, such that each element is made stronger in relation 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. Radial symmetry, in which elements are equally spaced around a central point, as in the spokes coming out of the hub of a bicycle tire. For example, a large circle on one side of a composition might be balanced by a small square on the other side Symmetry, 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.Īsymmetry, in which the composition is balanced due to the contrast of any of the elements of art.

It is a sense that the painting feels stable and 'feels right.' Imbalance causes a feeling of discomfort in the viewer.īalance can be achieved in 3 different ways: For example, when creating emphasis, the artist might also be using contrast or vice versa. It is generally agreed that a successful painting is unified, while also having some variety created by areas of contrast and emphasis is visually balanced and moves the viewer's eye around the composition. Thus it is that one principle of art can influence the effect and impact of another.īalance refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. 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. The artist decides what principles of art he or she wants to use in a painting. The use of these principles can help determine whether a painting is successful, and whether or not the painting is finished.

The principles of art represent how the artist uses the elements of art to create an effect and to help convey the artist's intent. The principles of art and design are balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity/variety. These are line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space. The elements and principles of art and design are the foundation of the language we use to talk about art. The elements of art are the visual tools that the artist uses to create a composition.

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