BALANCE, UNITY, EMPHASIS, MOVEMENT, RHYTHM, CONTRAST,

PROPORTION

Making a design is like making a cake. The

Elements are the ingredients. The

directions for mixing them together are the

Principles.

Organization of elements that work together to give unity

• Asymmetrical- (informal balance) the two sides of a work of art are not exactly the same, but are still visually balanced

The way the elements of art are arranged to create a feeling of stability

Symmetrical Balance:

(formal balance) parts on both sides are the same

parts radiate from the center in all

direction

Radial BalanceRadial Balance

• All Parts of a work of art are interrelated, balanced, and organized to achieve a quality of oneness

• This can either be actual motion or it can be implied — the arrangement of the parts of an image to create a sense of motion by using lines, shapes, forms, and textures that cause the eye to move over the work

Linear strokes cause our eye to move back and forth through the painting.

EmphasisAccent, stress, or

importance placed on a part

of a piece of artwork

(repeating an idea creates emphasis)

The focus of the lady brings

our attention to the

envelope as well as its stark white

color.

• Regular repetition of lines, shapes, or colors that create a movement. Patterns have rhythm

Repetition of the figure descending the staircase not only creates movement but rhythm as well

a difference between objects

relationship of one part to another or to the whole with respect to size, quantity, or degree; a ratio

BALANCE, UNITY, EMPHASIS, MOVEMENT, RHYTHM, CONTRAST,

PROPORTION

Can you use the principles of design to critique this artwork?

Sandy Skoglund: Radioactive Cats, 1980

Created by:

with a special thanks to artlex.com