Unity

Variety

Repetition

Rhythm

Balance

Emphasis/Focal Point

Proportion/Scale

Composition:

The organization of elements in a work, aka, the design.

Unity:The sense of oneness, of things belonging together and making up a coherent whole.

Variety:Differences that provide interest and contrast.

Ben Jones, Black Face and Arm Unit, 1971.

Symmetrical Balance: Mirror imageof Shapes/Forms on either side of an imaginary axial dividing line.Elements correspond to one another in size, shape, and placement.

Tori Busshi, Shaka Triad, 623.

Relieved Symmetry: orApproximate Symmetry: Slight differences between axial areas of a work.

Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas,1939.

Asymmetrical Balance:

Two sides that do not

correspond to one another in

size, shape, and placement.

Gustav Klimt,Death and Life, Before 1911-1915.

Sakai Hoitsu, late 18th-early 19th century.

Emphasis: The viewer’s attention will be centered more on certain parts of the composition than on others.

Focal Point: A specific spot to which one’sattention is directed. Subordination: A less visually interesting area.

Henry Tanner,The Banjo Lesson, 1893.

Emphasis: The viewer’s attention will be centered more on certain parts of the composition than on others.

Focal Point: A specific spot to which one’s attention is directed. Paul Cézanne, Still Life With Compotier, Pitcher

and Fruit, 1892-94.

Scale: Size in relation to a constant or “normal” size.

Proportion: Refers to size relationships between parts of a whole or between two or more items perceived as a unit.

Rene Magritte,Delusions of Grandeur II, 1948.

Benin, A Royal Altar to the Hand, 18th century.

Leonardo daVinci, The Study of Human Proportions According to Vetruvius, c. 1485-90.

Proportions of the golden section

Visual Rhythm: Depends on the repetition of accented elements, usually shapes.

Peit Mondrian, Broadway Boogie-Woogie, 1942-43.

UnityVarietyRepetitionRhythmBalanceEmphasis/Focal PointProportion/Scale

Pablo Picasso, Girl Before a Mirror

The Parthenon, Athens Greece

Nike of the Samothrace, Louvre, Paris Pablo Picasso, Weeping Woman

Black Figure Pottery, Ancient Greece Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase

Andy Warhol, 10 Marilyns

Jackson Pollock, Number 5