The Principles of Art

The Principles of Art Art 7 Today you need your Art Binder and something to write with.

What are the Principles of Art? • The design principles are guidelines to assist in organizing the elements into a composition.

The Principles of Art • Balance • Contrast • Movement • Emphasis • Pattern • Repetition • Rhythm • Scale and Proportion • Unity • Variety

Balance • The appearance of evenness in a design. There are two different types of balance:

Symmetrical Balance • When divided in two, both halves of a design match or are very similar. • Asymmetrical Balance • Both sides of a design do not match, but are still visually balanced.

Contrast • The use of the design element value. A range of black and white.

High or Low Contrast?

Movement • The path of the viewer’s eye as it is directed over the surface of a design. The artist controls movement through the placement of elements, especially line.

Movement

Emphasis • Attention is drawn to one or more parts of the design. The artist may create a focal or use contrast to create emphasis.

Pattern • The systematic repetition of elements. Stripes and checkered are examples of

Repetition • When two or more design elements are repeated.

Repetition • What is being repeated in this image?

Rhythm • The repetition of elements that create a visual “beat”. • Ex: big, small, big, small, big, small

Scale and Proportion • Scale refers to an objects size in relation to normal.

Scale and Proportion • Proportion refers to size of parts of objects in relation to the whole.

Unity • A sense that the parts belong together, making a coherent whole.

Variety • Variation of elements within a design. • Variety provides interest.

What principles are used?

The Principles of Art