Art Principles

The distribution of visual weight in a work of art. Elements like shape may be placed along a visual axis symmetrically or asymmetrically.

• Emphasis

• Contrast

• Balance

• Unity

Differences in tone, colours, textures, shapes and other elements used to draw attention or to make dramatic parts of an artwork.

• Unity

• Space

• Balance

• Contrast

The artist’s application of art elements make a part or parts of the composition stand out.

• Proportion

• Emphasis/Focal point

• Space

• Movement

Can be still, anticipated, kinetic, due to kinetic empathy, suggested by motion blur. Pattern, the arrangement of recurring figures/motifs and modules (3D form), can create it.

• Movement

• Scale

• Rhythm

• Unity

Refers to the comparative amounts or ratios of an element. This includes concepts such as the Golden Section and distortions.

• Unity

• Proportion

• Pattern

• Variety

A regularly recurring motif/ shape/ figure creates it. It can create a sense of unity, rhythm or movement in a work.

• Movement

• Pattern

• Space

• Unity

A motif that recurs irregularly. It can create a sense of unity, rhythm or movement in a work.

• Scale

• Repetition

• Balance

• Unity

Where the use of an element is repeated. This can be a regular or an irregular repetition and if regular can form a pattern. It creates a sense of movement .

• Unity

• Pattern

• Repetition

• Rhythm

– Refers to the comparative size of shapes or forms, use of time, volume of sound in an artwork.

• Scale

• Space

• Proportion

• Movement

Refers to its visual/pictorial (illusionary/ plastic) depiction or physical (sculptural/ architectural) use. It can refer to an amount within a composition (i.e. crowded or empty) or the depiction of depth (i.e. shallow, endless). Terms such as foreground, middle ground, background are useful terms for discussing it.

• Unity

• Variety

• Movement

• Space