Principles of Design
The principles of design describe the ways that artists use the elements of art in a work of art.
BalanceBalance - refers to the ways in which the elements (lines, shapes, colors, textures, etc.) of a piece are arranged.
This photo shows balance because the line separating the stone and the grass, the textures of the grass and stone, all meet roughly in the middle of the image creating a sense of balance around the caterpillar.
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EmphasisEmphasis - is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
This photo shows emphasis because the fire in the center of the photo catches the readers attention due to the orange of the fire's contrast with the dark background.
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MovementMovement - is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art.
This photo shows movement because when you first look at the photo you eyes are drawn to the branches but as you look at it longer your eyes naturally move to the center of the photo, which is the movement in this photo.
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PatternPattern - is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art.
This photo shows pattern because the windows of the photo are all the same shape and size and are all over the photo creating a pattern on the side of the building.
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RepetitionRepetition - works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the work of art."
This photo shows repetition because the palm tree trunks are repeating uniformly across the whole photo making the photo have a sense of unity with this consistent element.
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ProportionProportion - is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.
This photo shows proportion because of the comparatively small tree, bushes, and shrubs in the foreground create a sense of unity with the objectively large mountains in the background, hence, showing the proportions and scale of nature.
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VarietyVariety - is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.
This photo shows variety because this photo shows the elements of design of balance, with the plane being equidistant and center in the frame, emphasis, with the plane having a contrasting background making in the center of focus, as well as movement, because the viewers eyes travel from the tip on the plane to the back as well as the plane actually being in motion when this was taken.
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UnityUnity - is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.
This photo shows unity because with the trolley car, hill, street lines, buildings, sky, and cars a sense of harmony is created with all these elements working together to the theme of the city.
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RhythmRhythm - is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.
This photo shows rhythm due to the repeated lines on the side of the pyramid, the balance created with the corned of the pyramid, and the movement ones eyes take on both edges of the pyramid and how one's eye travels up from the edge. The culmination of these elements of design create an overall rhythm because the repetition creates a organized movement with the overall mood of cultural appreciation.
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