Principles in Understanding

Artistic Composition
 Principles in Understanding Artistic Composition

•Art principles are created by combining

art elements. Artists utilize organizing
principles to create forms that inform.
Techniques are the ways artists go about
applying the principles of composition.
 Principle of Harmony
• Visual harmony is achieved when all of the art elements within a work
of art interact well. Many times, this can be accomplished by using
similar types of shapes, lines or colors within a work of art. A
harmonious work of art might use only organic or only geometric
shapes and lines to create a unified composition. Colors could also be
used to create a feel of unity within the piece. Using all cool or all
warm colors would help to produce a harmonious work of art
 Principle of Variety
• A strong composition will also demonstrate the principle of
variety. Variety is accomplished by using differing lines,
shapes and colors within an artwork to make key areas stand
out. Variety can be used to pull the eye to a focal point within
the artwork. Artists can use this idea to direct a viewers eye
to a place within the art that he or she wants to emphasize
 Principle of Balance
• It refers to the equilibrium of opposing visual forces. It is created in a
work of art when textures, colors, forms, or shapes are combined
harmoniously. It also refers to the way in which visual weight is
distributed throughout a composition. Compositions can displays
either symmetrical or asymmetrical balance. Symmetrical balance
refers to a composition in which the visual weight is perfectly and
evenly distributed each side of the artwork. A symmetrical
composition can be divided down the center and each side will be
close to a mirror image of the other
 Principle of Movement
• Movement refers to the way that an eye moves throughout a
work of art. An artist creates visual movement to drive the
eye to the focal point of the artwork. It can be directed by
lines, contrasting shapes, or colors within the artwork. In this
work of art, our eye moves up through the pattern in the
rippling surface of the water to the two paddlers
 Principles of Emphasis
• Emphasis refers to the need of an artist to create a focal point
within a composition. The focal point is the most important
part of a work of art and the viewers eye should be drawn to
that area. Emphasis can be achieved by using a combination
of elements to create visual movement to the focal point.
Using contrasting colors can also help to emphasize a focal
point
 Principle of Proportion
• It is created when the sizes of elements in a work of art are
combined harmoniously. Artists must make sure that the
relative sizes of items within a composition make logical
sense. In most cases, artists try to make all of the parts in a
composition relate logically to each other, and artists strive to
depict the human form within the proper proportion
 Principle of Rhythm
• Rhythm refers to the use of visual repetition within a work of
art. Repeating visual elements can create visual energy and
interest. Rhythm can also be referred to as pattern. Patterns
within an artwork are created by repeating certain colors, line
or shapes in specific areas. Rhythm can be used to create
texture and variety within a work of art