Principles of art

Principles of Art The Principles are concepts used to organize or arrange the structural elements of design.

Balance Balance implies that the visual elements within the frame have a sense of weight. Large objects generally weigh more than small objects and dark objects weigh more than light colored objects. Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance

3 types of Balance Symmetrical Balance Asymmetrical Balance Radial Balance

Symmetrical Balance Symmetrical balance can be described as having equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. It may also be referred to as formal balance When the elements are arranged equally on either side of a central axis, the result is Bilateral symmetry. This axis may be horizontal or vertical.

One way to achieve balance is through symmetry One way to achieve balance is through symmetry. Reflections of the landscape in still water are an example of almost perfect symmetry.

Asymmetrical Balance Asymmetrical balance, also called informal balance, is more complex and difficult to comprehend. It involves placement of objects in a way that will allow objects of varying visual weight to balance one another around a fulcrum point.

Radial Balance

Rhythm Rhythm refers to the regular repeating occurrence of elements in the scene just as in music it refers to the regular occurrence of certain musical notes over time.

Rhythm is soothing and our eyes beg to follow rhythmic patterns. To be effective, rhythm also requires some variability - rhythm that is too similar or perfect may be boring. Therefore when composing your images look for repetition with variation.

For instance if you are photographing a fence - one that is perfect will not hold a viewers interest for long, but one in which some of the posts are bent, broken, larger or smaller will generate more viewer interest. Differences in the height of the fence posts add interest to an otherwise monotonic rhythm. The yellow marigold is balanced by the negative space of the complimentary colored blue sky.  

Proportion Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions. Our most universal standard of measurement is the human body; that is, our experience of living in our own bodies. We judge the appropriateness of size of objects by that measure.

Use of appropriate scale in surface design is also important Use of appropriate scale in surface design is also important. For example, an overly large textile design can overwhelm the form of a garment or a piece of furniture.

Unity Unity is the underlying principle that summarizes all of the principles and elements of design. Unity or harmony is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art. It refers to an ordering of all elements in an image so that each contributes to a unified aesthetic effect so that the image is seen as a whole.