BALANCE, UNITY, EMPHASIS,
MOVEMENT, RHYTHM, CONTRAST,
PROPORTION
Making a design is like
making a cake. The
Elements are the
ingredients. The
directions for mixing
them together are the
Principles.
Organization of elements that work together to give unity
• Asymmetrical-
(informal balance)
the two sides of a
work of art are not
exactly the same,
but are still
visually balanced
The way the
elements of art are
arranged to create a
feeling of stability
Symmetrical
Balance:
(formal balance) parts on both sides are the same
parts radiate from
the center in all
direction
Radial Balance
• All Parts of
a work of
art are
interrelated,
balanced,
and
organized
to achieve
a quality of
oneness
• This can either be
actual motion or it
can be implied —
the arrangement of
the parts of an
image to create a
sense of motion by
using lines, shapes,
forms, and textures
that cause the eye
to move over the
work
Linear strokes cause
our eye to move back
and forth through the
painting.
Emphasis
Accent, stress, or
importance
placed on a part
of a piece of
artwork
(repeating an idea creates emphasis)
The focus of the
lady brings
our attention
to the
envelope as
well as its
stark white
color.
• Regular
repetition of
lines,
shapes, or
colors that
create a
movement.
Patterns
have rhythm
Repetition of the figure
descending the staircase
not only creates
movement but rhythm as
well
a difference
between
objects
relationship of
one part to
another or to
the whole with
respect to size,
quantity, or
degree; a ratio
Can you
use the
principles of
design to
critique this
artwork?
Sandy Skoglund:
Radioactive Cats,
1980
BALANCE, UNITY, EMPHASIS,
MOVEMENT, RHYTHM, CONTRAST,
PROPORTION
Created by:
with a special thanks to artlex.com

principles-of-design