Page 10 - Aesthetic art-7

Principles of Art
Principles of Art

Movement Unity Variety Harmony Balance

Contrast Proportion Emphasis Rhythm Composition

Principles of design are some basic guidelines that need to be kept in mind before creating an
artwork. The impact of an artwork is dependent on these principles only.

Movement ii. Asymmetrical (Informal Balance) - An artwork is
A principle of design used to create the look and feeling said to have an asymmetrical balance when the
elements on both sides of the artwork do not
of action and to guide the viewer’s eye throughout the weigh equally.
artwork. The action here is referred to the movement of
our eyes while observing an artwork. Contrast
Unity A way of combining elements to stress the differences

Unity gives a sense of oneness to a image. It is the between those elements. Use of opposite elements
togetherness of the elements and principles of art applied especially colours, create contrast in an artwork. It
in an artwork, which not only makes it look aesthetically is generally created in order to attract the viewer’s
beautiful but also makes its look complete. attention from a distance. It can be created through
any difference including value, colour, texture, size etc.
Variety It makes a part of the work to stand out.
A principle of design concerned with diversity or contrast. Proportion
Variety is achieved by using different shapes, sizes and/or It is the ratio of various elements used in a composition
colours in a work of art. There is a famous saying “Variety with respect to each other. This defines the artwork in
is the spice of life”. It can be obtained by using different proper shape, size and form. It helps to understand the
colours, sizes, variation in contrast and emphasis.
artwork. It can make or break the beauty of a painting.
Harmony Emphasis

A way of combining similar elements in an artwork to
accent their similarities. It creates cohesiveness by Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the
stressing the similarities of separate but related parts. viewer’s attention. When we apply emphasis to an
The implementation of the combination of elements artwork, one area stand out by contrasting it with other
when done accurately,it enhances unity and overall areas. The area could be different in size, colour, texture,
look in an artwork. shape, etc.
Rhythm
Balance
Balance is referred to equalise the weight-age of all the A principle of design that indicates movement, created
by the careful placement of repeated elements in a
elements of a painting. We can say that balancing is to work of art to cause a visual tempo or beat.
nullify the domination of a particular object or element.
A well-balanced composition feels comfortable to look at. Paper Composition
It is broadly divided into two parts: Paper composition is the position of the media in a given
i. Symmetrical (Formal Balance) - An artwork is said platform. It can be divided into two parts:
to have a symmetrical balance when the weight i. Vertical composition.
of elements on both sides of the artwork is same ii. Horizontal composition.
when split into two halves.
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