Principles of Art

1. Balance
2. Scale and Proportion
3. Emphasis
4. Contrast
5. Unity
6. Variety
7. Harmony
8. Movement
9. Rhythm
10.Repetition
11.Pattern
 Principles of Art
1. Balance – refers to the distribution of the visual elements
in view of their placement in relation to each other. 3 forms
of balance:

• Symmetrical – the elements used on one side are reflected

on the other
• Asymmetrical – the elements are not the same on each
side, putting the heaviness on one side
• Radial – there is a central point in the composition, around
which the elements and objects are distributed.
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2. Scale and Proportion – the size of an object in relation to
another or relative to a whole composition.

• Natural – relates to the realistic size-relations of the visual

elements in the artwork.
• Exaggerated – this refer to the unusual size-relation of visual
elements
• Idealized – the size-relation of elements achieve the most
ideal size-relation.
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3. Emphasis – allows the attention of the viewer to a focal
point, accentuating or drawing attention to these elements
or objects
 Principles of Art
4. Contrast – the disparity between the elements that figure into
the composition. One object may be made stronger as
compared to other objects
 Principles of Art
5. Unity – a sense of accord or completeness from the artwork

6. Variety – the principle that aims to retain the interest by

allowing patches or areas that both excite and allow the eye
to rest.
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7. Harmony – elements or objects achieve a sense of flow
and interconnectedness
 Principles of Art
8. Movement – refers to the direction of the viewing eye as it
goes through the artwork, often guided by the areas or
elements that are emphasized.
 Principles of Art

9. Rhythm – this is created when an element is repeated,

creating implied movement
10. Repetition – the elements may appear in
the artwork in a recurring manner

11. Pattern – the image created out of

repetition.