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The Ultimate Collection of Principles of

Design Examples and Definitions
Inside: The ultimate collection of principles of design examples and definitions, plus helpful resources for
teaching the elements and principles of art.
What are the Elements and Principles of
Art?
The elements of art and principles of design are the fundamental pieces that make up an artwork. Most
works of art will make use of many or all of the elements and principles of art. We often judge art by how
effectively the artist used these design fundamentals even before we learn about them.
(https://artclasscurator.com/elements-of-art-examples/)
The elements of art are the building blocks of an artwork: color, line, shape, form, value, texture, and
space. They are the tools artists use when creating an artwork. See Elements of Art Examples and
Definitions (https://artclasscurator.com/elements-of-art-examples/) for more on the elements of art.

The principles of design are how those building blocks are arranged: contrast, rhythm, proportion, 
contrast, rhythm, proportion, balance,
balance,
unity, emphasis, movement, and variety. They are the ways an artist can organize the elements of art to
create a wide range of effects.

Each of these art fundamentals are closely related and many of them overlap. When combined, they
produce a complete artistic vision.
Why are the Elements and Principles of
Art Important?
Knowing the elements and principles of art boosts visual literacy. Artists and creators make more powerful
works when they utilize the principles of art. When viewers are familiar with the elements of art, they become
more aware of the details and can better appreciate what they see and the message behind it. Connecting
with art (https://bigthink.com/in-their-own-words/theory-of-mind-why-art-evokes-empathy) makes us
more empathetic and strengthens the fabric of society
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5581397/). In the age of the internet, understanding how
and why advertisers make design decisions can empower students
(http://time.com/money/4511709/marketing-politicians-manipulation-psychology/) with information and
make them less susceptible to manipulation.

Teaching the Elements of Art and

Principles of Design
I once said that I hate the elements and principles of art (https://artclasscurator.com/why-i-hate-the-
elements-and-principles-of-art-but-teach-them-anyway/), but that’s not quite accurate. The elements
and principles of art are a lens through which to view and understand art, but they are not what makes art
education (https://artclasscurator.com/what-do-kids-learn-from-looking-at-art/) vital. Art inspires higher
level thinking, focus, a growth mindset, visual literacy, curiosity, respect, and connection. The elements and
principles of design are an artist’s toolbox. Knowing the tools not only improves students’ studio art skills and
gives them deeper appreciation when viewing artworks, it helps make them better, more informed citizens
and prepares them for a visually complex and culturally interconnected modern world in need of creative
problem solvers.

Below you’ll find an explanation of each of the principles of design, including artwork examples and links to
helpful materials for teaching the individual concepts.

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying
purchases.

Download the Free Elements and Principles

Printable Pack
(https://artclasscurator.com/acc_optin/elements-principles-pack-2/)

This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the
elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you
can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.
(https://artclasscurator.com/acc_optin/elements-principles-pack-2/)

Principles of Design Examples and

Definitions
Scroll below for each element or click the link to be taken to the appropriate principle of design:

Contrast
Rhythm
Proportion

Balance
Unity
Emphasis
 Movement
Variety

Contrast
As a principle of art, contrast refers to the arrangement of opposite elements and effects. For example, light
and dark colors, smooth and rough textures, large and small shapes. Contrast can be used to create variety,
visual interest, and drama in an artwork.

In this example of contrast in art, Caravaggio created a scene of action and energy by contrasting both
light/dark and directional lines.
 Caravaggio, Crucifixion of St. Peter, 1601

Käthe Kollwitz adds contrast using the elements of art line, value, and shape, but she also adds contrast of
emotion showing the despair of the mother in dark values and lighter sweeter elements like the heart on the
chair in the background.
 Käthe Kollwitz, Misery, 1897

Contrast in Art Resources

The Paper Mill Store: Design Principles, Contrast (https://blog.thepapermillstore.com/design-
principles-contrast/)
Jon Lovett: Contrast, Principles of Design (https://www.johnlovett.com/contrast)
Edvard Munch Art Lesson with Project (https://artclasscurator.com/downloads/edvard-munch-
the-scream-art-lesson/)
Judith and Holofernes Paintings: A Compare and Contrast Art Lesson
(https://artclasscurator.com/masterpiece-monday-judith-beheading-holofernes/)

Rhythm
Rhythm is a principle of design that suggests movement or action. Rhythm is usually achieved through
repetition of lines, shapes, colors, and more. It creates a visual tempo in artworks and provides a path for the
viewer’s eye to follow.

In this rhythm example, the artist uses pattern, repetition of line, and contrast between curved and straight
lines to create rhythm in art.
 Tughra (Official Signature) of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66)

In this example of of rhythm in art, Mondrian repeats shape, color, and line to bounce the viewer’s eye around
the artwork.
 Piet Mondrian, Broadway Boogie-Woogie , 1942-43

In this fun rhythm in art examples video, the differences between pattern, repetition, and rhythm are
described and put to music.
Rhythm in Art Resources
Art Soup Video: Principles of Design: Rhythm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBlQnHclT-Y)
Horse in Motion & The First Moving Pictures (https://artclasscurator.com/eadward-muybridge-
horse/)
Early Photography Inspired Flipbook Project (https://artclasscurator.com/high-school-
photography-lessons/)

Proportion
Proportion is the size relationship between the various parts of an artwork. Artists can use the scale and
proportion to create sensations such as depth, realism, disorientation, and drama.
The human figure is scaled to appear larger than the city skyline. The proportions could indicate depth of
perspective or could symbolize the relationship of laborers in building a city.

In this example of proportion in art, the artist manipulates the individual proportions of the child as well as
create varying size relationship (scale) between the objects in the painting and the child to create meaning
in the artwork.
 María Izquierdo, The Indifferent Child, 1947

In this proportion in art example, the artist make the hands out of proportion with the rest of their bodies to
enhance the meaning of the artwork. These men work with their hands, and their hands are exaggerated to
show how important their hands and work are to all the people of France.
 Ben Shahn, We French Workers Warn You..Defeat Means Slavery, Starvation, Death, 1942

Looking for more examples of proportion in art (https://artclasscurator.com/proportion-and-scale-

artwork-examples/)? Check out The Ultimate List of Proportion and Scale in Art Examples
(https://artclasscurator.com/proportion-and-scale-artwork-examples/) post!

Scale
Scale in art describes the size of one object in relation to another and also refers to our perception of
perspective and proportion. Artworks that look realistic are scaled similarly to real world objects. Scale in art
can also refer to the overall size of the work.

In this scale in art example, the artist uses scale to show the space or depth between the girl and the house
in the background.
 Andrew Wyeth, Christina’s World, 1948

In this example of scale in art, Magritte plays with scale to create an amusing composition.
 René Magritte, Les valeurs personnelles (Personal Values), 1952

Hierarchical Scale
Hierarchical scale is a technique used in art, most often in sculpture and painting, in which the artist depicts
objects with an unnatural scale to show their importance or lack thereof. This size manipulation draws the
viewer’s eye where the artist wants attention.

Ancient Egyptian artists are well-known for their use of hierarchical scale. In this example of hierarchical scale
in art, the artist shows the man as largest (most important) and the child smallest (least important). The
figures are in proportion within the figure but out of proportion with the other figures in the picture.
 Egyptian, Nebamun hunting in the marshes, fragment of a scene from the
tomb-chapel of Nebamun, Late 18th Dynasty, around 1350 B

For more examples of scale in art, check out our proportion and scale in art
(https://artclasscurator.com/proportion-and-scale-artwork-examples/) blog post!

Proportion in Art Resources

The Ultimate Collection of Proportion in Art (https://artclasscurator.com/proportion-and-
scale-artwork-examples/)
How Artists Depict Space (https://artclasscurator.com/how-artists-depict-space-art-lesson/)
Art Around the World in 30 Days – Day #24 – Columbia’s Fernando Botero
(https://artclasscurator.com/art-around-the-world-in-30-days-colombia-fernando-botero-
lesson/)
Sophia.org: Design in Art: Scale and Proportion (https://www.sophia.org/tutorials/design-in-
art-scale-and-proportion)

Balance
As a principle of art, balance refers to the distribution of weight in a composition. While actual weight is a
factor in sculpture and architecture, the principle of balance most often refers to the visual heaviness of
shapes and forms in an artwork. An artwork’s balance affects the equality and tension of the composition
and can lend a feeling of calm or chaos to the work.

Symmetrical Balance
An artwork with symmetrical balance is well-balanced and looks even and stable. When one side of an
artwork mirrors the other, it has absolute symmetry. When the symmetrical balance is not exact, it is called
bilateral symmetry.

In this example of symmetrical balance in art, each animal on the left has its equal counterpart on the right.
The colors are not exact, but it is still considered symmetrical balance.
 American, Cutout of Animals, second quarter 19th century

Asymmetrical Balance
An artwork with asymmetrical balance is “heavier” or “lighter” in some areas, looks unstable, and can make
the viewer uncomfortable. Asymmetric balance adds a dynamic look to artworks and often draws attention
to focal points in the composition.

In this example of asymmetrical balance in art, the artist balances the heavy black figure on the right with
the curtain on the left. If the curtain were a different size or a different color, the balance would be thrown off.
 James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Arrangement in Grey and
Black No.1, 1871

Radial Balance
An artwork with radial balance is arranged around a central component. Forms and objects in a radially
balanced composition appear to radiate out of the circular focal point of the artwork.

With radial balance, like in the example of radial balance below, one can imagine the artwork as equal
pieces of a pie.
 England, Charger of Charles II in the Boscobel Oak, c. 1685

Looking for more examples of balance in art? Check out The Best Examples of Balance in Art
(https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-balance/) post!

Balance in Art Resources

The Ultimate Collection of Balance in Art (https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-
balance/)
Smashing Magazine: Design Principles: Compositional, Symmetrical, and Asymmetrical Balance
(https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2015/06/design-principles-compositional-balance-
symmetry-asymmetry/)
Lifewire: Balance: The Basic Principles of Design (https://www.lifewire.com/balance-design-
principle-3470048)

Unity
Unity, also known as harmony, is a design principle that refers to the cohesiveness of an artwork—how whole,
consistent, and complete it appears. Unity in art is not necessarily just a repetition of the same element over
and over again, but it is the pleasing combination of elements to create a harmonious composition.

In this example of unity in art, Botero creates unity through subject matter, through rhythm, and through
repetition of form, shape, and color.

Fernando Botero, The Musicians, 1991

In unity blog post, you will find more examples of unity in art (https://artclasscurator.com/examples-of-
unity-in-art/) created with shape/form, color, texture, line, style, and in architecture.
Unity in Art Resources
Examples of Unity in Art (https://artclasscurator.com/examples-of-unity-in-art/)
Natomas High School Design Department
(http://www.nhsdesigns.com/graphic/principles/unity.php)
Virtual Art Instructor: Teach harmony and unity with a game
(http://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/teach-harmony-and-unity-in-art-with-a-game)

Emphasis
As a principle of art, emphasis refers to the area of an artwork that dominates attention or draws interest. It
is often the place a viewer looks first. Artists create emphasis by contrasting the elements of art, such as
color or shape.

In this example of emphasis in art, Goya highlights the man in white through putting him in a spotlight,
having the man wear bright clothes, having many lines throughout the composition pointing to the man, and
having his emotional face be one of the only faces shown.
 Francisco Goya, The Third of May 1808, 1814

Looking for more examples of emphasis in art? Check out The Best Examples of Emphasis in Art
(https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-emphasis/) post!

Emphasis in Art Resources

The Ultimate Collection of Emphasis in Art (https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-
emphasis/)
Sophia.org: Design in Art: Emphasis, Variety, and Unity
(https://www.sophia.org/tutorials/design-in-art-emphasis-variety-and-unity)

Movement
Movement can be thought of in two ways – the first refers to how an artist depicts movement using the
elements and principles of art. The second way refers to the visual flow of an artwork, indicated by the path
a viewer’s eyes take as they look at the artwork.

Lines, edges, shapes, and colors can be utilized by the artist to point the way through an artwork as a map
for our eyes to follow.
In this example of movement in art, the artist shows the movement of the wind through the shapes of the
paper. The lines of the figures and the lines of the billowing clothing convey movement in art as well.

Hokusai, Ejiri in Suruga Province, 1830

Movement in Art Resources

 Art, Design, and Visual Thinking: Movement
(http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/element/move/move.htm)
Art About Love: Oskar Kokoschka’s The Bride of the Wind (https://artclasscurator.com/art-
about-love-kokoschka/)
Fate of the Animals by Franz Marc (https://artclasscurator.com/art-spotlight-franz-marcs-
fate-of-the-animals/)

Variety
Variety refers to the elements of a composition that differ from one another. Variety creates visual interest
and energy.

A lot of variety can make an artwork look busy or overwhelming. When paired with unity, variety offers the
viewer points of interest.

In this example of variety in art, Kandinsky uses a variety of lines, shapes, values, and colors.
 Wassily Kandinsky, Der Sturm, Volume 10, Number 7, 1919

Variety in Art Resources

The Virtual Instructor: Variety, Harmony, and Unity (https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/unity-
harmony-and-variety-principles-of-art)

The principles of design examples can be a powerful way to engage and interpret a work of art. To help your
students engage, don’t forget to download these free art worksheets:

FREE WORKSHEETS

8 Free Art Appreciation

Worksheets
includes the Elements & Principles!

Download 8 Free Art Appreciation Worksheets – including 2

Elements and Principles pages! Activities designed to work
with almost any work of art. Help your students connect
 with art while having fun!

DOWNLOAD

More Principles of Design Examples

For more examples of elements and principles of art, check out more from our elements of art examples
series below.
(https://artclasscurator.com/elements-of-art-examples/)

(https://artclasscurator.com/texture-in-art-examples/)

(https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-space/)
 (https://artclasscurator.com/color-in-art-examples/)

(https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-line/)

(https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-emphasis/)
 (https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-balance/)

(https://artclasscurator.com/proportion-and-scale-artwork-examples/)

(https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-use-shape/)
(https://artclasscurator.com/why-i-hate-the-elements-and-principles-of-art-but-teach-them-anyway/)
(https://artclasscurator.com/how-artists-depict-space-art-lesson/)

(https://artclasscurator.com/rhythm-in-art-examples/)
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THESE POSTS:

I am… Dorothea Lange:

Decoding Style: How to Teach
Students to Read an Artwork
(https://artclasscurator.com/styl
e/)
What Makes Art Good? A Lesson Exploring Empathy Art Lesson
and Explanation of Art Theories
(https://artclasscurator.com/i-
(https://artclasscurator.com/art
am-dorothea-lange-exploring-
-theories/)
empathy-with-works-of-art/)

17 Comments
KAVITA BORDIA
April 20, 2020 at 1:29 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-120542)

HeyCindy, I like the description of the subject with the help of real art pieces. I was unable to understand

some concepts. But with your detailed explanation they all got cleared and THANK YOU for Free posters.
They would be great help for my students.

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

ADRIANNA PEREZ DIAZ (HTTPS://ARTCLASSCURATOR.COM/PRINCIPLES-

 OF-DESIGN-EXAMPLES/)
April 23, 2020 at 9:23 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-120666)

I was unable to understand some concepts. But with your detailed explanation they all got cleared and

THANK YOU for Free posters.

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

PURNIMA
September 5, 2021 at 12:10 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-
examples/#comment-191430)

Thank you so much for this wonderful teaching moreover displaying lots of knowledge here I am

very grateful 😍😍hope to see more like this in upcoming days keep going 🙏🙏
 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

HUSIEN ADEL
May 29, 2020 at 3:24 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-127392)

thanks a lot, I was sad to trying a lot to understand that principle and now it’s clear for me, you make my day!

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

ANONYMUS
November 12, 2020 at 7:23 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-147969)

Very helpful 🙂
 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

EDSON M. CASTILLO
January 27, 2021 at 8:57 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-159867)

im just thankful to this reference because it will help me to answer my module Godbless
im just thankful to this reference because it will help me to answer my module. Godbless..

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

AMY DAVIS
February 2, 2021 at 5:23 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-
examples/#comment-162047)

You’re welcome!

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

ELIZABETH A SIMONS
January 30, 2021 at 6:15 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-161317)

I cant seem to download the resource packs

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

AMY DAVIS
February 2, 2021 at 5:28 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-
examples/#comment-162049)

I sent you an email. Please check you inbox! If you don’t see it, please email

support@artclasscurator.com (mailto:support@artclasscurator.com) and we will send again.

Thanks!

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

KATE
March 21, 2021 at 11:32 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-170989)

I can’t seem to download the resources pack either.

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

AMY DAVIS
 March 23, 2021 at 11:48 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-
171064)

Thanks for reaching out! I emailed you the EP Pack, let me know if you didn’t receive it.

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

BRE
May 9, 2021 at 10:15 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-176271)

Hey I am a Arts instructor an for unbalanced I use this reference ALL THE TIME! As far as unbalanced artworks

I struggled with that one too I found that Minimalists are much more likely to do this for example Rothko and

Mondrian I just thought I’d reach out and let you know about that

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

AMY DAVIS
May 11, 2021 at 9:57 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-
176381)

Thank you for the suggestions! You can see our other examples of unbalanced artworks here,

https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-balance/

(https://artclasscurator.com/artworks-that-show-balance/).

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

YUANZI
June 10, 2021 at 11:10 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-180911)

I cant seem to download the resource packs

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

AMY DAVIS
June 15, 2021 at 7:08 am (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-
181162)
 Check you email! I sent the pack.

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

KATHRYN CALDERON
August 11, 2021 at 7:13 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-185489)

Hi I can’t find the link to download the printable pack!

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

AMY DAVIS
August 16, 2021 at 11:17 pm (https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-examples/#comment-
187136)

This link will take you to the elements & principles printable pack,

https://artclasscurator.com/acc_optin/elements-principles-pack/

(https://artclasscurator.com/acc_optin/elements-principles-pack/). Email

support@artclasscurator.com (mailto:support@artclasscurator.com) if you have any problems

with the download.

 REPLY TO THIS COMMENT

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