Characteristics

and Principles of
Art
Santos, Pauline M.
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
13-2324-770

Characteristics of Art
These are the features and
qualities that belong to a specific
art work.
We
can describe an artwork
based on three characteristics.
1.
2.
3.

Medium
Subject Matter
Theme

Characteristics of Art
These are
qualities that
art work.
We
based

The medium refers to

the thefeatures
and
material the artist
uses to
his/her
belong
tocreate
a specific
artwork/

Examples are painting,

can describe sculpture,
an artwork
illustration/drawings and
on three characteristics.
photography.

1. Medium
2. Subject Matter
3. Theme

Characteristics of Art
These are the features and
qualities that belong
to
a
specific
Subject matter is the
art work.
visual or narrative
focus of the art work.

We
can describe an artwork
This is what the artist
based on three characteristics.
1. Medium
2. Subject Matter
3. Theme

depicts.

Characteristics of Art
These are the features and
qualities that belong to a specific
art work.

The theme is the

underlying idea of the
describe an
artwork
artwork.

We
can
based on three characteristics.

Themes could be war,

1. Medium
politics, poverty, genre
2. Subject Matter (daily life), etc.
3. Theme

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Unity provides the

cohesive quality that
makes the art work
feel complete and
finished

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Contrast to differences
in value, colors,
textures, shapes and
other elements.

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Balance refers to the

distribution of visual
weight in a work of art.

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Visual movement is
used by artist to direct
viewers through their
work, often to focal
areas.

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Rhythm is the
repetition of visual
movement colors,
shapes or lines

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Pattern uses the art

elements in planned or
random repetition to
enhance surfaces of
artworks.

Principles of Art
Unity
Contrast
Balance
Movement
Rhythm
Pattern
Emphasis

Emphasis is used by
artists to create
dominance and focus
in their work.