Principles of Art

Composition
 Composition is one of the most important
factors in a successful photo. A good
composition can turn a boring subject into
a compelling photograph and on the other
hand a spectacular subject may look dull
in a failed composition.
 Rule of Thirds
 Rule of thirds is one
of the most famous
rules of image
composition.
According to the rule
of thirds, the frame is
divided into three
parts horizontally and
vertically. The subject
of the photo is placed
into one of the
intersections of the
division lines like in
the picture.
 Balance
 Balance is a sense of stability in the body
of work. Balance can be created by
repeating same shapes and by creating a
feeling of equal weight.
 Symmetrical Balance
 Symmetrical
(formal)
balance means
both sides of
an imaginary
line are the
same.
 Assymetrical Balance
 Asymmetrical
(informal)
balance means
each side of an
imaginary line
are different yet
equal
Vincent’s Bedroom, Vincent Van Gogh
 Radial Balance
 Radial balance
means lines or
shapes grow from
a center point.
Fourteen
 Balance Levels
of unities and opposites

Balanced Not Balanced

Repetition of shape from L-R

L-R Small + Big

L+R
Small + Big
Shape/ Size
Light + Dark
 Emphasis   
  Emphasis in a composition refers to
developing points of interest to pull the
viewer's eye to important parts of the
body of the work.  
Focal Point
• What is the central point of
interest?

• What will draw the eye of the

viewers of this picture?

• What in this image will make

it stand out from others?

• What is my subject?
 Harmony
 Harmony  is achieved by using similar
elements throughout. Harmony gives an
uncomplicated look to your work. 
 Variety
 Variety refers to the differences in the
work. You can achieve variety by using
different shapes, textures, colors and
values in your work.   
 Movement
 Movement adds excitement to your work
by showing action and directing the
viewers eye throughout the picture plane.
 Rhythm
 Rhythm is a type of movement in
drawing and painting. It is seen in
repeating of shapes and colors.
Alternating lights and darks also give a
sense of rhythm.  
 Proportion
 Proportion or scale refers to the
relationships of the size of objects in a
body of work. Proportions gives a sense of
size seen as a relationship of objects, such
as smallness or largeness.      
 Unity
 Unity is seen in a painting or drawing
when all the parts equal a whole. Your
work should not appear disjointed or
confusing.