Principles of Design

Balance

Balance is created in a work of art when textures, colors, forms, or shapes are combined harmoniously. The banner has a sense of balance based on the centered text and the same amount of basketballs on each row and column.

 Contrast

Contrast is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer's attention and to guide the viewer's eye through the artwork.  The darkness of this photo leads the eye to the window and automatically leaves one staring out the window.

Movement

Movement is the way a viewer's eye is directed to move through a composition, often to areas of emphasis. Movement can be directed by lines, contrasting shapes, or colors within the artwork. The contrast of the bright green plant against the gray walls and the curved plant against the straight walls, direct the eyes up the wall following the plant.

Emphasis

Emphasis is created in a work of art when the artist contrasts colors, textures, or shapes to direct your viewing towards a particular part of the image. The opening doors attract the eye towards the tall man in the long bare hallways while the contrast from the hallway to the open area of chairs makes the attraction heavier.

Pattern

Pattern is the repetition of a shape, form, or texture across a work of art. The bricks in the column are based in a pattern all the way down. If you look at the vertical lines, they rotate every other brick.

Proportion

Proportion is created when the sizes of elements in a work of art are combined harmoniously. The shadow of the windows and doors are almost like a pattern, resulting in most of the shapes to be similar and proportionate.

Unity

Unity is created when the principles of analysis are present in a composition and in harmony. Some images have a complete sense of unity, while some artists deliberately avoid formal unity to create feelings of tension and anxiety. This photo as a sense of unity base on the lines leading the eye towards the top of the picture, a sense of balance with the wording, pattern with lights reflecting on the floor, and contrast with the rich colors against the wood floor.