Principles of Design in 2D Art
Design: The composition of an artwork. Intentionally arranging the elements of art (listed above) using the principles of organization to create a unified artwork.
Balance: Parts of a composition can be described as having weight or dominance. The arrangement of these elements to create a sense of visual stability or tension is called balance. This is sometimes also referred to as symmetry. • Balance can be symmetrical (or formal), asymmetrical (informal), or radial (around a central point, like a flower)
Emphasis/Dominance: The importance given to certain objects in an artwork. Where your eye goes first. The center of attention. • The “center of attention is also called the focal point. A painting can have a main focal point with secondary focal points. • Contrast creates emphasis and determines the focal point. This can be the contrast in color, value, texture, shape, space or line.
Proportion: The relationship of the parts of an artwork to the whole, or of one part to another. Related to size or scale. (Can also refer to quantity or degree.)
Movement/Rhythm: Movement refers to how elements are arranged to draw your eye through artwork or imply a sense of motion. (Some sculpture, video, etc. may have actual motion.) • Rhythm is a special kind of movement created by repeated components in an artwork. It refers to the visual tempo or beat as the viewer’s eyes jump rapidly or glide smoothly from one related element to the next.
Repetition/Pattern: An element that is repeated in a planned way to create rhythm or unity.
Variety: Using the art elements to create differences in artwork that add visual interest.
Harmony/Unity: The accentuating of similarities within an artwork to create unity. The opposite of variety. Components that share common traits. A successful combination of art elements that creates a sense of wholeness and visual completion in an artwork. How the artwork functions as a whole, unified piece.
Color
Line
Shape and Form
Shape and Form
Texture
Style
