The Principles of Art The way in which artists arrange the Elements of Art in their composition The Principles of Art: Balance Emphasis Contrast/Variety Rhythm Movement

Balance: Symmetrical Symmetrical balance (or formal): a roughly even distribution of visual weight or activity on each side of a central axis

Balance: Asymmetrical Asymmetrical balance (or informal): larger masses on one side of a painting may be balanced by smaller, contrasting parts on the other side

Emphasis Emphasis: the way of developing a main theme in a work Answers the question, “What is the artist trying to say?” Artists may emphasize one or more elements, or a particular subject or concept

Jan Vermeer, Officer and Laughing Girl, 1655-1660

Contrast/Variety Contrast: a difference in values, colors, textures and other elements in order to achieve emphasis and interest If all parts were alike a painting would be monotonous and boring Light vs.- dark value contrast Smooth vs.- rough Soft vs.- hard Large vs.- small

Jacques Villon, Portrait of Mlle. Y.D., 1913 Squint your eyes and look at both paintings What do you notice? Both paintings are very different in style yet almost the same

Rhythm Established when elements of a composition such as curves, angles, or vertical or horizontal lines are repeated Can occur at regular or irregular intervals Rhythm and movement are inseparable

Movement Directs the eyes of the viewer to the center of interest or gives frozen in action feeling The object can come alive with the handling of movement

Carravaggio, Martyrdom of St. Matthew, 1599-1600

Niccolo dell’Arca, The Lamentation, detail of one of the mourning figures, about 1485-1490