The use of elements in a work of art to create a consistent effect All parts of a work of art working together to create a consistent effect – no one part stands out, the work appears as a whole
Ways to Create Unity Proximity – unlike elements appear to belong together when placed closer together in a grouping Similarity – make items the same in some way to visually link them Continuation– place the elements in a way to lead the eye
SIMILARITY -Repeated & similar shapes & colours, same colour background (white)
SIMILARITY -Similar shapes & colours (analogous colour scheme, boxy shapes)
SIMILARITY - Similar colours (mostly warm, flat & geometric shapes, overall checkerboard pattern.
SIMILARITY -Repetition of shapes & colours, all are flat ; PROXIMITY - shapes are placed in groupings
PROXIMITY- Many varied shapes, textures & objects are grouped closely together. Some repetition of colour
SIMILARITY- Repetition of colours & shapes. CONTINUATION- Circles create diagonal line going from bottom right to top left
CONTINUATION - musicians repeated to follow a curve around the picture
An artist may avoid apparent unity in an artwork in order to best capture a sense of upheaval or chaos and to avoid boredom in the composition.
-adding interest through differences & detail
Ways of creating variety: CONTRASTING SHAPES CONTRASTING SIZES CONTRASTING COLOURS CONTRASTING LINES CONTRASTING TEXTURES
CONTRASTING VALUES
Elaboration or “adding detail” can add meaning and interest!
Too much variety can be confusing! Too little variety can be boring!
Making one area or image stand out from everything else
The dominant area is often referred to as a focal point or center of interest This means we tend to focus on that area first and most often.
Ways to create a focal point or dominant area. We see her face first because : It is lighter compared to its surroundings (value contrast) It is largest compared to other faces (size) It is a different & brighter colour compared to its surroundings (green face next to orange hair) She is staring directly at us
Envelope stands out because of its centered position within the composition. This figure stands out because of its contrast to its surroundings & also because line (e.g. guns) lead the eye to it
make that part larger compared to other parts give that part some psychological interest (we like to look at people) make that part lighter or darker compared to other parts make that part a very different or brighter colour compared to other parts make that part very different in shape compared to other parts place that part in a more centered position in the composition make other parts of the image direct attention or point to that part
There are two types of movement in artwork: Physical Movement - the subject is depicted in some activity or motion
Compositional Movement - the use of repeated elements &/or imagery causes the eye to move from repeat to repeat
Often, both kinds of movement are combined in an artwork: Figures appear to dance and move in the painting to the left. Repeated colours, figures and swirling lines draw the eye around the composition
Three methods for creating rhythm are: Repeat two or more elements on an alternating basis Repeat the same element Repeat the same element, but make it change gradually/progressively in some way
The equal distribution of visual weight on either side of a composition’s center (both sides have equal eye-interest).
The visual weight of images & objects in a painting depends on their relative size brightness of colour contrasts of value or texture complexity of shapes distance from the center of the composition.
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE Identical elements are placed on either side of a central axis. Symmetry creates a stable, calm & often formal, serious effect.
Approximate symmetry creates a feeling similar to symmetry but with a bit more variety and, therefore, interest APPROXIMATE SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
Asymmetrical Balance is created when both sides of an image are equally eye-catching but the elements are different. It is a more dynamic, interesting arrangement and creates a stronger sense of movement and informality. ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE
RADIAL SYMMETRY Radial Balance is created when elements are repeated around a central point. This occurs frequently in nature: I.e. in flowers, snowflakes etc.