1. 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

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

4. 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

6. 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

8. Jan Vermeer, Officer and Laughing Girl, 1655-1660

10. 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

12. 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

14. 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

16. 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

17. Carravaggio, Martyrdom of St. Matthew, 1599-1600

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