Art Projects for Each Principle of Design

#1- RHYTHM

Rhythm is a principle of design created by using repetitious lines/shapes to create a sense of action and movement. In a song, the beat keeps a predictable, flowing rhythm that listeners can groove to. In an artwork, a predictable line can create a rhythmic motion in the artwork that captures the viewers eye.

#2- BALANCE

Balance is how the visual elements are arranged in an artwork. There are three types of balance: asymmetrical, symmetrical, and radial. Asymmetrical balance occurs when the artwork is not the same on each side of the line of symmetry, but still achieves a visual balance. Symmetrical balance occurs when the artwork is the same on each side of the line of symmetry. Radial balance occurs when the image radiates from a central point in the middle.

#3- UNITY

 Unity (also referred to as harmony) can be achieved in artwork by making all the elements go together visually to achieve a sense of connectedness. Some methods that artists use to create a sense of unity include using a specific color scheme that repeats throughout the project, using only geometric shapes, and having a thick black line that repeats throughout the work.

#4- VARIETY

Variety can be created in an artwork by using a variety of shapes, colors, lines, and more!

#5- PROPORTION

Proportion is how the parts of an artwork relate to the whole. Scale can be used in an artwork by exploring how the varying size of objects, from tiny to large!

#6- CONTRAST

Contrast can be created in an artwork by showing two different elements next to each other (such as light vs. dark, warm colors vs. cool colors, bumpy vs. smooth, geometric vs. organic).

#7- EMPHASIS

Emphasis can be employed in an artwork by making one element stand out amongst other elements. The element that really POPS out at the viewer is often referred to as the focal point. Artists can make elements POP out by making them larger, brighter, bolder, and more!

#8-MOVEMENT

Movement can be achieved in an artwork by guiding the viewer’s eye around the artwork, or suggesting a sense of motion.

#9-PATTERN

Pattern can be created by repeating an element in a predictable manner. Patterns can be created with shapes, lines, colors and more!