The Principles of Design:

The principles of design include balance, harmony, contrast, emphasis, movement, variety, and unity. Each of these principles should be considered separately. It is important for you to understand each principle in order to express ideas and feelings appropriately. Familiarity with the elements and principles of design will give you a sense of direction and organization in studying a composition.

Balance
    Balance refers to our sense of equality. Balance in a composition is described as symmetrical , asymmetrical, or radial. Characteristics and examples of each kind of balance are provided here to help you better grasp the concept of balance.

      1. Symmetrical Balance
        a. The right side and left side of the composition are equal.
        b. The visual effect of the two equal sides is formal in nature.
        c. The pattern on the left side of the center is the same as the right side in reverse.
        d. The elements of art (color, line, texture, etc.) appear in duplicate on each side of the center line.
        e. Examples of symmetrical balance include butterfly wings, the human body, a totem pole, and a valentine heart.
      2. Asymmetrical Balance
        a. The right and left sides of a composition are of equal “weight” but not identically designed.
        b. The visual effect of the two sides is informal in nature.
        c. The elements of art may be used to create a sense of balance by “weighting” one element against another, such as a group of bold lines on one side and a spot of brilliant color on the other.
        d. The composition may be unequal, but the parts are of equal interest to the viewer. Objects may be of equal importance, but vary in size, color, texture, etc.
        e. Examples of asymmetrical balance include a tea kettle with the spout balancing the handle, an open book with print on one side and a picture on the other, or a scene with trees on one side and flowers on the other side.
      3. Radial Symmetry
        a. The right and left sides as well as the top and bottom halves of the composition are identical.
        b. The focal point is the center of the composition with the design moving from the center to the outer edge to create an equal and formal pattern.
        c. The visual effect may be described as circular.
        d. Examples of radial symmetry include a wheel, a daisy, a sand dollar shell, and a stained glass rose window.
Harmony
    Harmony refers to the pleasing relationships among the parts of a composition. Harmony is achieved through similarity among all of the elements of design. The viewer must experience a feeling of satisfaction and agreement if harmony has been achieved. Harmony and unity are closely related and both refer to the fundamental similarity of all the elements of a composition seem to be related, a sense of harmony is accomplished.

    The opposite of harmony is discord. A sense of discord in visual art might be created by including a small, pink rose in a Halloween night scene or a wrecked , red car in a delicate pastel drawing of a garden.

Contrast
    Contrast is the degree of difference in the treatment of one of several elements of design.

Emphasis
    A composition in which all parts demand equal attention from the viewer, may be confusing or interesting . Emphasis is the quality of composition which requires the viewer to focus on a given point or points.

Movement
    Movement refers to the direction the viewer’s eye moves when studying a composition.

Variety
    Variety is the quality of a composition that provides interest because of “differences.”

Unity
    Unity is the bonding together of all elements by organization and balance.

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