How artists organize the elements of art to achieve certain effects. Involves simplicity, harmony, legibility, point of view, movement, clarity, variety, unity, organization, rhythm, balance, emphasis, perspective, framing and proportion.

Balance - describes how artists use elements to create visual weight. Artists make their works balanced by using elements such as line, shape and color. There are several ways to balance an artwork:

Symmetrical (formal) balance means both sides of an imaginary line are the same.

Gauguin

Asymmetrical (informal) balance means each side of an imaginary line are different yet equal.

Small areas of vibrant color can be used to balance larger areas of more neutral colors.

M.C.Escher

Radial balance means lines or shapes grow from a center point

Contrast is one of the principles of design which creates excitement and interest in artworks. Contrast will catch the eye of the viewer. Two things that are very different have a lot of contrast. White and black have the greatest contrast of value. Complementary colors have high contrast of color. A smooth texture contrasts a rough one. Horizontal lines contrast diagonal lines. Geometric shapes and forms contrast organic ones.

A. Minor

Emphasis This is the thing that stands out in the work - the emphasis in a portrait might be the person's eyes or maybe their mouth - it's the part that jumps out at you. This can be the cause of strong contrast.

DaVincci

Proportion is one of the principles of art which describes the size, location or
amount of one thing compared to another.

M.C. Escher

Pattern- artists create pattern by repeating a line, shape or color over and over again.
Rhythm When the regular repetition of particular forms or elements occurs in a work of art, that work is said to have rhythm. Rhythm also suggests motion in a work of art, just as in a work of music.

Frank Stella

Rhythm- when the regular repetition of particular forms or elements occurs in a work of art, that work is said to have rhythm. Rhythm also suggests motion in a work of art, just as in a work of music.

modiglioni

Unity is the arrangement of one or more of the elements used to create a feeling of completeness. In other words, everything in the work seems to belong and contribute to the overall picture.

Max Beckman

Variety occurs when an artist creates something that looks different from the rest of the artwork. An artist may use variety to make you look at a certain part or make the artwork more interesting.

* special thanks to student Colin Quarello who helped Mr. Myers design and build this website.