Principles of
Design
Definition
The Principles of
Design are the rules
that govern how we
use the Elements of
Art.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
 Balance
 Rhythm &
Movement
 Pattern




Proportion
Unity
Variety
Emphasis
BALANCE
Balance is a principle of design
referring to how the elements are
arranged.
Expressive Qualities of Balance
 The type of balance an artist uses to
organize a work of art affects the
feeling expressed by that work.
Artists choose balance based on the
feeling they wish to convey.
TYPES OF BALANCE
There are 4 types of balance:
 symmetrical
 approximately symmetrical
 asymmetrical
 radial
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
Both sides of the artwork are exactly alike
.
Lincoln Memorial
Approximate symmetry
Both sides are almost the same
ASYMMETRICAL
BALANCE
Balance of unlike objects
RADIAL BALANCE
A balance in
which lines
or shapes
spread out
from a
center
point.
Pattern, Rhythm, and Movement
 PATTERN is when the elements of art are
repeated in a special way.
 RHYTHM is created by repeating element(s)
in a pattern to create a look and feel of
movement. Rhythm is How the pattern is
repeated.
 MOVEMENT is combining elements of art to
produce the look of action This principle
makes the viewer’s eyes move all around the
artwork.
Types of Rhythm





Random
Regular
Flowing
Alternating
Progressive
Random Rhythm
 No special spacing or placement of a
motif
Random Rhythm
Poor Man's
Cotton
by
Hale Woodruff
Art Print
24 x 32 in
Alternating Rhythm
One way to make alternating rhythm is
to add a second motif (element)
Alternating Rhythm
 Wayne Bates
Alternating Rhythm
A second way to
make alternating
rhythm is to
change the
placement of the
motif
Alternating
Rhythm
Alternating Rhythm
The third way to
make an
alternating rhythm
is by turning the
motif
Wayne Bates
Flowing Rhythm
 Repeated curved lines
Wayne Bates
Flowing Pattern
Starry Night by Van Gogh
Progressive Rhythm
 Gradually change the motif
Progressive Rhythm
Wayne
Bates
Wayne
Bates
Progressive
Rhythm
Regular Pattern
Same spacing, same motif
Regular Pattern
Teapot
Val
Cushing
Proportion
PROPORTION is concerned with the
size relationship of one part to
another or one object to another (a
ratio).
Variety
Variety is
combining
different
elements of
art to
create
difference
or
contrast.
Emphasis
Emphasis is how
the artist
arranges the
elements to catch
a viewer’s
attention. It
often creates a
focal point.
Unity
Unity is the
feeling
that all
parts of a
design are
working
together
as a team.