What are the tools in visual representation?

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We have learned about the materials of visual representation, now we can learn about the tools of visual representation. Which principle of design is an artist using when they create a series of repeating colors within their artwork? How about when they create a strong value difference between the focal point and the rest of the artwork? After answering these questions, click through the flashcards below to review the principles of design.

Balance

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in an artwork. It can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial; and it is often used to give an artwork visual stability (symmetrical or radial) or visual tension (asymmetrical).

Unity

Unity is the emphasis of like (similar) things within an artwork. It is typically used to create a sense of calm or stability within an artwork.

Variety

Variety is the emphasis of different things within an artwork. It is typically used to create visual interest and tension within an artwork. Unity and variety and be used in tandem to create balance and contrast within an artwork.

Contrast

Contrast is the use of two very different elements to create a focal point. Most often associated with value (very light and very dark), it can also be used to describe the use of warm and cool colors, thick and thin lines, or geometric and organic shapes.

Rhythm

Rhythm is closely associated with pattern and movement and is the placement or repetition of elements to create a visual tempo or beat. Rhythm is often used to help guide the viewer’s eye through the work or to create a sense of visual unity.

Movement

Movement can be used either to describe actual movement portrayed in the artwork or to describe the way a viewer’s eyes move through an artwork while looking at it. Movement is often accomplished by the use of lines or the repetition of other elements, such as color.

Emphasis

Emphasis is the arrangement of elements to create a focal point. This is often combined with contrast, but the use of leading lines to a focal point is also considered emphasis.

Repetition/Pattern

Repetition, or pattern, is the repetition of elements in an artwork to create movement, rhythm, unity, or visual interest. It is often combined with rhythm, but rhythm does not have to necessarily consist of a repetition of the same element.

Proportion/Scale

Proportion refers to the size of an object in relation to the things immediately around it. Scale often refers to the size of an object or the size of the artwork in relation to the viewer. These principles can be used to create emphasis and contrast (if varied greatly) or unity and harmony (if kept true-to-life).

Harmony

Harmony is the combination of elements and principles that accentuates their similarities. Harmony is created through the use of repetition and unity throughout an artwork.

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Let’s look at the same images as we did before when we were identifying elements. Can you identify at least three principles in each artwork?

flower-carrier-1935
flower-carrier-1935

In this painting, Rivera uses proportion (the size of the basket in relation to the man) to emphasize the heavy burden the man must carry. The artist uses warm colors to create a sense of unity between the man and the woman. (Consider this: If the man’s clothing were blue, it would create contrast and make it seem as though the woman was placing the burden on him. Because they both are wearing warm colors, it looks as though she is helping him.) The line of the sash moves the viewer’s eye through the painting and connects the two people. The balance in the artwork is almost symmetrical if it is cut at a diagonal through the flower basket with a person on each side. Repetition and pattern are seen in the weave of the basket.

madonna-with-the-long-neck
madonna-with-the-long-neck

In this painting, Parmigianino uses asymmetrical balance to draw the viewer’s attention to Mary, Jesus, and the angels. The balance is asymmetrical because there is more visual weight on the left side of the artwork. The artist uses the lines in the drapery and clothing to create movement and unity within the work. Mary’s blue robe contrasts with the orange of the background; this, along with the larger proportions of Mary and Jesus, makes them the focal point of the painting.

old-guitarist-chicago
old-guitarist-chicago

In this painting, Picasso uses the contrast between the warm brown tones of the guitar and the cold, blue tones of the rest of the artwork to emphasize the guitar. There is also a contrast between the light values in the man’s face and the darker values of the rest of the work. The leading line of the guitar’s neck moves the viewer’s eye up through the artwork. The balance in this artwork is symmetrical, with the man’s head position balanced by the angle of the guitar. Picasso also uses the repetition of darks and lights to accentuate the awkward angles of the man’s limbs and head. This creates unity throughout the image and communicates the man’s sad state.

Artists often dispute the principles of design because several principles can often be lumped together. Consider the principles of rhythm, movement, pattern, and repetition. We have chosen to separate rhythm and movement in this course because they can be accomplished through other means besides repetition. Other principles that are commonly lumped together are contrast and emphasis. These have been separated for this class because contrast can also be used to create balance, pattern, and movement in an artwork.