The Principles of Design(or principles of art) what we use to organize the Elements of Art. The principles are balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, pattern, variety, and unity.
1)Balance: The way the elements are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work. Below are examples of different types of balance.
This image of the Brooklyn Bridge is considered to have symmetrical balance because of the similar, almost mirror image appearance. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; The shapes, forms, and lines on each side of the picture are not identical, but are enough alike that it makes an evenly balanced composition.
Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh is considered to have asymmetrical balance. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; The space of the sky is only found on the right side of the painting. On the left, the tree is a a different color, has a darker value than the rest of the painting, and is of a larger proportion than the other objects behind it. All of this brings an emphasis to the tree.
2)Proportion: The comparative relationship of one part to another with respect to size, quantity, or degree; Scale. Below is an example of proportion in art.
In Paris: A Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte, there is a strong feeling of proportion. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; The forms of the people in the background (in the back) are smaller compared to the forms of the people in the foreground(in the front). The same goes for the variety of sizes of the building forms and the umbrella shapes. Caillebotte is using proportion to make the smaller forms seem further away and the larger forms seem closer.
3)Rhythm: A regular repetition of elements; Movement. Below is an example of rhythm in art.
In Under the wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, the waves have a lot of rhythm. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; The pattern of the curved lines of the waves and the twisting shapes of the boats give the illusion of rhthym (movement).
4)Emphasis: The focal point of an image, or when one area or thing stands out the most. Below is an example of emphasis in art.
You could say that in this image of Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet two points of emphasis. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; The sun, because of warm color among so much cool and it's brighter value, is the emphasis. The boat, which is larger in proportion to the other objects in the painting and is darker color and value, can also be considered the emphasis.
5)Pattern: Repetition of the elements of art. Below is an example of pattern in art.
Campbell's Soup Cans by Andy Warhol has a lot of pattern. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; By repeating color, form, shape, and line in both the paintings and even in the balance and unity of the frames, Warhol has created an artwork with a lot of pattern.
6)Variety: The use of differences and change to increase the visual interest of the work. Below is an example of variety in art.
Joan Miro's Nocturne has a lot of variety. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; By using different lines, shapes, and value, Miro has created a piece with variety.
7) Unity: All the elements and principles work together to create a pleasing image. Below is an example of unity in art.
Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa has unity. Let's use some of the elements of art and the princles to explain; The symmetrical balance, proportion of the background compared to the young lady, the pattern of trees that have similar value, color, and shape, and the smooth texture of her dress all add up to a painting with unity.