Principles of Art
| Principle | Definition | Example |
| Repetition | Placing objects, colors, shapes, or other elements more than once | At least one of the elements such as color, shape, line, or space occur more than once |
| Balance | The ability to arrange all the elements so that no part is overpowering | Shapes and colors must be repeated for good balance. |
| Harmony | The blending of elements to create an integrated appearance | Achieved by repetition of several of the elements such as repeating colors, shapes, and space, think "harmonious." |
| Emphasis | The ability to attract attention | Where is your eye attracted to first in the painting? The emphasis or "focal point" should be obvious to you. |
| Movement | The way your eye moves around and through the painting | After seeing the focal point, what do you look at next and why? |
| Contrast | Purposeful changes in elements and principles to add interest and emphasis | Are there complimentary colors or overpowering highlights that add tension and excitiment to the painting? |
| Rhythm | The repetition of elements that helps add balance and harmony to the whole | Similar to balance, graceful billowing fabrics, repeated highlights and colors |