Principles of Design

The principles of design are visible properties or criteria that give art meaning and life. They are like verbs (actions) in language arts. There are seven principles, best learned in this order: design, movement, balance, contrast, emphasis, unity (or harmony) and variety. Like the elements, the principles are common to all art whether a painting or a design for a t-shirt. Regardless of quality: good, bad, beautiful or ugly...all art has some or all of the the principles working within it.

"Bound for Glory" copyright Brian Merrill (above) is a digital painting of hay bails as still life. What principles do you see in action here? Why do you think so?

As the elements are like the parts of a automobile, principles are the actions each of the elements can do, like a steering wheel= element, turning left or right=principle. Like the elements, each of the principles has special characteristics, or powers of visual persuasion, that make it both unique and interactive with the other elements and principles. The principles are the "mechanics of art".
1 Design:
How elements are arranged in a composition.
2 Movement:
How the elements of art lead the eye in, around and through a work of art.
3 Balance:
The equilibrium of the elements of art so that no one part overpowers another.
4 Contrast:
Differences between the elements that add visual interest to a composition.
5 Emphasis:
The area of attention, center of interest or zone of focus in a composition.
6 Unity:
The harmony of all the elements working together in a composition.
7 Variety:
The use of different types of elements to add visual interest to a composition.