3. Movement
Movement as a principle is when the
artist uses art elements to direct the
viewer’s eye around the piece.
1 Look at
American artist George Bellow’s famous
painting Dempsey and Firpo, 1924.
Bellows used the diagonal lines of the legs
and arms of the falling boxer to convey
the dramatic moment and action of a
knockout punch. Even the referee’s right
arm is pointing to the stricken boxer to
lead the viewer’s eye downward toward
the surprised spectators.
4. Harmony
Harmony is when all of the elements
work together in an uncomplicated manner; everything seems to belong. This is
very;similar;to;unity.;Color;choices;are
often;what;provide;a;work;its;harmony.
For;a;harmonious;project,;plan;a;land-
scape painting using one primary, the
secondary colors made from that one
primary,;and;the;tertiary;colors.;For;ex-
ample:;YELLOW;as;the;primary,;green
as the secondary and yellow-green as the
tertiary,;as;well;as,;orange;as;the;other
secondary,;and;yellow-orange;as;the;ter-
tiary. Yellow as the root in each color pro-
vides the harmony.
5. Unity
Unity can be achieved in a work of art
when all the components work together to
give the work a sense of being complete.
6. Contrast
Contrast is created by using elements
that conflict with one another. Strong
value;differences,;such;as;black;against
white,;are;an;example;of;contrast.;But
contrast can be achieved with hard
against;soft,;bright;against;dull,;smooth
against;rough,;etc.;Sometimes;the;subject
matter of the art work contains elements
of contrast.
7. Rhythm
Rhythm is achieved when there is a rep-etition;of;elements;(lines,;shapes,;colors,
forms) in an art work. The poured paintings of Morris Louis provide a rhythm
with the free-form stripes that flow down
the surface of a canvas.
www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com;The;Artistic;Homeschooler;•;September-October;2014;101
George Bellow’s famous painting Dempsey and Firpo
The focal point in an art
work—where your eye
goes first—provides the
piece with emphasis.
