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3.4: Composition Design Principles of Space

  • Page ID
    341389
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    Design principles, such as balance and harmony, contrast and emphasis, unity and variety, and movement and rhythm, govern how design elements are organized within a space.

    Balance and Harmony

    Balance and harmony create a sense of stability and coherence. Distribute visual weight evenly across the composition or use asymmetrical balance for dynamic compositions. Harmony can be achieved by repeating colors, shapes, or values. For example, a landscape divided by a river, with trees on both sides of the river balancing each other,
    and the repeating color of the water and sky creates harmony.39

    figure of landscape with balance and harmony

    "Landscape with Balance and Harmony" AI-generated image, DALL-E 4.0, 2024, by Kristen R. Kennedy

    Unity and Variety

    Unity and variety prevent monotony by using similar elements alongside contrasting ones. Combine
    elements with similarities to create unity and introduce variations to maintain interest. This balance keeps
    the viewer engaged.
    For example, a garden scene where the repetition of flower shapes (unity) is varied by diverse types of
    flowers and colors (variety)

    Contrast and Emphasis

    Contrast and emphasis draw attention to focal points. Use contrasting values, colors, or shapes to draw
    attention to the artwork's focal point. Emphasis can be achieved by isolating the subject or using leading
    lines.

    For example, a brightly colored bird on a neutral background, where the contrast in color and the bird's
    isolation emphasizes its importance

    one image shows flowers in chalk pastel colors and image two show a colorful bird

    "Flowers in Chalk Pastel" (unity & variety), AI-generated image, DALL-E 4.0, 2024, by Kristen R. Kennedy "Colorful Bird” (Contrast & Emphasis”), AI-generated image, DALL-E 4.0, 2024, by Kristen R. Kennedy

    Movement and Rhythm

    Movement and rhythm guide the viewer’s eye through the composition, creating a visual narrative or flow. Use elements like lines, shapes, and color transitions to create a visual flow that guides the viewer’s eye through the artwork. For example, a stream that meanders through the landscape, with the flow of the water creating movement and the repetition of rocks along its path providing rhythm.40

    rocky river

    "Rocky River” (Movement/Rhythm) AI-generated image, DALL-E 4.0, 2024, by Kristen R. Kennedy


    3.4: Composition Design Principles of Space is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kristen Kennedy.