BALANCE means that elements are evenly spread out within a space. There is a sense of even visual weight in the design and all spaces feel equal. BALANCE feels emotionally stable, strong, and calmer than its opposite. |
IMBALANCE means that elements are NOT even -- they are arranged in lopsided, uneven ways so that one area of the design "feels" heavier or "louder" than others. IMBALANCE creates a feeling of tension and energy in a work of art. |
EMPHASIS means an element or part of the artwork shows up the most and catches the viewer's eye because it is bigger, bolder, or brighter than other parts of the design. If you notice it first, it is emphasized! |
DE-EMPHASIS means that an element or part of the artwork does NOT show up the most because it is not the biggest, boldest or brightest part of the design. It plays a "supporting role" to the part of the composition that is the main idea of the piece. |
HARMONY means the elements in a composition share a visual quality or characteristic that makes them flow together. Repeating shapes, colors, lines and other elements connect up with each other in a work of art, and give a calm, easy, flowing feeling to the design. |
CONTRAST is the opposite of harmony -- elements in a composition DO NOT share a quality or characteristic. One element "stands out" from another because it is different. CONTRAST creates an area of emphasis in a design called a "focal point." Contrast also creates edgy, visual tension in a design. |
MOVEMENT means the viewer's eye moves through a composition because of choices made about lines, shapes, patterns, and colors. Curved and diagonal shapes and lines create a sense of movement. Patterns also create movement. Movement gives a work of art energy. |
STASIS means stillness. When the viewer's eye does not move around the space of an artwork, it has stasis. Straight horizontal and vertical lines in a design create stasis, as well as elements that do not repeat. |