ART BASICS, 4 Basic Principles of Art
What Kind of Art Is It?
- 4 Principles of Art
Balance
The Chinese symbol of Yin and Yang is the example of perfect balance and harmony. It is also an example of the ambiguity between figure and ground, positive and negative. For East Asians this is a meaningful symbol of the correct way of life. This symbol portrays the perfect balance of life forces, the balance of opposites. The balance of light and dark, man and woman, fire and ice. Clearly, we have a deep need for balance in our lives. That balance can be seen in nature and in man-made structures.
Throughout history three basic methods of maintaining balance in art have proven effective; symmetrical, radial and asymmetrical balance.
In symmetrical balance there is a general equivalence of shape and position on opposing sides of the center axis; if folded in half, the images would match. The human figure has a bilateral symmetry.
In radial symmetry all of the elements revolve around a central point. Examples of this form of symmetry can be seen in nature, with such things as snow flakes and flower blossoms. In the sand paintings of the Tibetan Buddhist monks, radial symmetry is used to convey a sense of perfect balance and harmony with nature.
Unlike symmetry which is basically fixed and static, asymmetry is active and much more dependent on the intuitive balance of visual weights. In asymmetrical compositions the equilibrium is much more challenging and dynamic than in symmetrical or radial ones.
Proportion
Proportion is the relationship of the parts to the whole and to one another. Proportions usually involve ratios. This ratio is the relationship between two unequal entities such that the smaller is to the larger as the larger is to the whole.Those who discovered this proportional theory thought of it not only as a mathematical concept but as an ideal for their art and architecture. When these ratios determine the intervals of the entire piece as well as the dimensions of the form itself, they produce integration and unity by relating the parts to one another. This can be most dramatically seen in the architecture and sculpture of the Ancient Greeks, who believed in controlling design through proportion.
Scale
Although proportion and scale are related because they both address size, they do not mean the same thing. Proportion compares the parts of one thing to another. Scale refers to the relation between something and a constant, usually the human figure. The term "larger than life" refers to something larger than the human figure. Throughout humanity we have constructed temples, shrines, tombs, churches, skyscrapers and art that are built as large as physical, cultural and technological conditions have allowed. These structures have been built as symbols of human devotion or to impress with the greatness of their power and ability. The Pyramids of Egypt, the Gothic churches of Europe, the Islamic Mosques and the skyscrapers of New York city all bear testimony to human expression, achievement and architectural scale. Claus Oldenberg's giant sculptures are at once childlike and metaphoric appealing both to our emotional and intellectual senses. Oldenberg uses scale and proportion to transform an ordinary object into something monumental. For both the architect and the sculptor, scale is a vitally important design consideration.
Unity and Variety
While unity is based on similarities and repetitions among the elements, variety is produced by the differences. Unity is a primary consideration of composition and requires the repetition of some element in various parts of the work. Unity is revealed when the parts share something, it may be a shape, a color a texture or any of the elements. Once unity is established the artist must consider variations to prevent visual boredom. Variety is always subordinate to unity, but it gives art energy and spice. It is created by dissimilar elements or properties within a particular design context. A balance of similar and dissimilar qualities gives interest and vitality to art. While no work can succeed without unity, it alone is unlikely to sustain the viewers interest.
ART BASICS, 4 Basic Principles of Art
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School of Art, Design and Art History | San Diego State University