There is a science behind every art! And every science has some principles. Hence, art also has many principles. Hence, creating art is not only a talent but also a skill. Not everybody can be an artist. Although anyone who not only knows but also understands the basic principles of art can be an artist.
The principles of art are like the commandments of the creative process.
So, art is all not only about the imagery and the intent, but also is the statement of individuality of the creator who creates that art.
Composition of art is the coming together of the principles of art in perfect harmony. These principles of art also help one to understand and appreciate art in its completeness.
If you look at the top online fine art galleries, you will find that the art displayed on these galleries fulfill all the principles of art.
Buying art from online art gallery is the new ways of finding new creations, where you help emerging creators make money from their art.
Here Are The Basic Principle Of Art For Every Artist
1. BALANCE
Symmetrical Balance
Symmetrical Balance means exact mirroring of similar or same object across and invisible axis. Eg. DaVinci’s sketches and stone sculptures of ancient Egypt.
Symmetrical Balance not only makes art look proportionate but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of it. This is an important factor of art because our brain and thinking have a negative bias against visuals that do not look proportionate.
Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical Balance means the exact opposite of symmetrical balance where objects do not mirror perfectly and the balance tilts across the spectrum of axis.
This type of balance not only helps the artist to tell a cohesive story but also helps the viewer of the art to span across the painting on the whole.
Radial Balance
Radical Balance means the distribution of objects around a central focus. Eg. Van Gogh Paintings.
If you look at certain paintings, you will find many ideas distributed across the canvas. These tell a small story in themselves, but they also add up to the vision of the creator to make it a complete art.
2. PROPORTION
Proportion in any art is the relative size of objects in relation to each other or corresponding to the other elements as a whole. Eg. Pinocchio elongated nose.
This principle adds a definite contrast while also adding to the complete story for the viewers to understand.
3. EMPHASIS
Emphasis means the placement of objects and elements in an artwork which direct the gaze and attention to a single focus or enhance the visual appeal.
Many artistic creations have many elements in their art, but the true creativity of a creator is when they are able to steer the viewers gaze automatically to the element on which the creator wants their viewers to focus on.
4. VARIETY
Variety is the sense of difference in elements and objects in an artwork that highlights a particular intent or emotion.
This principle is the combination of all the first three rules such that when different elements come together to create a full story and help the viewer to understand the thinking process of the creator.
5. HARMONY
The sense of continuity or similarity across an artwork that creates a connection and a flow of intent is called harmony. It is the most important and a very versatile principles of art. Eg. Cubism Art Movement.
Without Harmony, art takes a disconnected image.
6. MOVEMENT
The direction and focus of a viewer that flows a painting across the focal elements of an artwork is called movement. It essentially tells a story crafted in the artwork.
7. RHYTHM
The total effect which tells about the relation between objects and elements in a creation and tell a story or emotion is called rhythm. Rhythm is one of the most important basic principles of art.
8. SCALE
Scale is the size of the objects and elements in accordance with the intent of the creation.
Bonus Principles of Art
UNITY
Unity means the totality of a creation which tells a cohesive intent and a storyline.
REPETITION
Repetition is the pattern which emerges over and over again. Art movements like Impressionism or Cubism follow the principle of repetition.
BRUSH TECHNIQUES
One of the most elementary skills for new and emerging painters is the mastery over basic brush strokes. Being able to handle and control the brush strokes not only helps artists to gain complete knowledge of the art, but also helps to create and invent something new for the art lovers.
These principles are the stepping stones of learning art as a vocation. Some creators are born with the understanding of these principles, some acquire it through learning.