PRINCIPLES OF ARTS
MAXIMILLAN ROY D. BANGAWAN, LPT.

WHAT IS ORGANIZATION?
Organization refers to the
“order” in a work of art. I
refers to the ways elements
are arranged, combined, and
configured to make a whole.

ORGANIZATION INTHEVISUAL
ARTS
•Rhythm – can be described as
timed movement through space;
an easy, connected path along
which the eye follows a regular
arrangement of motifs.

Emphasis – also referred to as
point of focus, or interruption
which strongly draw the
viewer’s attention.

Unity – the underlying principle
that summarizes all of the
principles and elements of
design.

 Balance – is the condition or quality which gives
a feeling of rest, repose, equilibrium or stability.
3 main types:
1.Symmetrical balance – can be described as having
equal “weight” on equal sides of a centrally placed
fulcrum.
2.Asymmetrical Balance – also called informal balance,
is more complex and difficult to envisage.
3. Radial Balance – Repetition of images evenly from
the center outward.

Proportion – is the principle
which shows the pleasing
relationship between a whole
and its parts and between the
parts themselves.

• Movement - can apply to a single
component in a composition or to the whole
composition at once. Visual movement is
dependent on the other elements and
principles of art. Rhythm, line, color,
balance and space are all examples of
elements and principles of art that can play
a major role in developing movement in a
work of art.

• Harmony - is the principle of art that creates
cohesiveness by stressing the similarities of
separate but related parts.
One should note that harmony is not the same
as unity. Harmony does, however, enhance unity in
a work of art. Specifically, harmony uses the
elements of art (color, line, shape, form, value,
space, texture) as a vehicle to create a sense of
togetherness amongst otherwise separate parts.

• Variety - is the principle of art that adds interest to an
artwork. Variety works through juxtaposition and
contrast. When an artist places different visual
elements next to one another, he/she is using variety.
Straight lines next to curvy lines add variety. Organic
shapes among geometric shapes add variety. Bright
colors next to dull colors add variety.
Note: If an artist uses variety to draw the viewers
attention to a specific area in a composition then variety
morphs into emphasis, also a principle of art. Principles
of art bleed into one another. They overlap.