<strong>Did you know there are 8 elements of composition in art?</strong>
Composition in art and design refers to the arrangement of the visual elements, such as line, shape, colour, value, texture, form and space. Composition gives a piece of art a structure and conveys the intention of the artist. It is different from subject matter. In fact, every art form has a composition, regardless the subject matter, that decides its success. The goal is to arrange the visual components in a way that appeals to the viewers.
Composition in art is comprised of 8 distinct elements, namely: unity or variety, balance, movement, rhythm, focus or emphasis, contrast, pattern and proportion. Let us take a careful look at each of these.
Unity
Unity to the connection between all the parts of a composition. The key here is to locate whether the parts seem like they belong together or they feel out of place.
Balance
Balance refers to the sense of symmetry within an art composition, that is, whether it feels right, and looks balanced from all sides. While symmetrical arrangement makes the art appear to be calm and soothing, asymmetrical arrangement creates a dynamic feeling, and even a sense of discomfort.
Movement
Movement in an art form refers to a sense of motion within it, be it through arrangement of objects, position of figures or simply flow of colours. Movement is generally depicted by the use of leading lines (actual or implied lines that direct the viewers’ eyes into and around the art form). Lines of a fence or railroad or rows of trees or curves of circles are good examples.
Rhythm
Just like in music, an art form also has a rhythm, that is an underlying beat that often leads the viewers towards the artwork at a certain pace. Repeated colours are often the best examples of rhythm in art.
Focus
Focus, also called emphasis, refers to the focal point in an artwork where the viewers’ eyes ultimately rests, no longer wandering around in space. This is often regarded as the most important part of an artwork.
Contrast
Contrast in an artwork primarily refers to the differences between the use of light and dark features. It can also refer to changes in shapes, colours, sizes, textures, type on lines and so on. The bigger the differences, the stronger the contrast.
Pattern
Pattern refers to nothing but a regular repetition of lines, shapes, colours, and values in an art composition.
Proportion
Proportion in an art composition is the process of fitting together or relating elements based on size and scale. How big or small and how distant or near is a road in a painting can be a good example of balance.