unity - coherence suggested by the artist, perceived by the viewer 197? Nam Jun Paik, TV Cello

synergy - 2 or more elements interact to create effects of which they are individually incapable

harmony - orderly, pleasing relationships between parts in the whole (ant.: discord)

organic unity - form (he "how") subject (the "what") and content (the "why") are joined together and contain nothing unecessary or distracting

gestalt - in perception, the whole is different from the sum of its parts gestalt psychology

A. Repetition - simple relationships of identical or similar lines, shapes, forms, textures, values, or colors that create a pattern Magdalena Abakanowicz, Bronze Crowd 1988

pattern - a discernible, coherent system based on the intended relationship of component parts

B. Variety - the repetition and contrast of a central theme Betye Saar, Eye of the Beholder 1994

relationship - connected by reason of established or discoverable relation

C. Rhythm - repetition of similar or varying elements in a design that mark the movement of the viewer's eye through the work

1. Legato - connected and flowing 1971 Eleanor Antin, 100 Boots Move On

2. Staccato - abrupt and dynamic Lovis Corinth, Ecce Homo 1917

3. Alternating - two motifs alternate with one another to produce a regular (and soon anticipated) sequence

4. Progressive - repetition of an element that changes in a regular manner Pinwheel Aperiodic Tiling, Charles Radin, illustration

D. Balance - stability produced by even distribution of visual weight on each side of an axis (horizontal/vertical/diagonal)

visual weight is affected by color, value, detail, size, position, etc. (i.e. farther a figure from center, the more visual weight it has)

1. Symmetrical - exactly the same visual weight on either side of balancing point Ed Paschke, Adria 1976

2. Asymmetrical - figures differing in visual weight carefully arranged to create the appearance of balance Edourd Manet, On the Beach 1873

3 Crystallographic - constant repetition of the same quality everywhere on the surface (allover pattern) Jean Foos, Untitled 39-2000 2000

E. Proportion - geometric or arithmetic distribution of visual weight within an object The Golden Mean has both: See Dali, DaVinci

1. geometric - exists when a quantity is changed by adding some amount

2. arithmetic - exists when a quantity is changed by multiplying some amount

F. Emphasis - establishing a focal point through placement, contrast, isolation, size, etc. Odd Nerdrum, The Brick 1990 (larger)

focal point - element or area toward which viewer's eye is drawn

accents - secondary points of emphasis

1. Central - toward the center areas Myrna Burks It Happened 2001

2. Peripheral - along the outer areas Miro Bullfight

G. Economy - using only what is needed to create the intended effect Degas, Jepthah's Daughter 1857

cropping - showing only enough of the information to give viewers enough information to complete the picture mentally Joanne Domka, Palms 1990

More Art:

1995 Betye Saar, Watching
www.bisaar.com

1973 Alice Neal, The Family

1857 Degas, Jockey

1950 George Tooker, Ward