Fine Art / Visual Art · Lesson 3

Balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, unity, contrast, variety, emphasis; composition

JAMBWAECNECO

What the syllabus asks

JAMB: principles of art (balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, emphasis, variety). JAMB Section A 2(b): balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, contrast, repetition, dominance, variety. Composition for Paper 3.

WAEC: principles of art (balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, emphasis, variety). JAMB Section A 2(b): balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, contrast, repetition, dominance, variety. Composition for Paper 3.

NECO: principles of art (balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, emphasis, variety). JAMB Section A 2(b): balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, contrast, repetition, dominance, variety. Composition for Paper 3.

What you will learn

Define each principle of design.
Identify types of balance and rhythm.
Use proportion for figures and design.
Create emphasis with a focal point.
Balance unity and variety.
Apply principles in 2-D and 3-D work.
Analyse principles in named works.

Key points

Principles are the grammar of design.
Balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial.
Rhythm: regular, alternating, progressive, flowing, random.
Proportion: about 8 heads for an idealised adult; hierarchical scale in Benin plaques.
Harmony and unity: related elements and a complete whole.
Contrast and variety: differences that excite.
Emphasis/dominance: focal point by contrast, isolation, placement, convergence, size.
Rule of thirds for placing subjects.
Plan with thumbnails before final work.
Name examples: Benin plaque, Last Supper, Tutu.

Start here: What are the principles of design?

The principles of design are the guidelines artists use to organise the elements (line, shape, colour, texture, space) into a pleasing and effective composition. JAMB lists balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, contrast, repetition, dominance, variety “etc.”; WAEC lists balance, rhythm, proportion, harmony, emphasis, variety “etc.” Textbooks also include unity, movement and pattern.

Elements versus principles

A useful image: elements are the words of art, principles are the grammar. A sentence made of good words but no grammar is confusing; a picture made of beautiful colours but no balance or emphasis is equally confusing.

What is composition?

Composition is the arrangement of elements within a work according to the principles. It is the single most important skill marked in Paper 3: examiners consistently list “poor composition” as a major weakness. Composition decides: the format (portrait or landscape); where the main subject sits; how the eye travels; how much space surrounds things; how light and dark are distributed.

How the principles relate

Unity and variety pull in opposite directions: too much unity is boring, too much variety is chaotic. Good art balances both.
Contrast creates emphasis; repetition creates rhythm; harmony supports unity.
Balance and proportion give stability and order.

Exam technique

When asked to “analyse the principles of design with the aid of illustration” (JAMB objective iii), give: a definition, the types (where they exist), a sketch, and an example from a real artwork or everyday Nigerian object. For instance, “Radial balance: parts arranged around a centre, as in a woven raffia fan or the pattern on a decorated calabash lid.”

A quick self-test before you start

Look at the cover of any textbook. Ask: Where does my eye land first (emphasis)? Is the layout symmetrical or not (balance)? Do the colours belong together (harmony)? Is anything repeated (rhythm)? Within one minute you have analysed four principles. Repeat this with posters, cloth, buildings and logos around you; the habit will make essay answers fast and specific.

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Practice questions

1. Balance in which both halves mirror each other is

symmetrical (formal)
asymmetrical
radial
informal

Show answer

A: symmetrical (formal)
Mirror image.

2. Elements radiating from a centre, as in a coiled basket lid, show

asymmetrical balance
contrast
proportion
radial balance

Show answer

D: radial balance
Radial = from centre.

3. The principle dealing with size relationships of parts to the whole is

harmony
movement
proportion
rhythm

Show answer

C: proportion
Proportion compares sizes.

4. The centre of interest in a composition is the

picture plane
focal point
vanishing point
eye level

Show answer

B: focal point
Emphasis creates a focal point.

5. Neighbouring colours on the colour wheel produce

harmony
contrast
discord
emphasis

Show answer

A: harmony
Analogous colours harmonise.

Key words

Principle: Rule for organising elements.
Composition: Arrangement of a work.
Symmetry: Mirror balance about an axis.
Asymmetry: Unequal but balanced arrangement.
Radial: Radiating from a centre.
Visual weight: Apparent heaviness of an element.
Rhythm: Visual beat from repetition.
Proportion: Size relation of parts.
Scale: Size relative to a standard.
Hierarchical scale: Size shows importance.
Harmony: Agreement of elements.
Unity: Wholeness of a work.

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