UNITY / VARIETY
Unity and Variety are two principles of design
The principles of design use the elements of art to create compelling compositions.
Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the design which creates a sense of completeness.
Unity is the sense of wholeness and cohesion that exists within a piece of art. It is achieved when all the individual elements work together to create a unified composition. Achieving unity often involves careful consideration of the placement, size, and relationship between different elements within the artwork. For instance, an artist might position related elements close together to emphasize their connection, or they might spread them out to create a sense of depth and space.
Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the image.
While harmony and unity are important for creating a cohesive composition, variety is also crucial for adding interest and complexity to a piece of art. Variety can be introduced through the use of different colors, shapes, textures, and values, as well as through the arrangement of these elements within the composition. By incorporating a range of elements and techniques, artists can create dynamic and engaging works that capture the viewer’s attention and encourage exploration.
Van Gogh is known for his bold use of color and distinctive brushstrokes, which create a sense of unity and harmony within his paintings. However, he also incorporated a wide variety of shapes, patterns, and textures to add interest and depth to his compositions. In “Starry Night,” for example, van Gogh uses swirling lines and vibrant hues to depict the night sky, while maintaining a sense of balance and cohesion through the placement of the cypress tree and village below.
Kandinsky was one of the pioneers of abstract art, and his paintings often feature bold colors and dynamic shapes that create a sense of movement and energy. Despite the apparent chaos, Kandinsky maintained a sense of unity and harmony in his compositions by carefully considering the relationships between different elements. In “Composition VIII,” for example, Kandinsky uses a variety of shapes and colors to create a sense of balance and cohesion, while also introducing a sense of variety and complexity through the interaction of these elements.