Compositional Elements, Continued
Unity
Unity in composition is the combining of elements in an organized pattern to
solidify the elements into a unified whole. Unity depends heavily upon a
balance of harmony, variety, and your personal sense of proportion. A
composition without unity appears to be falling apart and produces a
disturbing effect.
HARMONY: Harmony results from the use of rhythm and repetition.
Rhythm is a measured flow of elements within an image. Rhythm may be a
simple or complex variation within a theme (motif) or a reoccurring sequence
of line (pattern). Repetition of a motif or pattern results in rhythm.
VARIETY: The opposite of compositional harmony is variety. You can
create variety by contrasting unlike elements or by elaborating on like or
equal elements. Irregularly grouping elements produces interest and variety
by allowing more white space around the outside edges of an arranged group
of elements rather than between each individual element. The white border
acts as a frame.
Figure 1-18 shows an example of unity.
Figure 1-18.—Unity.
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