Principle of Art: Create Variety in Art with various Elements

Variety adds interest and options for viewers’ eyes within the composition using different elements of art.

If you eat your favorite dish without changing the menu, you will start getting bored after a few courses. If you keep repeatedly listening to the same music, even though it is your favorite, you will feel bored at some stage.  That is where you require variety.

In art, too, variety is essential.

We refer to Variety inside a work of art or variety inside one single painting; it is singular.

What is Variety in Art Definition?

Variety is a principle the Artist adds to create interest by using art elements like Shapes, Colors, Lines, etc., by placing them at a different place, position, or angle in an Artwork.

The basis of the artwork adding variety to the composition may be limited if a particular theme is. Good artwork needs to have variety.

If we break the Definition of Variety, it throws the following point.

• It will create interest in the viewers
• It is created using different elements of art
• Different elements are placed in different places and positions.

Good Art is art that allows you to enter it from a variety of angles and to emerge with a variety of views.

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Principle of Art Variety

Principles of art are the techniques or methods by which elements of art are used in an artwork.

As mentioned above, Variety is one of the principles which can create interest in the artwork. The other 8 Principles of Art are as follows:

1. Balance in Art
2. Proportion in Art
3. Unity in Art
4. Harmony in Art
5. Variety in Art
6. Emphasis in Art
7. Rhythm in Art
8. Movement in Art

Why do artists use Variety in Artwork?

Artist uses variety in artwork to break the monotony and make the painting enjoyable by different visual elements to the viewer.

Artists induce variety in their canvas by adding different art elements close to each other.  If the image majorly has short straight lines, adding long curvy lines next to it adds variety.

Warm color close to dull color adds variety. Geometric shapes close to organic shapes create variety.  You can create variety in innumerable ways.

Sometimes what happens is adding too much variety will break the harmony. Similarly, explicitly adding a specific element nearby another element may also create Emphasis.

Some principles overlap, but that’s fine.

How to create Variety in Art?

An Artist creates variety through their style.  But they predominantly make it using shapes, colors, sizes, textures, etc. 

Using Shapes

Creating the same shapes through the artwork creates boredom.  Changing shape, like if the art has a geometric shape adding organic form adds variety to the work and vice versa.

Adding dimension or angles to shapes creates further variation in the artwork.

The painter needs to ensure you do not lose harmony by adding shapes like this.

Using Color

There are countless colors in the universe, and a painter selects whichever he is comfortable with for the theme.

The easiest and most comfortable way to add variation to areas in an artwork is by adding colors.

If artwork is muted or dull, adding warm colors to highlight will add variety to the subject.

Adding variety is comfortable when doing Oil painting work, where the painter can keep working on it till he achieves his desired result. 

Again, here too, adding several shades of colors, the artist needs to ensure that the work does not lose its harmony.

Using Size for variety in art

Size is essential in creating distance, reality, depth, perspective, and whatnot. Not showing differences in size will add monotony to the drawing.

Overall, size creates realism to work.

Adding different sizes along with the regular size of the object creates variation and interest in the work.

In a complete composition, an artist may not just use one element but multiple elements to create diversity in his artwork.

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Unity Vs Variety in Art?

Unity in art is achievable when the composition is excellent, and all elements fit together as a wholesome.  The whole picture gives a more significant meaning than individual elements or parts.

The creation of unity depends on the individual style of the artists.

Also, Unity is not measurable and creates an impression in the viewer’s mind.  A viewer can remember a separate object from the painting but cannot remember the concept of unity.

On the other hand, variety is attainable by adding spice to the composition creating attraction to the artwork.  The kick here is something in contrast to what is already there in the painting.

Adding a curvy line along with the short straight lines creates variety. 

It would help if you remembered that the artist is not creating attention to the curvy line here, and his objective is to create options or variety for the viewer.  If he explicitly wants to make attention, it becomes Emphasis, another art principle.

Conclusion:

The simple solution is to add variety whenever your artwork is monotonous or dry.  There is no hard and fast rule in variety; it depends on your creativity limit. 

An artist may use Variety in shape and size without losing the Harmony but not Emphasize too much to Balance the artwork.

The sky is the limit for creating variations in the artwork.

Related Post

Please find below a set of Related Posts which might be of interest on the Topic of Elements of Art:

• Principles of Art – What is Balance in Art?
• Emphasis in Art: Drawing the Attention of the Viewers
• Harmony in Art: How do you Accomplish it?
• What is Movement in Art and How do Artists create it?
• How do Artists use the Eight Principles of Art?
• Proportion in Art: Basic Principle of Art to create Realism
• Principles of Art: Why is Rhythm in Art Absolutely Important?
• Unity in Art: A Wholesome Game
• Principle of Art: Create Variety in Art with various Elements

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the function of variety in art?

   The primary function of variety in art is to prevent monotony. When everything looks the same, it becomes uninteresting. Variety also helps to create visual interest and depth. It also creates a mood or atmosphere or conveys a specific message or feeling.

2. How can you create variety in your artwork?

   One way to create variety is to experiment with different mediums, genres, and styles. Another way is to vary the use of colors and textures. You can also experiment with other art techniques and add motion and texture elements. By experimenting with these different elements, you can create a more varied and exciting piece of art.

3. Why variety in art is important?

   Variety in art is important because it provides a different perspective and allows people to explore different mediums. It also helps to stimulate the mind and open up new possibilities. In a world where everything seems so mundane and routine, something new and different can be a refreshing change of pace.

4. Does Variety break up unity in a design?

   A good designer can use variety to create a sense of unity, balance, and harmony. Too much variety, on the other hand, can quickly lead to chaos and confusion. So it’s important to use variety in moderation and to be mindful of how it impacts the overall design.

5. What is the difference between variety and unity in art?

   Variety uses different elements to create interest, contrast, and visual depth. Unity uses those same elements to create a sense of harmony and cohesiveness. Both are important in creating a successful piece of art.