Harmony in Art: How do you Accomplish it?

Harmony in Art is how the element in artwork come together logically, complementing each other to create coherent visual art. Harmony is one of the Principles of Art.  

If one of the elements in art stands out and is disturbing or ugly, we say that element is not in harmony with the other.

Harmony is more related to the viewer’s feelings when watching an artwork and is difficult to explain.

Harmony is not monotony; it is not noise but something between both.

Harmony: A Principle of Art

Harmony, as mentioned above, is one of the principles of art which logically guides the elements of artwork together. 

Understanding Elements of art is straightforward; however, understanding their usage principles is challenging.

The eight 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

Definition of Harmony in Art

Harmony in Art is a sense of satisfaction experienced by the viewer on observing an Artwork due to the composition techniques used by the Artist using related elements of art.

Here two of the points to be noted are as follows: –

1. Sense of Satisfaction: The viewers should get a sense of satisfaction or completeness when he observes an artwork. Then, we can say that the artwork has harmony. A person who does not understand anything about artwork may not experience harmony, and you may ignore those.  If most people experience it, we can say the artwork is harmonized.
2. Composition Techniques: The artist uses several composition techniques to achieve harmony.  He uses similar colors. When I say similar colors, it may be light colors or related colors, or he may use similar shapes or similar objects, etc. 

How do you Create Harmony in Art?

Harmony develops unity in the artwork by bringing together different elements. Harmony also works when there is a similarity in the elements, or at least there is relativity between them.

Two cool colors can create harmony, or similar shapes used in drawings, or some similar or related textures create a balance. The elements should create relativity,y.

• Similar Color Temperature
• Similar Shapes
• Closely related Textures

When he sees elements related to one another, a viewer feels comfortable and makes an artwork looks good.

How Similar Values Create Harmony in Art?

The entire painting is a creation using similar values. The sky, the river flowing, the building at the far end, elephants taking a bath in the river, and one prominent elephant walking all have similar values., It is mild, and hence the value creates Harmony. The name of the painting is Oriental Scenery.

What is Color Harmony in Art?

In Color Theory, certain color combinations or properties create harmony when used. Artists use these color combinations to develop this concept called color harmony.

We understand that a set of colors that give a pleasing effect works in harmony.

These combinations may be complementary colors, analogous colors, or color triads. If you want to know more about this, you can check this in another post What is Color in Elements of Art?

Color theory is subjective, and we cannot measure the quantum of harmony derived from the color space used.

It is complex as a human response to color depends on the mood and is cognitive. Hence color harmony depends on factors like age, social influence, culture, etc.

What is the difference between Unity in Art and Harmony in art?

When all elements in art fit or blend with the overall concept or the complete artwork, it creates Unity in Art and concludes how each element relates to the whole work.

It creates a sense of wholesomeness or completeness. Simplicity, repetition, etc., helps us to achieve Unity.

Harmony in art is all about how the elements of the individual elements cohesively relate to each other to the overall artwork.

We can achieve Harmony by mixing different colors and textures, which results in an awesome experience for the viewer. Harmony enhances the unity in the artwork.

While Unity in art can be attained through Repetition, Continuation, Simplicity, and Proximity, Harmony is achieved through Lines, color, textures, etc.

Why is Harmony important in Art?

The importance of Harmony is difficult to explain but easily felt by looking at an artwork.

If artwork is not harmonious, it may look abstract, or some elements, objects, and figures will look out of place, making the viewer uncomfortable.

Elements represent the many principles in artwork, like variety, balance, movement, and rhythm. Unless you are an expert, you will not see them as individual pieces or concepts.

Harmony is the final principle, and it is accomplished if all or most of the other principles of artwork are achieved.

We cannot achieve Harmony without Unity. In many instances, they are both referred to synonymously though they have differences, and both Unity and Harmony bind the elements of art into one piece.

Harmony is relative terminology and aesthetic, like good, bad, short, and tall. This cannot be the same for everyone who has their unique opinion.

So, what I feel harmonious may not be harmonious to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Color Harmony in Art?

   Color harmony denotes the use of colors that agree with one another. This can be achieved by using colors placed one behind another on the color wheel or with the same intensity (hue) and saturation. When creating a work of art, it’s essential to use colors harmoniously. This will help to create a visually appealing piece of art that is pleasing to the eye.

2. What is Objective Harmony in Art?

   Objective harmony in art uses visual elements to create a balanced and unified composition. When all the elements in a painting are evenly distributed, the viewer sees a sense of order and beauty. This creates a pleasing and harmonious effect that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

3. What is the feeling of harmony in art?

   Harmony in art is the feeling of balance and unity that a viewer senses when looking at an artwork. This feeling is often created by symmetry or by using colors and shapes that work together to create a sense of order. When all the elements in a painting or sculpture work together harmoniously, it can be quite pleasing.

4. What is Harmony in Art and Design?

   Harmony in art and design is the principle that objects or elements should be arranged in a pleasing way that creates a sense of unity. When everything in an artwork or design is harmoniously arranged, it produces a sense of order and beauty.

5. Why do you think harmony is so important in art?

   A harmonious composition makes for a more pleasing and satisfying experience for the viewer. It can be achieved through color, texture, form, line, balance, and contrast.
   A sense of harmony is one of the essential things an artist can create in their work, as it makes for a more pleasant experience for the viewer