Elements of Design: Form

Each chess piece has a very definite form; its volume is evident. That adds to the charm and boosts its menace factor.

Elements of Design: Colour

This depiction of an aurora features a unique blend of colours that together evoke the sentiment of the supernatural ... of something fantastical and otherwordly.

Principles of Design: Rhythm

There's a strange beat to this piece ... it gives off an air of a light breeze that's showering the ground and sky with those soaring blossom petals. There's something tangible about it.

Principles of Design: Harmony

This piece pleases the eye ... harmony is about giving a piece an impressionable perception by making all the elements and principles work together somehow. This is a very idealistic setting and to be able to convey that peace you can find if you were physically there illustrates how Monet demonstrated unity. In short, it looks right.

Principles of Design: Balance

Notice how part of the tree is much denser on one side of the painting. Is it obvious at a glance? No. Thus, we can deduce that the contrast between light and dark showcases a natural, secure look and feel. Nothing looks out place or lacking which is precisely the impression it's supposed to give off.

Principles of Design: Proportion

Proportion ... by making this lady larger than the child, it can be assumed that she is an important figure in his life. By itself, she could simply be considered a lady with an umbrella. But with the boy in the distance, it adds meaning (which is what proportion is all about).

Principles of Design: Emphasis

Emphasis ... an obvious example BUT effective: your eye just automatically turns to the bed. Conversely, the empty floor may also be stressed.