Harmony_and_UnityMain

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The Principles of Harmony and Unity are very important to works of art. The artist would like the viewer to see the completed work as "finished". The Elements Of Art used to create the artwork should appear to create a "whole" image, not just a series of independent Elements. Artists use certain Elements Of Art over again and again to create a sense of Harmony. Using related colors, repeating lines and shapes and themes will also make the work appear Harmonious. When you look at a work and sense that the piece is complete, you can appreciate the importance of Unity.

Artists Unknown, (French), Bayeux Tapestry, c. late 12th century, Bayeux France, Embroidery, 20" x 230 feet (DETAIL)
Look at this wonderful segment of the Bayeux Tapestry. This is considered a textile, or a work made up of cloth and/or fibers. It is not a Tapestry in the full sense of the word. It is an embroidery. It was constructed from eight separate pieces of linen which were joined to make up its length. It is approximately 70 meters long and half a meter wide. It is evident that at one stage it was even longer, probably by as much as seven or eight meters which are now missing. Why is this piece an excellent example of a work of art that illustrates Harmony and Unity? Look at this detail of a single section. Note the details of the embroidered images, designs and words. Eight earthen colors were used to create this marvel. The use of related colors, stitchery textures, two parallel borders, and a similar theme throughout make this piece harmonious.	X
This is truly one of the treasures of the medieval period. Check out the history of this magnificent work and see the entire tapestry at Bayeux Tapestry.

Paul Cezanne, (French) 1839-1906, Mt. Victoria, 1902-04 ); Oil on canvas, 27 1/2 x 35 1/4 in; Philadelphia Museum of Art

This is a landscape. A landscape details a scene of the outdoors. Cezanne painted many landscapes and many scenes of this particular mountain. What do you think he used to keep this painting unified, or having a sense of the "whole" painting working together?
( I'll give you a hint: The secret was in his color palette.)

Note that the main colors of this painting are blue, gold and green. Remember your Color Lesson? Blue and Gold (yellow) mixed will make Green. Blue, green and yellow are analogous colors. By using related color harmonies, the pieces appears to work as a whole.

Paul Klee (Swiss) 1879-1940, Head Of A Man, 1922, Oil on Canvas

Look at this unusual portrait. Is it realistic or abstract? What makes this piece appear as a "whole" or finished product?

Look at Klee's painting style. He uses flat, geometric areas of color. All the details have been reduced to the most simple shapes and areas. His color palette emphasizes the warm colors.

Because Klee uses these techniques CONSISTENTLY throughout his work, the final painting appears to be Unified. All the parts seem to fit together. Unity is a very difficult concept to understand, but, if you create a piece of art that just doesn't look right, or appears as if it needs more work, then you need to unify the Elements of Art.

Limbourg Brothers,May from Les Riches Heures du Duc de barry (Book of Hours), c. 1400, Conde Museum, Chantilly

This is a page from a medieval manuscript called a Book Of Hours. This particular illustration depicts the month of May. One of the most famous book of hours belonged to the Duc du Barry. This manuscript is referred to as illuminated because it was decorated with gold leaf. These books were prized possessions of the aristocracy and royalty. The books were written and illustrated by hand, usually by monks.

Look at this intricate painting. Besides giving us a detailed look into the life of people during the medieval period, note the astronomical calculations and constellations that decorate the arch at top.

Look at this work quickly. What do you see first? Did you notice the beautiful blue color that is used throughout this work? If you were to see the entire book, this blue is used on every page.

Look at this detail of the page. This book depicts scenes from the religious pilgrimages made by all kinds of people. If you look carefully you will see the rich clothing and decorated horses. This would tell you that these people are wealthy.


	Identifying How Unity Is Created (Print and Complete) Creating A Harmonious Composition (Studio Activity)