What is the comparative relationship of the parts of or composition to each other and to the whole?

Proportion in art is the comparative harmonious relationship between two or more elements in a composition with respect to size, color, quantity, degree, setting, etc.; i.e. ratio. A relationship is created when two or more elements are put together in a painting. This relationship is said to be harmonious when a correct or desirable relationship exists between the elements. This refers to the correct sizing and distribution of an element or object which creates good proportion. Good proportion adds harmony and symmetry or balance among the parts of a design as a whole.

When the principle of proportion is applied to a work of art it is usually in the relationship of size. That is, the size of one element of the composition as compared to the size of another related element. In the instance of a relationship of size a comparison is made between the:

• height, width and depth of one element to that of another
• size of one area to the size of another area
• size of one element to the size of another element
• amount of space between two or more elements

Proportion is usually not even noticed until something is out of proportion. When the relative size of two elements being compared seems wrong or out of balance it is said to be "out of proportion". For example if a person has a head larger than their entire body, then we would say that they were out of proportion.

Good Proportion

There are several ways for achieving good proportion:

1. Place together elements which are similar in character or have some feature in common.
2. Create major and minor areas in the design, as equal parts can quickly become monotonous and boring. However, the differences in size must not be so great as to make the parts appear unrelated and therefore, out of harmony with each other.
3. Arrangement of space should be in such a way that the eye does not perceive a standard mathematical relationship. Dividing up the composition in halves, quarters and thirds should be avoided. A subtle relationship creates a more dynamic design.
4. Create harmony in the art work. Harmony is an agreement between the shapes that stresses the similarities of all parts. In other words, the shape of one part should "fit" the shape of the adjoining elements. Shapes should"fit" properly in their positions and spaces.

Examples of the effective use of Proportion

There is a real sense of proportion in each of the two paintings above. Without the effective use of the principle of proportion you would not experience the Majesty of the mountain cliffs in the painting on the left or the towering height of the trees in the painting on the right.

In the two paintings above proportion emphasizes the distance of the ship and the vastness of the ball room.

Examples of the effective use of Harmony

It is easy to observe harmony in action in nature. Notice how the individual wedges "fit" the orange in the painting above.		In the coat of arms above we observe how the different elements "fit" together perfectly inside each other to create harmony.

Submitted by: Barbara Rhodes, retired art teacher

Principles of Design Menu

[ Lesson #1: Introduction to the Principles | Lesson #2: The Principle of Balance ]

[ Lesson #3: The Principle of Movement | Lesson #4: The Principle of Emphasis ]

[ Lesson #5: The Principle of Simplicity | Lesson #6: The Principle of Contrast ]

[ Lesson #7: The Principle of Proportion | Lesson #8: The Principle of Space ]

Is the size relationship of parts to a whole and to one another?

What is the comparative relationship of one part to another with respect to size quantity or degree?

What principles of arts have a comparative relationship of one part to another concerning size?

Which element of design refers to the relationship between items that go together?