What Is Rhythm In Art?

Rhythm In Art is unique for what it provides. While it is a principle in its own right, a more proper definition for rhythm is found in the purpose of creating flow within the art content.

This flow can create movement, patterns, depth, unity, and offer contrast to place emphasis within the art. This principle of art can allow for focus on objects, subjects, or the main protagonist.

Rhythm can also be created by geometric use of space in art, or how the artist portrays a light source as it falls across the subjects. In this way Rhythm allows for a broad and dynamic environment by which to create and add artistic value.

There are countless ways to create rhythm as shown by this pdf for students. It is for this reason that so many have a difficult time defining this principle.

So then how can it more properly be understood?

A Better Definition To Rhythm In Art:

Rhythm In Art is better defined as the symmetry of any combination of principles, or elements which create flow within the art, bringing the sum of its parts together.

This rhythm by its flow will guide the audience to the key focal point or emphasis within the art for its meaning, emotional impact, core theme, or subject matter.

The Difference Between Movement And Rhythm

An artist can use movement within a work to show action within art. A sea in motion is an example. A child running or playing with a ball is another.

Combine those two and you then have two separate actions of movement which are not related to one another.

One purpose for movement can be much like an action verb. Here it imitates an action. A second purpose could be to create rhythm yet is not defined by it.

Commonly movement can be merely for the impression of life like realism. It does not have to serve a greater purpose beyond this.

Rhythm though almost always serves a greater purpose within art. While it can incorporate movement, it is not a requirement.

Its purpose is to use the whole of the art in its creation to gather an audience. It is a part of the story telling.

If you can, imagine it like a road map, the plot outline, or the stage upon which the elements are set. Here the action takes place.

How rhythm is created will naturally guide the audience in a direction within the art to see its story. This is the flow of the rhythm.

Regular Rhythm In Art

Regular rhythm can be likened to a metronome. The audible tick will happen at regular intervals. The rhythm is about more than the time between the ticks.

Part of the rhythm is the tick itself as it is the same tone, and of the same duration of time, with each individual tick.

Within art this regular rhythm will most often be seen by a set of patterns. While artists allow for more liberty in its use of space, duration, length, and width, the regular rhythm is clear.

Good examples of this could be something like a corn field, a bamboo garden, or a forest. In this case the vertical lines create a regular rhythm which is expected.

This becomes a standard for the work of art and a prominent feature setting the focus with emphasis into motion.

Alternating Rhythm In Art

There are two ways which alternating rhythm can be used. One is by using regular rhythm but alternating with colors.

Think of a chess board for this example. It is the alternating colors of the squares which create the alternating rhythm.

Another way to use alternating rhythm can be easily found in nature. Imagine a mountain in the background and a lake in the foreground.

An image of the mountain while capturing its reflection in the lake would provide an alternating rhythm in the art.

Here in the second example you have a pattern of flow going in two opposing directions that work seamlessly together. This shows how rhythm does not have to be repetitive, monotonous, or dull.

Another example can be found in the composition. Broader lines with thinner lines of the brush or pencil can also create its own rhythm.

Here you can see additional elements of art coming into play adding to the environment. Each can offer its own value to build the story behind the composition.

Progressive Rhythm In Art

It is easier to see progressive rhythm in art through repetitive patterns. Nevertheless it is not exclusive to this. An image of a row of trees can be a great example of this.

If the image is taken from one end, the tree closest to the viewer would be the largest. Each subsequent tree would be in a decreasing progressive pattern by size and position in the row.

You can easily imagine this as if you are standing in an orchard looking down the rows of trees into the distance.

Progressive rhythm typically will focus on either intensity of the pattern by its color, repetition, or size. Its shape can change with flow and become dynamic while the pattern still remains.

This style of rhythm is popular within geometric layouts for art, and can be commonly found within abstract art concepts. It is also easy to find within nature, thus it is often captured within impressionist works.

The very symmetry of the human body has within it a progressive rhythm that is unique to itself. Leonardo da Vinci displays this perfectly within The Vitruvian Man.

While we can often think of this rhythm in terms of patterns, this mindset really limits is potential and capability within art. Much of what we find within the world has some measure or degree of impact to this principle.

Think of sand on the beach, rocks along a river bed, driftwood at a coastline, a mountain range, or an aerial view of a city. Each of these relate to this principle of art.

Flowing Rhythm In Art

Here is where many associate movement with flowing rhythm. This is not always the case. It can be easy to imagine waves within the ocean, but seeing flow in this way is very limiting.

While flowing rhythm can be associated with movement, it can also speak to many parts of motion within the art. Let’s look at two potential examples. One with motion by objects and one that is not.

Imagine a time lapse photo showing city streets at night as cars drive along the highways. The streaks of light which the cars would create becomes a unique flow of motion by objects. The same could be done with the stars in the night sky.

A way to create flowing rhythm without motion is by the use of Juxtaposition. It is how the objects within the art are set next to each other. It concerns the use of space in art with the supporting elements and principles.

Here the vantage point, color, use of lines, focus on the subject or subjects, are just a handful of items which come into play. The artist will use these pieces to guide an audience through the story of what the art is giving.

It is important to realize that flowing rhythm can most often be considered like the verb of art. Yet the use of this verb can be both like an action verb, but also used as a linking verb.

The flow can link the objects and elements together in helping create the story.

Random Rhythm In Art

Most often people associate random rhythm in art with abstract arts. Splash art is an example of how this could be thought of. It appears to have no rhyme or reason and seems to be chaotic.

While the randomness can be used in this way there are much better examples especially within nature. Rain falling into a pool of water is random rhythm. Yet it has a certain harmony that is anything but chaotic.

Just as we all know the sound of rain can be soothing despite its random nature, so is the visual depiction of its impact upon the surface of a body of water.

The same random rhythm can be found in the ripples it creates.

This kind of rhythm can have its own beauty that does not have to appear chaotic despite its nature. Non representational artists have done well in how they create works in this type of art. Often this art is used for emotional therapy to help bring order to the mind.

Here is where order by the mind is found through the soothing of an emotional state by random beauty or a more intimate expression. It can be natural or man made.

Its pattern while chaotic is also symmetric and soothing whether by sight, sound, or by texture. The key to this principle is the impact upon the senses with its effect upon the emotional and mental state.

Some have claimed that this kind of art is the most difficult to explain and create. This is not true.

For the artists who focus in these works most often they will tell you that it merely requires one to feel the art by emotion rather than thinking.

Rhythm Is As Natural As The Line Within Art

Just as all art is created by the use of some kind of line, so will all art have some kind of rhythm. Whether it be a rhythm by pattern, or if it is broken to appear random, it still will be present.

The artists who are more successful within the world have discovered that it is the use of rhythm which aids in creating their art. Once a level of mastery is found in its use, they become like a great storyteller.

Learning how to use rhythm is essential. It requires learning each element of art. Color, balance, the use of space, the line, and even light with its shadows play a role.

Just as there are dancers who have good rhythm, and there are others who do not, artists are much the same way. An artist does not need to find this principle, rather they learn how to use and master it.

For Beginning Artists

For a beginning artist learning how to use rhythm, this can be done rather easily. Study naturalist works and also nature itself.

Both have much to teach any and every artist. It does not matter the medium or style which they pursue. Something can be learned from every avenue.

It is important to pay attention to more than size and shapes. Balance, distance, flow of the scenery, color, light and shade, objects of motion, or a static environment all play all role. Those who master this principle reach well beyond mere repeating patterns in rhythm.

A study of monochromatic art can allow you to focus on the objects and elements as they relate to each other more intimately. The monochrome format removes any distraction by color, yet light and shade can still be present.

A study of non representational art can let you learn the power of color. It is by creating emotion learning how it flows in transition rather than merely coloring objects. Each art has something which it can give you.

Rhythm is found within every work of art that is created. Learning how to tap into the emotions as well as the storytelling can be a powerful experience for your audience.

Move From Rhythm By Pattern To Immersive Experience

As you grow within creating art you will want to break away from a rhythm by pattern to a more immersive experience. There is a way that I can relate this to you for understanding.

A line dance would be likened to rhythm by pattern. A ballet is a created and an immersive experience. Rhythm obviously exists within both.

Your creativity is not bound by an order of repeated patterns. While repetition can have a beauty it does not allow freedom to create.

Likewise patterns do not allow for as much freedom in interpretation by an audience. The immersive experience like the rhythm found in a ballet is altogether different.

Within art when you can discover a rhythm that is an immersive experience it opens new doors for interpretation by the audience. You will discover that different parts of your work begin to mean more to different people than others.

Nevertheless as a result your audience will grow due to its ability to carry a broader and more meaningful impact. At the end of the day what matters more is how well you take your audience on their journey, not how detailed or accurate the representation is.

Rhythm in art is the key to achieving this success. It is a principle within art that many struggle with defining. It has been redefined over different epochs of history within art. Yet ultimately it is up to the artist to define what it is and what it means to them.