Final answer:
The principle of harmony governs how elements of a composition work together to create a sense of unity, balancing unity and variety to create a cohesive and visually appealing artwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle that governs how elements of a composition work together to create a sense of unity is harmony. Harmony in art is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements. For example, adjacent colors on the color wheel, similar shapes, or the consistent use of a particular style or theme can contribute to harmony. It acts much like harmony in music, creating a sense of completeness and consistency.
An artwork with a harmonious composition will often evoke a sense of calmness and order. Too much harmony can lead to a work being viewed as monotonous, while too little can result in a chaotic and disjointed appearance. Thus, an artist must strike a balance between unity and variety to maintain visual interest without overwhelming the viewer. Harmony works closely with other principles such as balance, contrast, and proportion to create a cohesive artwork that can effectively command attention and convey the intended message or feeling.
In addition to harmony, contrast creates visual interest by highlighting differences, balance distributes visual weight evenly to achieve stability, and proportion relates to the size and scale of the elements within the composition. Together, these principles guide the artist in creating a deliberate and thoughtful arrangement of elements that enhances the overall aesthetic value of the art.