Final answer:
Variety in art typically creates a sense of interest by introducing contrast and unexpected elements that capture the viewer's attention. While unity promotes order and cohesiveness, variety adds complexity and engagement in a visual composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within the realm of art, variety serves to introduce a sense of contrast and unexpected visual elements that can enliven a composition and encourage the viewer's eye to move around the piece. This dynamic aspect creates a more engaging visual experience. In contrast, unity brings a sense of order and cohesiveness, making the artwork feel complete and harmonious. The question pertains to the effect of variety in art, suggesting that sense of interest is a likely outcome of incorporating varied elements within an artwork.
For instance, in a painting, patterns and colors can be repeated to create a rhythm, but it is the interruption of these patterns or the introduction of an unexpected color that catches the viewer's attention and adds complexity to the visual narrative. Imagine a repetitive pattern of blues and greens suddenly interspersed with a splash of red; this creates a focal point and a sense of movement as the viewer's eye is drawn to the contrast. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is D) A sense of interest, because variety often introduces the unexpected or the anomalous, which piques curiosity and keeps the viewer engaged in the conversation with the artwork.