Variety is created through the use of opposing, contrasting, changing, elaborating, or diversifying elements within a composition. It is intended to add interest, avoid visual monotony, and capture and hold the attention of the viewer of the work. Variety may be extreme which results in strong contrasts, or moderate, which results in subtle transitions from one area of a composition to a different area. In either case, those elements with the same general character or classification which are altered and included in the composition in order to enliven it are said to be varied, and may be manifest in shapes, lines, values, and/or textures.
Variety is the complement to harmony, which refers to the related qualities of the visual elements within a composition. Harmony is achieved by repetition of compositional characteristics that are the same or very similar.
Last modified May 17, 2001