A "give-and-go" in basketball is a play that uses the basic elements of the sport (dribbling, passing, and running). When thinking about the principles of art, think of them as you would a play. The principles use the elements of art in unique ways that define their characteristics.

The principles of art are balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, pattern, movement, and rhythm.

Click on the buttons listed to the right to learn about characteristics of each of the individual principles of art.