Variety - GCSE Art And Design Revision - BBC Bitesize

Home » What Is Variety In Art » Variety - GCSE Art And Design Revision - BBC Bitesize

Maybe your like

In this guide

  1. Revise
  2. Video
  1. What is variety in art?
  2. Contrast
  3. Difference and change
  4. Elaboration

What is variety in art?

Stanley Spencer, Peter Chang and David Carson’s works show contrast and elaboration being used to create variety in art.

Open Transcript

Variety refers to how artists and designers add complexity and visual interest to their work. All artists and designers need to consider how they balance unity and variety in their work.

Unity is needed so that a composition will appear as one unified work rather than just separate elements.

Variety is needed to create interest and to prevent a work from being dull or monotonous.

These three methods all add variety to a composition:

  • Contrast – using shapes, forms, colour, texture or other elements that are very different from each other can create dynamic and eye-catching works.
  • Difference and change – repeating similar elements but varying one aspect, such as size, colour or position, can create a unified composition but keep it interesting.
  • Elaboration – adding detail and complexity can add interest and give the viewer more to look at and think about.

Question

What is meant by variety?

Show answer

Variety is about the ways artists add complexity and interest to their work. This can be achieved through contrast, changes in an aspect of a repeated element or by adding specific details.

Next pageContrast

More guides on this topic

  • Balance - AQA
  • Emphasis - AQA
  • Proportion - AQA
  • Unity - AQA
  • Rhythm - AQA

Related links

  • Personalise your Bitesize!
  • Jobs that use Art and Design
  • BBC Arts
  • BBC Culture: Art
  • Art UK
  • TES: Art and Design resources
  • Design Council
  • NSEAD

Tag » What Is Variety In Art