Rhythm

Definition • Continuous visual flowing pattern or regular

recurrence, the path that the eye follows

• When movement is smooth, the effect is pleasing.

Types of Rhythm • There are five types of rhythm:

– Repetition

– Gradation

– Opposition (Contrast)

– Radiation

– Transition

Repetition • Shapes, forms, lines, or

colors that are repeated in a design

• Or through the alternation of the above mentioned items.

Repetition

Gradation • Sizes of shapes go from

large to small, or color goes from light to dark

• Suggests an outward motion by successive changes toward a goal.

Gradation

Transition • A subtle, visual flow

often indicated by a curved line that leads the eye from one point or area to another.

• Examples: arched doorways, curved back of a sofa.

Transition

Opposition • Abrupt change in any of

the elements

• Examples: right angles, contrasting colors or patterns, round objects next to square ones, etc.

Opposition

Radiation • Objects radiate out in

nearly every direction from a central point.

• Examples: light fixtures, textile patterns, round table with chairs, etc.

Radiation

What Types of Rhythm do

You See?