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Student’s Number

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The painting of Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley and the wheel chat

combines the elements and design principles of balance, scale, proportion, emphasis, and variety.

Balance is achieved by the radial placement of the figures around the shark. Scale is used to

show the strength of the shark and the smallness of the characters. Proportion is used to draw

attention to the central figure of Watson, emphasizing his role in the painting. Variety of color

brings life to the scene, while volume and line create an intense energy.

Balance

The painting of Watson and the Shark uses balance to draw attention to the shark at the

center of the scene. This radial balance is achieved through the careful placement of the other

figures surrounding the shark, with the upper two characters being on the opposite side and the

three lower characters all being on the same side. Aesthetically speaking, this radial balance

captures the intimidation of the raging creature and its contrast to the helplessness of those

around it. This radial balance also positions Watson in the center, emphasizing his brave actions

against the source of danger (Visual Balance in Action 2020).

Scale

The painting also uses scale to create contrast between Watson and the shark. The figure

of Watson is smaller than both the shark and the others on the boat, showing his strength and

courage in the scene. By comparison, the shark is much larger than Watson, emphasizing its

strength and danger. This comparison between size and strength further accentuates Watson’s

heroic actions in the painting, making his character stand out among the others in the boat. The

difference in size also creates tension in the scene, as the giant creature menacingly dwarfs

everyone else (Design Principles Course Trailer, 2005).

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Proportion

The painting of Watson and the Shark also uses proportion to emphasize the heroic

character of Watson. The proportions of the figures on the boat show that Watson is the central

figure of the scene, as he is in the center of the boat, closer to the shark, and larger in size than

the others (Design Principles Course Trailer, 2005). By utilizing these proportions, this painting

successfully draws attention to Watson’s heroic actions, making him stand out among the other

figures in the boat. Additionally, the shark’s larger size and closer proximity to Watson further

emphasize Watson’s actions in the painting.

Emphasis

The painting also uses emphasis to draw focus to Watson’s heroic actions. By placing

Watson at the center of the boat, and having him be the largest figure in the scene, this painting

directs the viewer’s attention to his character (Visual Balance in Action 2020). Additionally, the

striking colors of the painting draw the eye to Watson, with his varied colors of yellow, red, and

blue standing out among the others. By making Watson the most visible figure in the painting,

the artist accentuates the character’s courage, making him the hero of the painting.

variety.

Finally, the painting of Watson and the Shark also utilizes the design principle of variety.

In this painting, there is a variety of colors, textures, forms, and shapes. This provides visual

interest in the painting, as each element is different from the others (Visual Balance in Action

2020). The different colors of the characters and the colorful attire add to the painting, as does
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the texture of the water. The forms of the characters, such as Watson’s arm extended towards the

shark and the curved shape of the boat, also add to the painting’s visual interest. This variety of

elements adds depth and complexity to the painting, making the scene more vivid and tangible.
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References

Design Principles Course Trailer | Adobe Design Principles Course. (2005, May 5). YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fb3czArLNw&feature=emb_imp_woyt

Visual Balance in Action | Adobe Design Principles Course. (2020, March 31). YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ah-Hv60z-s&feature=emb_imp_woyt