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Rhythm is a principle of design where the repetition of an element (color, shape, line, etc.) creates visual movement in an artwork.
Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.
Rhythm in visual art is very much like rhythm in music. It can be regular or irregular (evenly or unevenly spaced), staccato (changing abruptly), or progressive (changing in size or intensity).
J. Paul Getty Museum, Principles of Design.
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