Movement

The illusion of movement is achieved by creating instability in the image or by using graphic elements that direct the eye in a certain direction, such as arrows that point the way, or a series of lines or dots that get progressively larger or smaller, creating a more subtle sense of movement.

Anticipated & Blurry Movement

Live figures portrayed in unstable body positions cause us to feel that motion is imminent. We know from past experience with these positions that some kind of movement will occur soon. This heightens the feeling of motion.

When figures move past us at very high speeds, we perceive that figure as somewhat blurry. This can be achieved while capturing an image with a camera or digitally using an image editing program like Adobe Photoshop. This experience leads us to interpret blurry or indistinct outlines as conveying motion. Automobile manufacturers use movement in still photos to imply the speed of their car.

Multiple Image

Similarly, showing multiple overlapping images gives us the impression of motion. We can see that the person or figure has moved through a series of poses.

Optical Movement

This principle utilizes line (element of art). In optical movement, the eye is forced to move around the picture in order to see all the different elements. Optical movement can be enhanced by curved forms that keep your eyes moving in a circular pattern throughout the picture, like in the circular flow chart above on the left. The example above on the right uses the progression of colour (rainbow) to create optical movement from yellow to green, as well as counting from one to nine. The Audi website below uses arrows to move the viewers' attention from left to right.

Rhythm and Movement

Rhythm refers to the way your eye moves throughout a picture. Some pictures move you throughout in a connected, flowing way, much like a slow, stately rhythm in music. Other pictures move you from one place to another in an abrupt, dynamic way, much like a fast, staccato rhythm in music. This is intended to give you the impression of movement. Rhythm in art is created by the repetition of elements. The similarity of elements, or flowing, circular elements will give a more connected flowing rhythm to a picture. Jagged or unrelated elements will create a more unsettling, dynamic picture.

TEST YOURSELF

Take the Movement Quiz to test your knowledge. You will receive an email with your results. You may take the quiz as many times as you wish.

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