Definition: refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole.
Use this page to understand the different elements of proportion.
Photo to the left: What appears to be the larger item in this photo (of the Arc de Triomphe? Why does it appear to be the largest?
You've probably figured out that the Arc de Triomphe is the largest. You should have made the conclusion that it's the largest, because the people in front of it appear small in relation to the monument. This is how proportion can be used to show the relationship of size.
(Photo provided by photos8)
Photo to the right: What is the proportion here? What does the proportion do to this photo? How can you use this effect in your own artwork?
The emphasis on the shell, which is done by positioning and size, makes this photo appear as though it has depth. The sky-scrappers in the background still are rather tall, which gives use a sense of depth. The shell also appears larger than it probably is in real life. This proportion can be used to fool the eye. (Photo provided by photos8)
Photo on the left: In this photo, how is proportion used?
This photo is very much like the other two in that it shows the relationship of size. This photo is a close up photo that shows you the relationship between a baby's hand and an adult's hand. You can tell that the adult's hand is larger, because the tip of the thumb is the only thing that can fit into the baby's hand. (Photo provided by photos8)
Art Talk Portion:
Listen to the following Podcast on Emphasis. Use the (blue) Art Talk book while the audio reads along in the chapter about proportion.