The principle of symmetry is that symmetrical areas tend to be seen as figures against asymmetrical backgrounds. Example: symmetry The principle of surroundedness: areas which can be seen as surrounded by others tend to be perceived as figures. Example: the word 'TIE'. The principle of figure-ground shows our perceptual tendency to separate whole figures from their backgrounds based on one or more of a number of possible variables, such as contrast, color, size, etc. Example: a problematic picture (Edgar Rubin ideas) Class assignment (group work, done orally): Look at the picture and decide what Principles of perceptual organization you recognize and how their effects are used by the artist.