Variety and Contrast
II. Tension - illusionistic or actual force of stretching; more generally, the sense of parts or visual elements threatening change, striving to meet or repel each other or to alter their shape or location. Tension occurs when one or more of the following directional forces are present:
Tension(stretching)	Compression(squeezing or condensing)
Stress (large weight over small area)	Flexure (bending)
Tension Also occurs when:
A Feeling of Instability Exists	Elements Appear to be Falling
Elements are Repelling or Attracting One Another	Elements are Threatening or Attacking Each Other
In all these instances, visual elements appear to be changing or appear as though they are about to change their shape or position. This is why tension always creates an uneasy, disturbing feeling characterized more by instability as opposed to stability.