Lesson 21: Symmetrical Composition

Objective: To have children create a symmetrical composition using lines, shapes, and color.

Vocabulary:

balance - The way parts of an artwork work together so that the parts seem equal.

exact symmetry - The kind of balance created when lines, shapes, colors, and forms, are exactly the same on both sides of an artwork.

near symmetry - The kind of balance crested when lines, shapes, colors, or forms are nearly the same on both sides of an artwork.

symmetrical balance - A kind of balance in which the same lines, shapes, colors, or forms are placed on both sides of an artwork.

vertical axis - An invisible line that divides the left and right sides of an image or object.

visual weight - The importance given to objects of an artwork by their size, color, or placement. Artists use visual weight to create a sense of balance.

Symmetrical Compositions

When we stand, walk, or ride a bicycle, we balance our weight evenly on the left and right sides of our bodies. Artists balance the visual weight, or emphasis, of elements on the left and right sides of our bodies. Artist balance the visual weight, or emphasis, of elements on the left and right sides of an artwork.

Menorah (detail) by Unknown Artistbefore 1982, stained glass windowRabbinate Synagogue, Jerusalem, Israel, AS

Symmetrical Balance
Imagine a vertical lines drawn through the center of Menorah (detail) by Unknown Artist. This line is the vertical axis. Do the objects on each side of the vertical axis have equal emphasis? Are the shapes and colors on the left similar to those on the right? Those similarities give the painting symmetrical balance.

Exact Symmetry and Near Symmetry
When one half of an artwork exactly matches the other half, it has perfect balance, or exact symmetry. Look again at Menorah (detail). Do the shapes on the two sides of the vertical axis match exactly? Do the colors match? Does this artwork have exact symmetry?

The Chariot of Apollo by Unknown Artistabout 550 B.C., limestoneTemple C at Selinus Archaeological Museum, Palermo, Italy, EU

Now look at the sculpture The Chariot of Apollo by Unknown Artist. How many horses are on each side of the vertical axis? Are the horses exactly the same? Look at the chariot driver. Compare the visual weight of the objects in his left and right hands. The Chariot of Apollo is an example of near symmetry. The elements in this artwork are carefully balanced, but they are not exactly the same on the left and the right.

Christmas Eve by Henri Matisse1952, gouache on cut and pasted paper10' 7" x 53"Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY, USA

Look at the arrangement of shapes in Christmas Eve by Henri Matisse. Picture the vertical axis of this composition. Do the objects on the left and right sides have equal emphasis? Do the colors and shapes on the left and right sides match exactly? Does the artwork in Christmas Eve have exact symmetry or near symmetry?

Think Critically - Tell what you learned.

Studio Time: Symmetrical Composition

Materials:

White Paper, Pencils, Black Crayon, Oil Pastels

Plan

Think about how you can use lines and shapes in a symmetrical composition. Decide whether you will create exact symmetry or near symmetry.
Check list:
- Create an symmetrical composition with lines, shapes, and color.
- Use visual weight to make sure your artwork is symmetrically balanced.

Create

Fold your paper in half vertically, and open it up. Sketch a variety of shapes on one side of the vertical axis. Outline your shapes with black crayon.
Refold the paper, and rub it to transfer the crayon marks to the other side of the page. Open you paper and darken the transferred outlines where needed.

3. Color your design with oil pastels.

Reflect - Tell about your artwork.

Photograph and Submit your artwork on Google Classroom.

Photograph sketches as well as completed artwork.
"Add" (attach) to Google Classroom assignment.
"Mark as done" to submit your work for a grade.

Challenge: Mixed-Media Collage

Create a symmetrical collage with different size and color squares, then add organic or free-form shapes on top of the collage (still) with symmetrical balance, finish with additional painted shapes.

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