Embedded Files
Balance refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. It is a sense that the artwork feels stable and "feels right." A well-balanced composition feels comfortable to look at while Imbalance causes a feeling of discomfort to the viewer.
Balance can be achieved in 3 different ways:
Balance can be achieved in 3 different ways:
Symmetry
Symmetry
Symmetry is when two halves of an artwork mirror each other. This type of balance is familiar and common. The human body is balanced symmetrically as is our planet, our cars, clothes, furniture etc. Symmetry imposes a strong sense of order and stability on both the composition and the subject.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Asymmetry seems less organized than symmetry. The two halves of a balanced asymmetric artwork do not look the same but have similar visual weights. Many artists appreciate asymmetric balance because it feels less rigid and more realistic than symmetric balance. Although symmetry makes clear the artist’s desire to present a visually balanced image, asymmetric balance does not happen by accident, but instead requires planning and intention.
Radial
Radial
Radial balance is symmetry in several directions. Visual elements are arranged around a central point in the composition, like the spokes on a bicycle wheel. Often, radially balanced designs are circular. In nature, we most easily observe radial balance in the form of flowers. Radial balance is prevalent in human design as well; car wheels, architectural domes, clocks, man-hole covers, a compass, etc.
How to Create Balance in Art
How to Create Balance in Art
Size
Larger objects have more visual weight than smaller objects, all else being equal. If two objects of different sizes need to balance one another then the smaller object will need a boost in visual weight. This visual weight may come in the form of more than one of the smaller objects in comparison to the large. For example, the trees in the photo above.Size
Color
Bright colors are visually heavier than dull colors. Beyond that, if two colors are of similar intensity, then the warmer of the two colors has more visual weight. Ex. The slice of cake on the left is closer and, therefore, larger in appearance. Both slices of cake are similarly arranged relative to the imaginary vertical axis that divides the composition. The large slice should outweigh the small slice except for the color. The brighter colors make up for the difference in size so the two slices have the same visual weight.Color
Position
In at least one way, the two-dimensional arrangement of visual components is informed by our real-world experiences with weight and physics. Consider the playground see-saw. If two children on either end of a see-saw are the same weight, then they will balance each other. However, if one child is larger than the other, then the larger child will need to move towards the center to balance the smaller one. It is the same in art. So, the closer a visual component is to the edge of a composition, the heavier it becomes visually. Likewise, the closer a component is to the center, the lighter it becomes.Position
Texture & Pattern
Texture and pattern are similar concepts in art. Each is defined by frequent changes in contrast, usually created through value. Texture and pattern add visual weight. You can tweak the balancing forces in art by either adding or reducing the amount of texture and pattern in a given area. A large area of smooth, even values will balance with a small area of pattern/texture. For example, the pie and the cupcakes are both rendered in colors of low intensity. Therefore, color is not a factor in their comparative visual weights. The size of the pie makes it visually heavy. The cupcakes and checkered surface balance the pie because their patterns and quantity add enough visual weight.Texture & Pattern
Once you are consistently creating balanced compositions you should consider what balance communicates to your audience. An imbalanced composition is not always wrong. Imbalance creates an unnerving feeling in the viewer that is sometimes appropriate when representing a frightening or dangerous concept such as war or uncertainty.
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer symmetric or asymmetric balance. Each has its own purpose in composing your artworks. What matters most is that you purposefully manage and use balance in your art, choosing the best form of balance based on your subject matter and message.
Artwork using Balance
Artwork using Balance
Can you identify which type of balance was used in each composition?
Symmetry, Asymmetry or Radial
Report abuse