BALANCEThe Second

Principle of Art

BALANCE= the distribution of weight.

BALANCE Balance in art refers to the sense of

distribution of perceived visual weights that offset one another. We feel more comfortable--and therefore find it more pleasing--when the parts of an artwork seem to balance each other. Imbalance gives us an unsettled feeling, and that is something that for most artists is not the desired effect. Some artists, however, deliberately disturb our sense of balance.

BALANCEBalance is defined as “rest or

response.” the restful effect can be obtained by arranging the objects with different colors and shapes that have equal attraction on each side of the center. Balance is equalizing visual forces, or elements, in a work of art. If a work has visual balance, the viewer feels that the elements have been arranged in a satisfying way.

Line Shape Space Form Value Color Texture

Balance can occur with all elements of design:

1. Symmetrical (formal balance)

2. Asymmetrical (informal balance)

3. Radial Balance

Three Kinds of Balance

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Other terms for symmetrical balance are formal balance or classical balance.

is when elements on both sides of a central line appear to be about equal. The objects of the two sides have the same attraction. This kind of balance gives sense of dignity and precision.

Symmetrical (Formal Balance)

Symmetrical Balance

The Last Supper (Leonardo da Vinci (1495)

Symmetrical Balance

Diego Rivera, Flower Day, 1925

Egyptian Antique

Symmetrical Balance

United States Capitol Washington D.C. begun 1792, completed 1830

Asymmetrical (Informal Balance)

Asymmetrical balance is when art elements appear to be different on both sides of a central line. The objects do not attract same attention. This kind of balance affords a greater opportunity for variety in arrangement.

Asymmetrical balance has sides that are different, but are still in visual balance.

A large flower shape is balanced by smaller leaves.

Asymmetrical (Informal Balance)

Asymmetrical BalanceA large shape

placed near the middle of a work of art can be balanced by smaller shapes placed toward the outer edge.

Asymmetrical BalanceThe smaller

diamond is more interesting and therefore has more visual weight and balances the entire work of art.

Asymmetrical Balance

Frida Kahlo, Frida and Diego Rivera, 1931 Bernini, David, 1623

Asymmetrical Balance

Hiroshige View of Mount Fuji from Harajuku, part of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō series

RADIAL BALANCE

Radial balance happens when all the elements radiate out a central point.

Radial balance happens when all the elements radiate out a central point.

RADIAL BALANCE

Radial Balance

MC Escher

The kind of balance used in any arrangement of furniture and decorative objects help an individual quality to a group.

Formal arrangements give a feeling of formality where there is more intimacy in an formal in an informal arrangement.

In working for balance arrangement, one should test both sides of the arrangement to see that one side from the center does not present greater attraction to the eye than the other side.

REVIEW

What kind of balance is illustrated in this painting Oriental Poppies, by Georgia O’Keefe?

If you said symmetrical balance, you are correct!

If you could visually divide the paper in half. There would be a poppy on both sides. No one side dominates the pictures. Neither poppy appears to be more important than the other.

What type of balance is shown in this painting, Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter's Mother (commonly

known as Whistler’s Mother), by James Whistler?

                        

                 

If you said, asymmetrical balance, you were right! The large form of the woman is "visually equal" to the black curtain and white painting on the wall. This makes the

painting appear balanced.

What type of balance is shown in this stained glass artwork, Rose Window?

                                                                                                    

Radial Balance! Look at the spiral or spinning effect of the pattern. The axis is the center point and the design

or pattern appears to "radiate" from that point.

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