Intro Balance (1)

A Principle of Design

WHAT IS BALANCE?Refers to the equalization of elements in a work of art.

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

Three types of balance in art• Symmetrical

(Formal)

• Asymmetrical (Informal)

• Radial Balance

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE (FORMAL)

Symmetrical balance, also known as “Formal Balance," occurs when the items in a picture are the same on either side of its axis

This type of balance takes into account qualities such as: hue, intensity, and value, in addition to size and shape.

Asymmetrical balance, also known as “Informal Balance," involves no set pattern and things are not similar on either side of an image. However, the arrangement of items (sizes, colors, etc.) still gives a balanced feeling.

ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE (INFORMAL)

RADIAL BALANCERadial balance occurs when objects are positioned around a central point

Asymmetrical Balance

HOW IS THE WORK BALANCED?Look at the following artwork and decide how eachis balanced.

Identify if it is:

A: Symmetrical Balance (Formal

Balance)

C: Asymmetrical Balance (Informal

Balance) D: Radial Balance

A.Symmetrical Balance (Formal)

B.Asymmetrical Balance (Informal)

C.Radial Balance

1. SALVADOR DALI, The Meditative Rose

A. Symmetrical Balance (Formal)

B. Asymmetrical Balance(Informal)

D. Radial Balance

2. SALVADOR DALI, The Persistence of Memory

A. Symmetrical Balance (Formal)

B. Asymmetrical Balance(Informal)

C. Radial Balance

3. GEORGIA O’KEEFFE, Poppies

A. Symmetrical Balance (Formal)

B. Asymmetrical Balance(Informal)

D. Radial Balance

A. Symmetrical Balance (Formal)

B. Asymmetrical Balance(Informal)

C. Radial Balance

A. Symmetrical Balance (Formal)

B. Asymmetrical Balance (Informal)

C. Radial Balance

BARBARA BERNEY, Blue Dahlia

What type of Balance is shown?

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.

Asymmetrical Balance

Radial Balance

Symmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance

V. Assignment.

In a 1 whole sheet of paper, draw

1 Symmetrical Balance,

1 Asymmetrical Balance and

1 Radial Balance. Label them. To be pass next meeting.