Balance by Patricia Rice

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Slide Notes

When viewing an artwork, westerners always assume a central, vertical axis and usually expect to see some kind of equal weight distribution on either side. This axis functions as the fulcrum on a scale or see-saw and the two sides should achieve a sense of equilibrium. When this equilibrium is not present the viewer senses the composition as unbalanced and a certain vague uneasiness or dissatisfaction results.

Balance

Published on Nov 19, 2015

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

CENTRAL AND VERTICAL ASIS

SYMMETRIC BALANCE

When like shapes are repeated in the same position on either side of a central vertical axis, one side mirroring the other, the result is symmetric balance. This is also called formal balance.

ASYMMETRIC BALANCE

When balance is achieved with dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or equal eye attraction on each side of the vertical axis, the result is asymmetric balance.

small area of bright color to balance a much larger area of a duller more neutral color.

There are many ways of balancing unlike objects. Most artists combine several devices in a composition. One device is to use a small area of bright color to balance a much larger area of a duller more neutral color.

CONTRAST OF VALUE OR COLOR

Contrast of value or color attracts attention. Therefore a smaller amount of contrasting value is needed to balance a larger amount of blending colors or values.

A SMALLER MORE COMPLICATED SHAPE BALANCES A LARGER, SIMPLER SHAPE.

A smaller more complicated shape balances a larger, simpler shape.

A SMALLER, ROUGH-TEXTURED SHAPE BALANCES A LARGER, BASICALLY SMOOTH TEXTURED SHAPE.

Any visual texture having a variegated dark and light pattern holds more interest for the eye than a smooth, unrelieved surface. A smaller, rough-textured shape balances a larger, basically smooth textured shape.