Balance The Second Principle in ARts

1. BALANCE
The Second Principle of Art

2. BALANCE= the distribution of weight.

3.  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.

4. BALANCE
 Balance 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.

5. Balance can occur with all elements of design:
 Line
 Shape
 Space
 Form
 Value
 Color
 Texture

6. 1. Symmetrical (formal balance)
2. Asymmetrical (informal balance)
3. Radial Balance

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

8. 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.

9. Symmetrical Balance
The Last Supper (Leonardo da Vinci (1495)

10. Symmetrical Balance
Diego Rivera, Flower Day,
1925
Egyptian Antique

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

12.  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.

13. Asymmetrical
balance has sides
that are different,
but are still in visual
balance.
A large flower shape is
balanced by smaller leaves.

14. Asymmetrical Balance
A large shape
placed near the
middle of a work
of art can be
balanced by
smaller shapes
placed toward
the outer edge.

15. Asymmetrical Balance
The smaller
diamond is more
interesting and
therefore has
more visual
weight and
balances the
entire work of art.

16. Asymmetrical Balance
Frida Kahlo, Frida and Diego
Rivera, 1931 Bernini, David, 1623

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

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

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

20. Radial Balance
MC Escher

21. 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.

22. REVIEW

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

24. 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.

25. 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?

26. 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.

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

28. 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.

29. -END-THANK
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