A Principle of Design

WHAT IS BALANCE?
Refers to the equalization of elements
in a work of art.
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
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 BALANCE
Radial 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 each
is 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 OKEEFFE, 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
Whistlers 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.