1. Balance A Principle of Design

2. Physical vs. Visual Balance Physical balance is important in all aspects of life (e.g., walking, riding a bike, Earth in our solar system, etc.) One way to create a strong work of art is by using visual balance

3. a visual imbalance causes a feeling of uneasiness (e.g., a room with a crooked picture) (which can also be exploited to an artist’s advantage) Toulouse-Lautrec “At the Moulin Rouge” : Note how the odd angle of the bar and the table creates a slight uneasiness

4. The importance of the axis visual balance entails balancing elements on opposite sides of a central axis, which can be either horizontal or vertical

5. Vertical Axis

6. Horizontal Axis

7. There are two types of visual balance: Formal Balance and Informal Balance….

8. Formal (or Symmetrical) Balance Equal (or very Similar) elements placed on opposite sides of the axis at equal distances Relatively easy to recognize formal balance

9. This type of balance tends to be symmetrical (i.e., mirror image)

10. This tends to appeal to human beings because by nature we are symmetrical

11. Characteristics of formal balance: stiff, rigid, dignified, endurance, stability, dull, predictable Duomo, Milan

12. Artists may elect to use Approximate Symmetry instead (e.g., American Gothic)

14. Informal (or Asymmetrical) Balance Asymmetrical, or informal, balance is more interesting than symmetrical balance. The imaginary central axis is still presumed to be present, however, instead of mirror images on each side of the picture area, the subject elements are notably different in size, shape, weight etc.

15. It involves the balance of unlike objects/elements that have similar visual weight

16. Factors Affecting Visual Weight Size and Contour Large Objects > Small Objects Complicated Contour>Simple Colour High Intensity (Bright) > Dull (e.g., Red>Blue Orange>Green) Value Strong contrast>Weak contrast (e.g., Black on White > Grey on White) Texture Rough Objects > Smooth Objects Position same concept as teeter-totter moving objects in relation to central axis

18. Sometimes larger elements on one side of the page can be balanced by a smaller element that is positioned by itself at the far end of the other side of the page.

19. Look at how the small watering can on the left is used to balance the larger dancers to the right

20. Radial Balance A special kind of formal balance All elements radiate, and balance from, a single central point E.g., kaleidoscope, flower petals, stars, gears, etc.

23. Assignment Through our in-class discussions and lessons you should now have a firm grasp about what visual balance is, why it is an important element in art, and more importantly how to achieve/create it in your own artwork.

24. Your task is to first pick a common theme or subject that interests you (e.g., sports, food, cars, music, school, etc.) and then create 3 separate screens that, while tied together under this common theme, illustrate your understanding of the following types of balance that were presented in class: Formal Balance (i.e., symmetry or approximate symmetry) Radial Balance (without using the symmetry tool in Deluxe Paint!) Informal Balance (i.e., asymmetrical balance)