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Basics

In art, balance is a fundamental of design that is defined as visual weight and counterweight of objects in a compostion. Put simply, to be balanced is to be visually comfortable in a work of art. That is apparent in a single image or in the organization of images and objects in a composition. Formal Balance usually is achieved by the artist placing objects in the work in a *symmetrical or equal-sided arrangement. Informal Balance is created when an *asymmetrical layout is used. There is also *Radial Balance. Let's take a look at the different types of Balance.

Types of Balance in Art

Symmetrical Balance

In symmmetrical balance, the arrangement of objects on both sides of a perceived or visual axis is similar. Examples include a simple butterfly or Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.

Assymetrical Balance

The opposite of symmetrical balance, assymetrical balance involves differing objects or arrangements on both sides of a perceived or visual axis. However, balance can still be achieved. One technique involves placing a large image near the centre of the piece and another, smaller object closer to the edge.

*Radial Balance - The axis is the center point and the design or pattern appears to "radiate" from that point.

*Horizontal Balance - Compositions which utilise the horizontal (left to right) picture plane.