Creating balance in art involves arranging visual elements so they feel stable and harmonious within a composition.
Balance is one of the fundamental principles of art composition, referring to the distribution of visual weight in a work. Just as physical objects have weight, so do visual elements like shapes, colors, lines, and textures. Creating balance means arranging these elements so that no single part overpowers others to the point of visual discomfort, providing a sense of equilibrium and stability.
There are several ways artists achieve balance:
Types of Balance in Art
Understanding different types of balance is key to using them effectively in your work.
Symmetrical Balance
As noted in the reference, symmetrical balance in art is achieved by giving equal weight to elements across the center-point of a composition. The center-point can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. The result is a repetitive or mirrored (referred to as perfectly symmetrical) image that appears to be completely equally balanced. This type of balance often conveys a sense of formality, order, and stability.
- Example: A portrait where the face is perfectly centered, or a building façade with identical features on either side of a central axis.
Asymmetrical Balance (Informal Balance)
Unlike symmetrical balance, asymmetrical balance uses dissimilar elements that have equal visual weight or attraction. Instead of mirroring elements, artists balance different sizes, shapes, colors, or values against each other. This creates a more dynamic and less formal composition.
- Example: A large, dark shape on one side might be balanced by several smaller, lighter shapes on the other.
Radial Balance
In radial balance, elements radiate outwards from a central point or are arranged around it in a circular pattern. This draws the viewer's eye towards the center.
- Example: A spiral staircase viewed from above, or the petals of a flower.
Crystallographic Balance (Allover Pattern)
This type of balance features a repeating pattern where elements have equal weight everywhere, lacking a specific focal point.
- Example: Wallpaper patterns or tessellations.
Practical Tips for Achieving Balance
Creating balance is a skill developed through practice and observation. Consider these factors when composing your artwork:
- Size and Shape: Larger shapes generally have more visual weight than smaller ones. Complex shapes also tend to be heavier than simple ones.
- Color: Bright, saturated colors carry more weight than muted or neutral colors. Warm colors (reds, oranges) often feel heavier than cool colors (blues, greens).
- Value: Darker areas or strong contrasts attract the eye more than lighter, less contrasting areas.
- Texture: Highly textured areas appear heavier than smooth areas.
- Position: Elements placed further from the center of the composition tend to feel heavier and can be used to balance elements closer to the center.
- Isolation: An isolated element draws attention and gains visual weight.
Balancing Elements: A Quick Look
Here's a simplified table summarizing how different elements contribute to visual weight and balance:
| Element | More Visual Weight (Generally) | Less Visual Weight (Generally) | How to Use in Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small | Balance large with multiple small elements |
| Color | Bright, Saturated, Warm | Muted, Neutral, Cool | Balance vibrant areas with larger muted areas |
| Value | Dark, High Contrast | Light, Low Contrast | Balance dark shapes with lighter, larger shapes |
| Texture | Textured | Smooth | Balance textured areas with smooth areas |
| Position | Further from Center | Closer to Center | Use off-center elements to balance central ones |
By consciously manipulating these visual elements and considering the different types of balance, artists can create compositions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also guide the viewer's eye and convey intended feelings or ideas.
