BALANCESymmetrical, Asymmetrical, &

Radial

HOW IS VISUAL WEIGHT INFLUENCED?

• Position - the further out an element is from the center, the heavier it will feel; a large object placed near the center can be balanced by a smaller object placed near the edge

• Size - larger feels heavier

• Texture - an element with more complex texture is heavier visually than one with a simple texture or no texture at all

HOW IS VISUAL WEIGHT INFLUENCED?

• Isolation - an isolated element has more visual weight

• Value - darker feels heavier

• Value contrast - the higher the value-contrast, the heavier the weight

• Quantity - multiple small objects can balance one larger object

HOW IS VISUAL WEIGHT INFLUENCED?

• Orientation - a diagonal orientation carries more visual weight than a horizontal or vertical one

• Shape - elements that have more complex shapes feel heavier than those with simple shapes

• Color - the brighter and more intense its color, the heavier the element will feel

TYPES OF BALANCE

• Symmetrical Balance- Formal Balance

• Asymmetrical Balance- Informal Balance

• Radial Balance

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

In symmetrical balance, the elements (line, shape, texture, form, color, etc.) used on one side of the design are similar (or sometimes like a mirror image) to those on the other side. It may also be referred to as formal balance. For the most basic

example of symmetry, think of your eyes in relation to either side of your nose.

http://arthistory.about.com/cs/glossaries/g/b_balance.htm

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

STRENGTHS OF SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

• Achieves Equilibrium

• No part of the composition calls too much attention to itself

• Increases unity

• Can have great appeal

• Many people automatically gravitate to symmetry.

• Look around at consumer products and graphics (printed materials) to see how many use symmetry. You will find that it is the dominant organizational concept.

WEAKNESSES OF SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

• Can be predictable

• Can lack interest

• Can lack focal point

• Can lack variety

• Can be boring

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Examples

Joe McNally

Joey L.

Joey L. Jeremy Cowart

Richard Kalvar

Edward Burtynsky

Edward Burtynsky

ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE

In asymmetrical balance, also known as informal balance, the elements (line,

shape, texture, form, color, etc.) are different on either side but still appear balanced.

ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Maya Fiala

Jeremy Cowart

Jeremy Cowart

Joe McNally

Jeremy Cowart Joey L.

Uncredited

Tomasz-Gudzowaty

Uncredited

Cole Thompson

Joel-Tjintjelaar

Joel-Tjintjelaar

RADIAL BALANCE

•Radial balance occurs when all the elements radiate out from a central point and the visual weight is distributed equally. Radial balance creates a strong focal point in the center of the design. 

Uncredited

Uncredited

Uncredited

Uncredited

Uncredited

Uncredited

Tomasz-Gudzowaty

Uncredited

Uncredited

THE PROJECT• Create 3 color photographs (may not be photographs of artwork) showing the following: One Symmetrical, One Asymmetrical, and One Radial

• Contact sheet Due Tuesday, April 7th- must have full photoshoot of your subject from multiple angles, mistakes included- blurry shots, etc. Single shots will receive NO credit!

SKETCHES- DUE FRIDAY

•15 sketches total

•5 symmetrical

•5 asymmetrical

•5 radial

START YOUR PHOTOSHOOT TODAY!DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!

3 UPCOMING ART SHOWS• Festival of the Arts & Craft Fair

• You can potentially sell your work!

• http://www.lewiscenter.org/About-LCER/Art-Show/index.php

• Submit application by THIS FRIDAY!

• Teen Art Festival

• All applications due April 7th!

• http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=332&recordid=12725

• Congressional Art Competition by Paul Cook

• Photo sent directly to Cook’s Office

• Submit by APRIL 10TH!

• See Next Page!