Visual BalanceVisual Balance

Visual BalanceVisual Balance

• The way that different The way that different parts of the composition parts of the composition relate to one another.relate to one another.

• Artists use shape, color, Artists use shape, color, and texture to create and texture to create balance within a balance within a composition.composition.

• 4 Types of Visual Balance4 Types of Visual Balance

Symmetrical, Approximate, Symmetrical, Approximate, Asymmetrical, RadialAsymmetrical, Radial

Symmetrical balanceSymmetrical balance

• Exactly the same on Exactly the same on both sides.both sides.

• If you drew a line If you drew a line through the center of through the center of the design, one side the design, one side would be a mirror of the would be a mirror of the other.other.

• Symmetry can also be Symmetry can also be produced by the same produced by the same shapes or forms on shapes or forms on opposite sides of the opposite sides of the composition.composition. Steve Smyers 1976: Hearts and vines

paperweight.

Taj MaholTaj Mahol

• In the tradition of the Muslim religion, the entire building is entirely symmetrical.In the tradition of the Muslim religion, the entire building is entirely symmetrical.

• Two smaller buildings, mirror images of each other, are set behind the tomb.Two smaller buildings, mirror images of each other, are set behind the tomb.

Approximate symmetryApproximate symmetry

• The two sides of the The two sides of the composition are varied.composition are varied.

• They hold enough They hold enough differences to hold the differences to hold the viewer’s attention, but viewer’s attention, but the halves are similar the halves are similar enough to create enough to create balance.balance.

Elinor Glyn, Paul Tanqueray, 1931.

Asymmetrical BalanceAsymmetrical Balance

• Informal balance that Informal balance that can produce a sense of can produce a sense of excitement and excitement and interest.interest.

• Contrasts elements that Contrasts elements that at first glance may not at first glance may not seem to be balanced.seem to be balanced.

• Example: Large shape Example: Large shape on one side with on one side with smaller shapes on the smaller shapes on the other.other.

Composition with Blue and Yellow, Piet Mondrian 1935

AAsymmetrical Balancesymmetrical Balance

• The house on the right The house on the right hand side balances out hand side balances out the girl on the left.  A the girl on the left.  A house is a lot larger and house is a lot larger and heavier than a girl but heavier than a girl but because it is in the because it is in the distance, the balance distance, the balance looks right.  Also, the looks right.  Also, the smaller barn on the smaller barn on the girl's side helps add girl's side helps add more weight to that more weight to that side.side.

Radial balanceRadial balance• The parts of a design The parts of a design

turn around a central turn around a central point.point.

• Examples: bicycle Examples: bicycle wheel, daisies, the wheel, daisies, the blossoms of sunflowers.blossoms of sunflowers.

• Convey a greater sense Convey a greater sense of movement and of movement and energyenergy

• Generally orderly and Generally orderly and repetitious.repetitious.

Radial Balance in Nature

Mandala

Notan Art FormsNotan Art Forms

NotanNotan

• Introduction to Notan, Introduction to Notan, the Japanese word for the Japanese word for the interaction between the interaction between dark and light. Creating dark and light. Creating a black and white a black and white collage out of a simple collage out of a simple square, and learning square, and learning about positive and about positive and negative space.negative space.

• Western culture tends Western culture tends to emphasize the to emphasize the positive aspect of positive aspect of design, with less design, with less emphasis on the emphasis on the negative (background) negative (background) space. The Eastern space. The Eastern culture from which culture from which NOTAN arose, seeks a NOTAN arose, seeks a more balanced view of more balanced view of the world, and of the world, and of design as it relates to design as it relates to the world. The classic the world. The classic yin/yang symbol that yin/yang symbol that we all know is a we all know is a reflection of this desire reflection of this desire for balance.for balance.

• Lesson Objectives:Lesson Objectives:

• 1. To learn about Notan.1. To learn about Notan.

• 2. To learn about positive and negative space.2. To learn about positive and negative space.

• 3. To use a simple square and all the negative 3. To use a simple square and all the negative cuttings to create a collage, which will inspire cuttings to create a collage, which will inspire a mask.a mask.

• 4. To understand about symmetry and 4. To understand about symmetry and asymmetry, and the Principle of Design, asymmetry, and the Principle of Design, Balance.Balance.

• 5. To understand the Elements of Art: Space 5. To understand the Elements of Art: Space and Shape (Positive and Negative).and Shape (Positive and Negative).