Visual Balance

Visual Balance
The way that different parts of the composition relate to one another. Artists use shape, color, and texture to create balance within a composition. 4 Types of Visual Balance Symmetrical, Approximate, Asymmetrical, Radial

Symmetrical balance
Exactly the same on both sides. If you drew a line through the center of the design, one side would be a mirror of the other. Symmetry can also be produced by the same shapes or forms on opposite sides of the composition.
Steve Smyers 1976: Hearts and vines paperweight.

Taj Mahol

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.

Approximate symmetry
The two sides of the composition are varied. They hold enough differences to hold the viewers attention, but the halves are similar enough to create balance.

Elinor Glyn, Paul Tanqueray, 1931.

Asymmetrical Balance
Informal balance that can produce a sense of excitement and interest. Contrasts elements that at first glance may not seem to be balanced. Example: Large shape on one side with smaller shapes on the other.

Composition with Blue and Yellow, Piet Mondrian 1935

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

Radial balance
The parts of a design turn around a central point. Examples: bicycle wheel, daisies, the blossoms of sunflowers. Convey a greater sense of movement and energy Generally orderly and repetitious.

Radial Balance in Nature Mandala

Notan Art Forms

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

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

 Lesson Objectives: 1. To learn about Notan. 2. To learn about positive and negative space. 3. To use a simple square and all the negative cuttings to create a collage, which will inspire a mask. 4. To understand about symmetry and asymmetry, and the Principle of Design, Balance. 5. To understand the Elements of Art: Space and Shape (Positive and Negative).