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Principles of Design:
Balance



Elements of Design


























Elements of Design




























Elements of Design

Balance is the distribution of the perceived weight.  An artwork can be given a sense of equilibrium by equally distributing individual elements of design on opposite sides of the work.  Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.  Symmetrical Balance is when the artwork has equally balanced elements on each half divided from the middle.  Asymmetrical Balance is when the two sides of the artwork are different but a sense of balance is still attained.  For example a heavy object on the right may be balanced by several smaller items on the left.  Radial Balance is when the artwork is balanced equally in all directions around a central point.



A beautiful crow beats its wings over a blue backdrop with black swirling lines. The bird’s vast wingspan displays rows of feathers; some highlighted with a shimmering silver blue. The crow’s eye shines like a polished gem.
"Blue Crow" is symmetrically balanced.  The crows body is along the middle of the piece with wings on each side.  The wings have equal colouration, form, use of line, texture and values.



A unicorn stops to take a drink at a fast flowing stream. A hint of the unicorn’s face is reflected in the water. Orange autumn leaves create contrast with the brilliant blue sky on this beautiful sunny day.
"Autumn Unicorn" is Asymmetrically balanced.  The large brown tree trunk is balanced by the unicorn, birch tree and and river.  Note how the tree which has its weight in a darker colour and coarser texture is balanced by the white tone and finer detailing in the unicorn and river foam.




swirl of colour: pinks, blues, yellow, and white
Radial balance can be seen in this close-up from "Groovy Tree".  The middle of the spiral is centered.  The colours are generally balanced in all directions.


Contrast

























Contrast





























Contrast


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