The balance rule of composition refers to the principle of creating stability and visual equilibrium in a work of art or design. It involves arranging elements in a way that no one part of the composition overpowers or seems heavier than the rest. Balance gives a feeling of harmony and order to a composition. There are several types of balance, including symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Understanding and applying the balance rule is fundamental to good design and composition in visual arts.
Types of Balance
There are three main types of balance in composition:
Symmetrical Balance
Symmetrical balance, also called formal balance, refers to having equal visual weight on both sides of the composition. It can be achieved by mirroring elements across a central axis. Symmetrical balance conveys formality, stability, and order.
| Examples of Symmetrical Balance |
| – A butterfly’s wings |
| – The human face |
| – A building’s facade |
Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical balance, also called informal balance, refers to balancing unlike objects of unequal visual weight. It is achieved by contrasting elements across a central axis. Asymmetrical balance conveys dynamism, variety, and tension.
| Examples of Asymmetrical Balance |
| – A group portrait |
| – A landscape scene |
| – An abstract painting |
Radial Balance
Radial balance refers to organizing elements around a central point. The elements radiate out from or point towards the center. Radial balance creates visual interest and energy.
| Examples of Radial Balance |
| – A sunflower |
| – A rose window in a cathedral |
| – A spiderweb |
Achieving Balance in Composition
There are several techniques artists and designers use to achieve balance in a composition:
Distributing Visual Weight
Balance visual elements across an axis or around a center point. Larger, darker, more detailed elements have more visual weight than smaller, lighter ones.
Using Color and Contrast
Bright, warm colors tend to attract the eye, creating visual weight. Contrasting dark and light values also affect balance.
Repeating Elements
Repeating elements on both sides of a composition, or distributed around the center, contributes to balance.
Cropping and Framing
Strategically cropping or framing the composition can help balance a scene.
Using Lines and Shapes
Lines and shapes can direct the eye and organize elements. Curved, diagonal or zigzag lines create dynamism and tension.
The Purpose of Balance
Balancing elements in a composition serves several purposes:
Creates Unity
Balance brings a sense of unity and wholeness to a work. It harmonizes all the individual parts.
Provides Equilibrium
A balanced composition feels stable and at rest. This gives the viewer a satisfying visual experience.
Directs the Gaze
Balance focuses attention and guides the viewer’s eye through key parts of the artwork.
Conveys Meaning
Symmetrical balance suggests order and formality while asymmetrical conveys dynamism and tension.
Enhances Aesthetics
A balanced composition is more pleasing to the eye. Balance contributes to a work’s aesthetic value.
Examples in Art and Design
The balance rule is used across all visual arts and design disciplines:
Painting
Many master painters expertly used the rule of balance. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa balances the subject with the landscape background.
Photography
Photographers position subjects off-center to balance a photo asymmetrically. Landscape photos balance foreground and background elements.
Graphic Design
Logos, ads, brochures, and websites all require strategic balance of text, images, and graphic elements.
Interior Design
Furniture arrangement, window treatments, accent pieces, and color all contribute to a balanced interior space.
Landscape Design
Gardens, parks, plazas, and other outdoor spaces use balance of hardscape, planting beds, water features, etc.
Sculpture
Sculptures achieve balance of form, negative space, and visual weight distribution. Radial balance is common.
The Rule of Balance in Nature
The rule of visual balance is not just an artistic concept. It is found extensively throughout the natural world in living things and systems:
Symmetry in Animals and Plants
Many organisms exhibit bilateral or radial symmetry. This contributes to optimal form and function.
Ecosystem Balance
Ecosystems depend on a balance of species, resources, and ecological processes to be stable.
Seasonal Balance
The cycles of the seasons balance each other in duration, temperature, light, and other factors.
Body Systems
Human health depends on our body systems remaining in homeostasis and balance.
This shows how universal principles of balance pervade both art and the natural world. Understanding balance allows artists to create order out of chaos.
Conclusion
The balance rule is a fundamental principle of visual composition in art and design. Balancing elements creates a sense of harmony, stability and aesthetics. There are three main types of balance – symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Artists use various techniques to achieve balance, distributing visual weight, repeating elements, using color/contrast, cropping, and lines. Following the rule of balance makes compositions more unified, focused, meaningful and pleasing to the eye. Balance is found extensively in nature as well, showing its universal importance in visual forms and systems. Mastering the balance rule is key to excellent visual composition.
