BALANCE in Art | The Principles of Design EXPLAINED!

Summary

This video dives into the principle of balance in design, exploring various types of balance such as symmetrical, approximate symmetry, radial symmetry, and asymmetrical balance. The host explains how balance impacts visual stability, using examples like the Taj Mahal, artwork by Raphael, and the Kirby anime. Each type of balance is illustrated through visual aids, emphasizing the role of unity, variety, and composition. The video also discusses how to achieve balance through techniques like the rule of thirds, perspective, and lighting, offering both theoretical insight and practical tips for design enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Balance in design refers to the arrangement of elements to create visual stability in a piece of art or design.
• 😀 A balanced piece can make use of space effectively, whether it’s filled or empty, to avoid awkwardness or imbalance.
• 😀 Symmetrical balance (or symmetry) means the elements of the design are mirrored on both sides, creating perfect harmony.
• 😀 Bilateral symmetry involves folding a piece in half (vertically or horizontally) to see mirrored elements, like a perfectly balanced sheet of paper.
• 😀 Perfect symmetry tends to lack variety, making it common in architectural designs like the Taj Mahal, which is mirrored on both sides.
• 😀 Approximate symmetry is similar to perfect symmetry, but with small variations that add visual interest while maintaining balance.
• 😀 Radial symmetry involves elements radiating out from a central point, often creating a spiral-like or star-like pattern in the design.
• 😀 Asymmetrical balance is the opposite of symmetry, where elements are not mirrored but are still visually balanced through strategic placement.
• 😀 Asymmetry often uses compositional techniques like the rule of thirds to ensure the design feels balanced despite not being symmetrical.
• 😀 Kirby’s design is a good example of asymmetrical balance, where the focal point is weighted but not mirrored, making the piece dynamic and engaging.

Q & A

What is the definition of balance in design?

Balance in design refers to the use of elements of art in a piece to create visual stability. This can be achieved by distributing visual weight evenly across a composition.

What happens when an object is placed in the center of a composition?

When an object is placed in the center, like a drawing of a person on a sheet of paper, it creates a sense of balance because the negative and positive space around it feels evenly distributed.

Why does placing an object in the corner of a composition feel unbalanced?

When an object is placed in the corner, it creates an awkward visual imbalance. The surrounding empty space feels underutilized, and the composition becomes less harmonious.

What is symmetrical balance?

Symmetrical balance (or symmetry) occurs when a composition is perfectly mirrored on both sides. This can be vertical or horizontal, where folding the composition in half results in identical sides.

What is the difference between perfect and approximate symmetry?

Perfect symmetry is when both sides of a composition are exactly the same. Approximate symmetry is close to perfect symmetry but with slight variations, like differences in color, size, or placement of elements.

What is the significance of the Taj Mahal as an example of symmetrical balance?

The Taj Mahal is a classic example of perfect symmetry, as its design is mirrored perfectly on both sides, even including the plants and architectural features.

What is radial symmetry in design?

Radial symmetry occurs when elements radiate out from a central point, creating a circular or spiral pattern. It can be mirrored multiple times, not just vertically and horizontally.

Can you explain an example of radial symmetry?

The 'Mandala of the Forms of Mry' from Tibetan culture is an example of perfect radial symmetry, where the design is mirrored across multiple axes, creating a balanced pattern in all directions.

What is asymmetrical balance?

Asymmetrical balance occurs when there is no exact mirroring of elements on either side of the composition. Despite this, the overall visual weight feels balanced, often through techniques like the rule of thirds.

How does Kirby’s artwork demonstrate asymmetrical balance?

Kirby’s artwork demonstrates asymmetrical balance by placing larger objects, like Kirby, in a way that draws the viewer’s eye, while other elements, like text and characters, are positioned thoughtfully to maintain visual equilibrium without exact symmetry.