Assignment #1

Balance

            Balance is found in every piece of art you see, whether it is two-dimensional like a drawing or a painting, or three-dimensional like a sculpture.  For the most part, we feel more comfortable when what we see things evenly balanced, when the objects don’t seem to overpower each other or seem to tilt to one side of the page. Balance in design is much the same. Other times we crave the teetering and tottering of a page that's just a little of out of kilter or totally lopsided. But before you go crazy, you need a good foundation in the basics of balance — what it is and how to achieve it.  Primarily there are three types of balance in design: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

Symmetrical balance is the easiest to see in perfectly centered compositions or mirror images.  When a design can be centered or evenly divided both vertically and horizontally it is completely symmetrical.  This is called a “formal” composition.  It conveys a sense of tranquility, elegance or seriousness

Asymmetrical balance is usually off-center or created with odd or mismatched elements.   However, this doesn’t mean that the composition always looks uneven.  Sometimes you can balance one large object with several smaller shapes.  Or, you can create tension by avoiding balance altogether.

Asymmetrical compositions are more dynamic and create tension, express movement, or convey emotions and moods.

Radial balance is created when the shapes radiate or swirl around a circular path.  Although it is usually symmetrical, this type of composition can intentionally lack balance.

These radial designs show how this type of composition can draw the viewer into the picture.

For your first assignment create two designs using geometric shapes that demonstrate symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial balance (choose two, three if you want extra credit).  This can be in color if you wish.