elements of design

Art Theory 101:
Balance & Rhythm


Balance is the perception of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance. It is an appeasement of opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. Most successful compositions attain balance in one of two ways: symmetrically or asymmetrically. Balance in a three dimensional object is simple to understand. If balance isn't achieved, the object tips over. To understand balance in a two dimensional structure, we must use our imaginations to carry this three dimensional analogy forward to the flat surface.

Symmetrical balance means having equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. It may also be referred to as formal balance. When the elements are arranged equally on either side of a central axis, the result is Bilateral symmetry. This axis may be horizontal or vertical. It is also potential to build formal balance by arranging elements equally around a central point, resulting in radial symmetry.

There is an alternate of symmetrical balance called approximate symmetry in which equivalent but not identical forms are arranged around the fulcrum line.

Asymmetrical balance is more complex and difficult to foresee. It involves placement of objects in a way that will allow objects of varying visual weight to balance one another around a fulcrum point. This can be best imagined by foreseeing a literal balance scale that can represent the visual "weights" that can be imagined in a two dimensional composition. For example, it is possible to balance a heavy weight with a cluster of lighter weights on equal sides of a fulcrum. It is also possible to visualize objects of equal weight but different mass on equal sides of a fulcrum. Unequal weights can even be balanced by shifting the fulcrum point on our imaginary scale.

Rhythm can be described as timed movement through space; an easy, connected path along which the eye follows a regular arrangement of motifs. The presence of rhythm creates certainty and order in a composition. Visual rhythm may be best understood by relating it to rhythm in sound.

Rhythm depends largely upon the elements of pattern and movement to achieve its effects. The parallels between rhythm in sound/ music are very exact to the idea of rhythm in a visual composition. The difference is that the timed "beat" is sensed by the eyes rather than the ears.

Rhythm can be created in a number of ways. The characteristic flow of the individual line is referred as linear rhythm. Accomplished artists have a common manner of putting down the lines of their drawings that is a direct result of the characteristic gesture used to make those lines, which, if observed, can be seen to have a rhythm of its own. Linear rhythm is not as dependent on pattern, but is more dependent on timed movement of the viewer's eye.

Repetition comprises the use of patterning to achieve timed movement and a visual "beat". This repetition may be a clear repetition of elements in a composition, or it may be a more subtle kind of repetition that can be observed in the underlying structure of the image.

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Domen Lombergar is a surrealist which publishes his work at http://www.lombergar.com - to learn more about the digital art community he runs check out http://www.artcone.com