Chapter 5 Balance
Imbalance- Occurs when opposing or interacting forms are out of equilibrium in a pictorial composition.
Symmetrical balance- like shapes are repeated in the same positions on either side of a vertical axis. This type of symmetry is also called bilateral symmetry. One side, in effect, becomes the mirror image of the other side. Symmetrical balance seems to have a basic appeal for us that can be ascribed to the awareness of our bodies’ essential symmetry.
Asymmetrical balance- Balance achieved with dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or equal eye attraction.
Balance by value and color- Balance by value or color is a great tool, allowing a large difference of shapes on either side of the center axis and still achieving equal eye attraction.
Balance by pattern or texture- Any visual texture with a varied dark and light pattern holds more interest for the eye than a smooth surface. The more visual variation something has, the more weight it is going to have.
Balance by eye direction- eye direction is a commonly used device. Eye direction is carefully plotted, not only for balance but also for general compositional unity.
Radial balance- A composition in which all visual elements are balanced around and radiate from a central point.
Crystallographic balance- Balance with equal emphasis over an entire two-dimensional surface so that there is always the same visual weight or attraction wherever you may look. Also called allover pattern.
| Imbalance |
| Symmetrical Balance |
| Asymmetrical Balance |
| Balance by Color or Value |
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| Balance by Pattern and Texture |
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| Balance by Eye Direction |
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| Radial Balance |
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| Crystallographic Balance |
Chapter 6 Rhythm
Visual rhythm- Rhythm involves a clear repetition of elements that are the same or only slightly modified. The quality of rhythm can be applied to the visual arts, in which it is again basically related to movement.
Rhythm and motion- We may speak of the rhythmic repetition of colors or textures, but most often we think of rhythm in the context of shapes and their arrangement. In music, some rhythms are called legato, or connecting and flowing.
Alternating rhythm- A rhythm that consists of successive patterns in which the same elements reappear in a regular order. The motifs alternate consistently with one another to produce a regular (and anticipated) sequence.
Progressive rhythm- Repetition of a shape that changes in a regular pattern.
| Visual Rhythm |
| Alternating Rhythm |
| Progressive Rhythm |
| Polyrhythmic |
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| Rhythm and Motion |
