Balance

Balance can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Sometimes a piece is intentionally off balance.

Symmetrical balance means that both sides of an axis are the same, like a reflection. It feels solid, unmoving, formal, classic, and complete. The axis can be vertical, as in a butterfly. It can be horizontal, like the reflection of a landscape on water. It can be angled. There can be more than one axis. In art, the two sides need not be exactly the same. A melody played by an oboe can be balanced by the same melody played by tenor sax. The goal is to achieve a sense of equality.

Asymmetrical balance means that the sides are different, but have the same overall weight. Weight is more of a feeling than a measurement. One large object can be balanced by a handful of small objects. A small black chair can be balanced by a large pale pink couch.

The dividing axis does not need to be in the center. Off center is more interesting, modern, and suggests movement. Be aware of where your axis is, and balance accordingly.

No balance at all is unsettling to most people. It will leave them uncomfortable and feeling that something is missing. This is sometimes the goal, and you can use this effect to your advantage.

When your work has an incompleteness or pulls you in one direction more than another, it probably lacks balance. Add some weight to the lighter side.