Principles of Design: Balance

Healey, Mary - Study of a Girl's Head, undated

BALANCE is a principle of design.

 

Balance is defined as the arrangement of the elements of design to create the impression of equality in weight or importance.

 

A feeling of balance results when the elements of design are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to create the impression of equality in weight or importance or harmony of design and proportion.

 

The elements of design can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically.

 

Symmetry: Equality in size, shape, and/or position between parts or elements or objects.

 

Asymmetry: Inequality in size, shape, and/or position between parts or elements or objects. An asymmetrical arrangement may still produce a balanced visual effect or weight.

 

What kind of symmetry did Eva Bradshaw use on this portrait of a young girl?

 

Question: Is it symmetrical or asymmetrical?