There are three main types of balance in visual compositions: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Symmetrical balance involves duplicating parts on both sides to achieve equilibrium. Asymmetrical balance distributes differing but proportionally weighted elements across sides. Radial balance positions objects evenly around a central point. Examples of each type are provided along with definitions of related concepts like emphasis and shapes.

2. Balance
 Definition of Balance
 Balance is the impression of equilibrium in a
pictorial or sculptural composition. Balance is
often referred to as symmetrical,
asymmetrical, or radial.

3. Types of balance
 There are three types of balance
 Symmetrical
 Asymmetrical
 Radial

4. Symmetrical Balance
•Symmetrical balance- Symmetry is the way in
which one part of something duplicates another part

5. Symmetrical balance
M. C. Escher - Sky and Water I, 1938, woodcut

8. Asymmetrical Balance
 Asymmetrical balance - objects on one side of
the work seem to have approximately the
same amount of "weight" as the objects on
the other side.

9. Asymmetrical Balance
Megan Puls - Reserve 2, 2011, mixed
clays and porcelain

10. Radial balance
 Radial balance - objects are evenly positioned
around a center point

11. Radial balance
David Roberts -
Eroded Bowl, 56 x 28
cm

12. Emphasis
 Emphasis is created by visually reinforcing
something we want the viewer to pay
attention to

14. Shapes
 Shape- Is an area enclosed by a line. It could
be just an outline or it could be shaded in.
Types of shape are geometric, like a circle,
square or triangle, organic (natural), two
dimensional, three dimensional

15. Geometric Shapes
Organic