Lesson 5.3: Balance, Emphasis and Visual Flow

Introduction

In the world of art and design, composition serves as the backbone of visual effectiveness. Understanding how to manipulate balance, create emphasis, and guide visual flow empowers artists to elicit strong responses from their audiences.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Recognize and apply both symmetrical and asymmetrical balance in various compositions.
• Create a focal point to establish a clear point of emphasis within artwork.
• Lead the viewer's eye through a composition efficiently.
• Utilize contrast and scale for effective attention organization.
• Diagnose elements within a composition that contribute to an unresolved feeling.

What is Balance?

Balance in composition refers to the visual stability achieved when elements are arranged to create a sense of equilibrium. Balance is generally classified into two categories: symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance occurs when elements on either side of a central axis are of equal weight. This type of balance often feels formal and harmonious and is prevalent in classical art.

Example of Symmetrical Balance

Consider a traditional portrait either side of the portrait is framed uniformly—such as having equal amounts of space, color, or forms. For instance, in Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the composition is largely symmetrical due to her centered positioning and equal foreground space on either side.

Worked Example

1. Identify the Centerline: In a canvas divided into two halves, draw a vertical line down the center.
2. Place Elements: Place objects of the same visual weight on both sides of the line. For example, if you have two similar trees, one on each side, position them so they mirror each other.
3. Evaluate: Step back and analyze the image—does it feel stable and formal, or is there an imbalance?

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical balance, on the other hand, is achieved when dissimilar elements are arranged to create a sense of balance. This type of balance can feel more dynamic and energetic. It often relies on contrasting shapes, colors, and sizes.

Example of Asymmetrical Balance

Take the Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. The swirling sky creates dynamic motion, while the presence of the quiet village balances the composition through differing visual weights. The visual interest is achieved without mirroring elements.

Worked Example

1. Select a Dominant Element: Choose a significant element, such as a large tree.
2. Build Contrasting Elements: Place a smaller but contrasting element, like a distant building on the opposite side.
3. Adjust and Refine: Alter placement until there is a comfortable tension created; the viewer's eye should naturally navigate through the canvas despite initial asymmetry.

Emphasis: Creating a Focal Point

Emphasis refers to the areas in a work that draw the viewer's attention first, and creating a focal point is crucial in achieving it. A focal point can be created using various techniques:

• Contrast: Juxtaposing elements like dark versus light can naturally guide attention.
• Color: Vivid colors tend to attract the eye more than muted ones.
• Size: Larger elements will dominate the viewer’s attention more than smaller counterparts.

Example of Creating a Focal Point

In a landscape painting, you might paint a bright red barn in the foreground against a backdrop of muted greenery. Here, the barn becomes the focal point due to its contrasting color.

Worked Example

1. Select a Focal Point: Choose an element that represents the main subject (e.g., a person in a portrait).
2. Manipulate Surrounding Elements: Use muted colors around the subject while keeping the subject brighter.
3. Heighten Contrast: Apply a stark contrast in brightness between the subject and background to reinforce emphasis.

Visual Flow: Leading the Viewer’s Eye

Visual flow is the path that a viewer's eye takes when looking at a piece of artwork. Artists can craft this flow using directional lines, shapes, or contrasts.

Techniques for Guiding Eye Movement

1. Directional Lines: Leading lines, such as roads or paths, guide the viewer’s sight naturally.
2. Shape Arrangement: Organizing shapes in such a way that their edges draw viewers' gazes around the artwork.
3. Repetition and Rhythm: Using repeating elements can create a rhythm that leads the viewer throughout the piece.

Worked Example

1. Create Leading Lines: In a painting, use a road that winds through the landscape from the foreground to the horizon.
2. Position Elements: Arrange trees along the sides of the road to frame it, creating directional cues.
3. Utilize Color Gradation: Use lighter tones where you wish the viewer to pause and darker ones where the eye should flow.

Contrast and Scale in Visual Attention

Using contrast and scale effectively can greatly enhance a composition. These two elements help organize attention and determine how a viewer interprets visual hierarchy.

Contrast

Contrast can be manipulated through color, size, texture, and shape. Strong contrasts in these elements can create visual interest and highlight certain areas of the artwork.

Worked Example

1. Apply Color Contrast: If painting a flower, use bright colors for petals and dull colors for the background.
2. Texture Variation: Paint a smooth surface next to a rough-textured area to create a visual juxtaposition.

Scale

Scale relates to the size of elements in relation to each other and to their environment. Adjusting the scale of objects can affect perception dramatically.

Worked Example

1. Choose a Main Element: Assume a large tree serves as the focal point in your landscape.
2. Add Smaller Elements: Place a few small shrubs around the base of the tree. The size difference provides emphasis, letting viewers identify the tree as significant.

Diagnosing an Unresolved Composition

Sometimes, a composition may not feel complete or cohesive. Here are methods to diagnose issues:

• Evaluate Balance: Analyze whether the weight of elements is evenly distributed.
• Assess Emphasis: Check if there is a clear focal point and whether it's adequately reinforced through contrast and size differences.
• Consider Flow: Identify if the viewer's eye can navigate smoothly through the work or if there are distractions breaking the flow.

Conclusion

Understanding balance, emphasis, and visual flow is fundamental for successful composition in art and design. By mastering these principles, students can elevate their artwork from mere arrangements of elements into compelling visual statements that effectively communicate meaning.

Study Notes

• Balance can be symmetrical (equal weight on both sides) or asymmetrical (dissimilar elements creating stability).
• Emphasis is achieved through focal points using contrast, size, and color.
• Visual flow guides the viewer's eye using directional lines, arrangement, and rhythm.
• Contrast and scale help organize and focus viewer attention on significant elements of the composition.
• Feeling of unresolved composition can often be traced back to issues with balance, emphasis, or flow.