Art Talk: Balance (Chapter 9) Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is balance in art?

The principle of art concerned with equalizing visual forces or elements in a work of art.

How does visual balance make you feel?

Causes you to feel that the elements have been arranged well.

What does visual imbalance cause you to feel?

Causes you to feel uneasiness.

What is formal balance and how do you create it?

Formal balance occurs when equal or very similar elements are placed on opposite sides of a central axis. Signup and view all the answers

Why are humans attracted to symmetry?

Symmetry appeals strongly to humans because of the bilateral symmetry of the human body. Signup and view all the answers

What emotions might symmetry express to us?

Symmetry can express dignity, endurance, and stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is radial balance?

A complex variation of symmetry in which the forces of elements of a design come out from a central point. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of radial balance found in nature and architecture.

Flower petals are arranged around a central axis and radiate outward. Signup and view all the answers

How does informal balance differ from formal balance?

Informal balance relies on the artistic arrangement of objects to appear balanced, using unlike objects. Signup and view all the answers

How do artists create informal balance?

Artists must consider the visual weight that elements in a work of art have to the viewer's eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is informal balance more complicated to produce than formal balance?

Artists must consider all the visual weight factors and put them together correctly. Signup and view all the answers

What can a visual force be arranged equally on either side of?

Central axis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a central axis?

A dividing line that works like the point of balance in a balance scale. Signup and view all the answers

What is symmetry?

A special type of formal balance in which two halves of a balanced composition are identical mirror images of each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is informal balance?

It relies on the artistic arrangement of objects to appear balanced and is closer to what appears in nature. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six factors that influence visual weight?

Size, contour, color, value, texture, position. Signup and view all the answers

What does the size factor influence in visual weight?

A large shape or form appears heavier than a small shape. Signup and view all the answers

How does contour influence visual weight?

An object with a complicated contour seems heavier than one with a simple contour. Signup and view all the answers

How does color affect visual weight?

High-intensity colors have the most visual weight. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of value on visual weight?

The stronger the contrast in value between an object and the background, the more visual weight the object has. Signup and view all the answers

How does texture contribute to visual weight?

An object with a rough texture seems heaviest. Signup and view all the answers

How does position factor into visual weight?

A small object far from the dominant area of work can seem just as heavy as a large object close to the dominant area. Signup and view all the answers

What are the expressive qualities of balance?

The type of balance an artist uses to organize a work of art affects the feeling expressed by that work. Signup and view all the answers

What is formal balance used for?

To express a message of dignity and stability. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Balance

Principle of art that equalizes visual forces or elements in artwork.
Visual balance evokes feelings of harmony and good arrangement.

Visual Imbalance

Creates a sense of uneasiness or discomfort.

Formal Balance

Achieved when equal or similar elements are positioned on opposite sides of a central axis.
Central axis can be real or imaginary.

Attraction to Symmetry

Humans are drawn to symmetry due to bilateral symmetry present in the human body.
Common in objects closely related to the body, such as clothing and furniture.

Emotions Expressed by Symmetry

Conveys dignity, endurance, and stability.
Can also appear stiff and formal, potentially leading to dullness.

Radial Balance

Variation of symmetry where design elements emanate from a central point.
Commonly observed in nature (e.g., flower petals) and architecture (e.g., domes).

Informal Balance

Involves artistic arrangement of unlike objects rather than symmetrical halves.
More complex to create compared to formal balance due to varying visual weights.

Creating Informal Balance

Artists consider the visual weight of elements, making arrangements that seem balanced through careful placement.

Central Axis

Serves as the dividing line for balance, can be horizontal or vertical.
Easiest type of balance to recognize and create.

Symmetry Defined

A specific type of formal balance where two halves of a composition are identical mirror images.
Approximate symmetry incorporates small differences to avoid monotony.

Informal Balance Characteristics

More lifelike, reflecting natural arrangements rather than strict symmetry.

Factors Influencing Visual Weight

Size: Larger shapes appear heavier.
Contour: Complicated contours add visual weight.
Color: High-intensity colors have greater visual impact.
Value: Strong contrast with background increases weight perception.
Texture: Rough textures seem heavier.
Position: Location affects perceived weight; distance from the dominant area can equalize weight across different sizes.

Expressive Qualities of Balance

The type of balance utilized directly influences the emotional expression of the artwork.

Use of Formal Balance

Often employed to convey messages of dignity and stability, frequently seen in official buildings' designs.

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Description

This quiz focuses on Chapter 9 of Art Talk, exploring the concept of balance in art. It includes definitions and insights related to visual balance and imbalance. Ideal for students looking to understand how balance affects the perception of artwork.