Rhythm and Balance in Art

Rhythm in Art

• The principle of rhythm is felt quickly and is fundamental to performing arts.
• Rhythm is evident in painting, architecture, music, dance, and poetry.
• Rhythm is a visual or auditory pattern created by repeated shapes, elements, colors, sounds, and movements.
• Rhythm is created by the repetition of a unit or motif.
• Repetition of a movement creates a feeling of movement or rhythm.
• All structural elements can be repeated to suggest movement.
• Not all movements in a design are rhythmical.
• Border design involves units moving in one direction.
• Surface or all-over pattern involves units moving in two directions.
• When units are of the same size and distances from one another, rhythm is observed.
• Rhythm is classified into formal and informal.
• Formal rhythm involves a uniform repetition of a motif.
• Informal rhythm involves variation in the form, size, and arrangement of the motif.

Balance in Art

• Balance is a quality that gives a feeling of rest, equilibrium, or stability.
• It is the visual weights of lines, forms, values, textures, and colors.
• Visual weight gains and holds attention.
• It is the perceived importance or heaviness of an element within a composition.
• Factors that influence visual weight are:
  • Size
  • Color
  • Contrast
  • Texture & Detail
  • Position
  • Shape