Principle of Balance

Creating a harmonious compositional balance involves arranging elements so that no single

part of a work overpowers or seems heavier than any other part.

TYPES OF BALANCE
Symmetrical Asymmetrical Radial Symmetry

RADIAL BALANCE ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Frank Stella, Star of Persia 1967 Signed Lithograph Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, woodblock print

Above is a lithograph by Frank Stella. Above is a woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai.

In this artwork Stella demonstrates an
example of radial symmetry.
Radial symmetry is a type of balance in which
parts of an object or picture are regularly
arranged and radiate from a central point.
In this artwork Hokusai demonstrates an example of
Asymmetrical balance, also called informal balance.
When two sides are different, yet appear to
be equal in weight and visual balance the
design is in asymmetrical balance.

Balance
 Name:_______________________________________

Creating Balance
Look at the artwork and photographs below and write out how you believe balance was created in
each poster.

Photo by Ramirez

Type of Balance: Type of Balance:

Asymmetric Symmetric

Photo by Pascalou petit Photo by McGeddon

Type of Balance: Type of Balance:

Asymmetric
Symmetric

Balance
 Name:_______________________________________
Creating Balance
Now it’s your turn to create designs that show balance. Using only geometric shapes create
designs that demonstrate the method listed below each box. You must shade in each shape.
Craftsmanship matters so take your time and do good, clean work. Make sure balance is created
using only that method or methods.

Symmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance

Balance
 Name:_______________________________________
Radial Symmetry Blank
Create a design in one section of the pie, then repeat it all the way around the circle to create
radial symmetry.

Balance
 Name:_______________________________________
Radial Symmetry
Using the structure below create a radial symmetry pattern, often called a mandala. The important
thing is that you create the same shape in each of the sections radiating out from the center. Don’t
worry if it’s not perfect, when finished your mandala will look beautiful. This one is started for you,
there is a blank structure if you’d rather start your own.
Example

Balance
 Name:_______________________________________
Radial Symmetry Blank
Using the structure below create a radial symmetry pattern, often called a mandala. The important
thing is that you create the same shape in each of the sections radiating out from the center. Don’t
worry if it’s not perfect, when finished your mandala will look beautiful. This one is blank so you can
start your own any way you’d like.

Balance
 A Space to Create©

Terms of Use:

A note about images used as examples in the product:

All images used are made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
Images found on WikiCommons

You may:
•Use this resource for your own personal use or for use in your classroom year after year.
•Copy this item for use in your classroom by your students.
•Purchase extra licenses for others to use this resource at 50% off.
•Review this item for the purpose of recommending it to others provided you include a
link to this product. This includes writing about this resource and sharing your own
experience on your blog.

You may not:

•Give a copy of this resource to others.
•Copy this item for use by others.
•Post this item on a website, including a personal, classroom or district website.
•Copy or modify any part of this resource to offer for free or for sale.
•Create rubber stamps, resell images as clip art or create templates of any kind.