Lesson Duration: 1 class period

Unit Title: Drawing/Painting

Lesson Title: Balance

Objectives of Lesson

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define symmetrical and asymmetrical balance, radial balance, value, shape, color, and texture balance.

2. Demonstrate understanding of space by successfully completing the activities.

Materials Needed

1. Sketchbook, drawing pencil, and eraser.

2. Newspaper, scissors, and glue sticks.

3. Construction paper.

Instructional Procedure with Approximate Time Line

1. Anticipatory Set (5 minutes)

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a work of art. In painting, it is the visual equilibrium of the elements that causes the total image to appear balanced. Balance can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical in a work of art.

When elements on both sides of a central vertical line appear to be about equal in shape, weight, value, and color, the design is in symmetrical balance. Other terms for symmetrical balance are formal or classical balance.

Asymmetrical balance involves two sides that are different, but yet are in visual balance. For example, a large three-figure shape of people sitting quietly is balanced by smaller but much more active birds. Another term for asymmetrical balance is informal balance.

Value balance is essential to good painting and drawing. On a medium background, a small light value shape seems to balance a large middle value shape. Color balances the same way: a small intense color shape balances a much larger neutral color shape.

Radial balance happens when all the elements radiate out from a central point. If the focus is at the center, it is in symmetrical balance. A grapefruit cut in half is a good example.

A small, irregular shape will balance a larger, circular, rectangular, or simple shape, even if it is of the same color, value, or texture. The smaller shape is more interesting and therefore has more visual weight.

All over pattern is another form of balance since the same visual weight, texture, and colors are evenly distributed. Many fabrics contain all over patterns.

2. Activities (30 minutes)

Activities should be done on separate sketchbook pages, not back to back.

• Look in a newspaper for two photos each that show both symmetrical and asymmetrical balance. At the top of the page write "Symmetrical Balance" and glue the two symmetrically balanced photos beneath. In the middle of the sketchbook page write "Asymmetrical Balance" and glue the two asymmetrical photos beneath.
• Make a collage using geometric shapes cut from construction paper in different sizes. Select different colors and values to arrange the collage to show "Radial Balance" (title). Glue them on the sketchbook page.

3. Assessment

0 points = Activity not completed or not found. Activity done incorrect or no title.

5 points = Activity done partly correct. Improve and turn in again.

10 points = Activity correct. Student demonstrates understanding of concept.

Lesson taken from Elements and Principles of Design Posters, Teacher’s Guide, by Crystal Productions.