New
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Principles of art: balance
I can produce examples of balance in 2D and 3D forms.
Lesson 7 of 10
New
New
- Year 9
Principles of art: balance
I can produce examples of balance in 2D and 3D forms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Balance is the visual weight of each element and how it is distributed to make the composition feel stable.
- Balance in an art work helps to lead the viewer's eye around the artwork and create a sense of unity.
- Creating work that is imbalanced can be used to depict unsettled emotions in an artwork.
Keywords
Balance - elements are arranged so the artwork feels stable and even
Asymmetrical - elements are different and not the same on both sides
Symmetrical - the same on both sides when split down the middle, creating a mirror image that looks balanced.
Common misconception
Asymmetrical designs don't balance.
Asymmetrical designs can use visual weight to create a type of balance even if the work is different on both sides.
Explore your suuroundings for interesting materials that could be used for students to experiment with balance in their sculptures. Artists are referenced within the deck. It would enhance the lesson to review these artists and share their work visually with students.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Card, colour paper, magazines, tape, found materials, wire, glue, scissors, plastercine, long skewers or sticks, wool / string or embroidery thread.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word with its meaning:
Match the word with its meaning:
Q2.Which element best increases visual weight?
Which element best increases visual weight?
A thin outline
A bright colour
Q3.How does the use of negative space affect a composition?
How does the use of negative space affect a composition?
It creates a sense of fullness
It makes elements less important
Q4.Why do graphic designers manipulate typography and negative space?
Why do graphic designers manipulate typography and negative space?
To fill up the page with details
To make the design more confusing
Q5.Which statement correctly explains the relationship between mass and attention?
Which statement correctly explains the relationship between mass and attention?
Less mass attracts more of a viewer's attention
Mass doesn’t affect how you look at an image
Q6.Match the factor with its effect on visual weight:
Match the factor with its effect on visual weight:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word with its meaning.
Match the word with its meaning.
Q2.Which of these helps make an artwork feel stable?
Which of these helps make an artwork feel stable?
Off-centre elements
Bright colours
Q3.How does visual balance guide a viewer's eye?
How does visual balance guide a viewer's eye?
By making elements all the same size
By using only bright colours
Q4.Which statement is true about experimenting with balance?
Which statement is true about experimenting with balance?
It doesn’t affect how viewers see the art
It always makes artworks look chaotic and unstable
Q5.How can artists depict unsettled emotions in artworks?
How can artists depict unsettled emotions in artworks?
Using very balanced and symmetrical designs
Using only calming colours
Q6.How does asymmetrical balance work in art?
How does asymmetrical balance work in art?
All elements are identical on both sides
Elements are placed randomly without any thought
Asymetrical work cannot be balanced
