Balance

Balance is the principal of arranging the elements in a manner that brings a feeling of stability to the work. A composition can contain portions whereby they are looked upon as having measurable weight or dominance and can be arranged in such a manner as to appear in or out of balance.

There are three main types of balance in art:

Symmetrical - Formal: regarded as the most visually stable and recognizable by a mirrored – or near mirrored - compositional design, which can relate to either sides of the horizontal or vertical axis of the picture plane or indeed both. 

 A stunning example of symmetrical balance is Raphael Sanzio The School of Athens
Fresco, 1509-1510.

Raphael, S. 1509. The School of Athens.[online image]. Available from: http://allart.biz/photos/image/Raphael_41_The_School_of_Athens.html [Accessed 28 March 2012]

On a more personal note and from a country I would dearly love to visit, beautiful examples of symmetrical balance can be seen in Tibetan Scrolls. It is difficult to reference because the artist and dates of both examples are unknown.

[unkown].[700BC ?]. Thangka Tibetan Scrolls. [online image]. Available from: http://www.china-cts.net/web/tibettravel/Html/2006329114651-1-1.html [Accessed 28 March 2012]

Asymmetrical – Informal: in simple terms this is the exact opposite of symmetrical; the sides of the composition do not mirror each other. Care has to be taken with this style of design to prevent the differing sides from destroying the overall harmony of the work. Asymmetrical balance is often referred to as being more dynamic due to the variety of elements used.

Kandinsky, W. 1923. Black and Violet.[online image]. Available from: http://www.wassilykandinsky.net/work-234.php [Accessed 28 March 2012]

Kandinsky, W. 1925. Yellow-Red-Blue. [online image]. Available from: http://www.wassilykandinsky.net/work-52.php [Accessed 28 March 2012]