bal·ance
noun
composition or placement of elements of design, as figures, forms, or colors, in such a manner as to produce an aesthetically pleasing or harmoniously integrated whole.

• symmetrical and asymmetrical balance
• radial balance
• value, shape, color, and texture balance

Balance

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.

Balance in Fine Art

Winslow Homer - "Dressing for the Carnival", 1877

In Homer's painting, the artist tells a story of a performer putting on his costume while fascinated children watch. He uses very strong value contrast to emphasize intense sunlight and shadows. He balanced values, shapes, and colors to create a unified visual statement with the central carnival figure as the focal point.

Source: Elements and Principles of Design: Student Guide with Activities, published by Crystal Productions