Balance:

What is balance in art?

  • When something feels firm and grounded.

  • A cube is usually firm and grounded but the opposite happens when it’s put on its side.


Composition - how is this composed? How is the artist using elements of art or principles of design.


How does the artist undermine the stability of the triangle? - the raft of Medusa

  • Uses human figures stacked/climbing on top of each other.

  • Adding detail with the clothing - a mass of detail.

  • Organic struggle within the triangle.

  • Denser at the bottom than the top - makes the top more empty - almost see through the triangle.


Visual weight:


Equilibrium:

  • A state of rest.

  • Opposing forces match each other.


Halves:

  • Horizontals

  • Verticals

  • Diagonals


Symmetry:

  • The crucified Christ

  • The angel of the north


Weight and counter weight:

  • doesn’t have to be precise


  • light - the body of the man being assassinated is quite bright

  • Colour - the dress of Judith is a bright eye catching yellow

  • Setting - picture is just filled with figures and the background is very dark and plain.