ANSWER KEY

Principle of Design: Balance

Fill in the blanks:

1. An artist achieves balance when all parts of a composition appear to have equal visual ​weight​.

2. Symmetrical​ balance means both sides of an imaginary line are the same.

3. Asymmetrical​ balance means ​two sides of an imaginary line are not identical, but differ from one
another. However, the elements are arranged so that there is a sense of balance.

4. Balance in art can be used to create a feeling of ​order/equality​.

Choose the best answer:

5. An example of an object with symmetrical balance is

a. a puddle of water
b. a butterfly
c. a hand
d. a coffee mug

6. What type of balance is used in ​Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, ​The Last Supper​?

a. Symmetrical balance
b. Asymmetrical balance
c. Radial balance

7. What type of balance is used in the Taj Mahal’s architectural design​?

a. Symmetrical balance
b. Asymmetrical balance
c. Radial balance

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8. What type of balance is used in ​George Seurat’s painting, ​A Sunday on La Grande Jatte​?

a. Symmetrical balance
b. Asymmetrical balance
c. Radial balance

9. What type of balance is used in ​Katsushika Hokusai’s ​Great Wave​?

a. Symmetrical balance
b. Asymmetrical balance
c. Radial balance

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10. What type of balance is used in this Rose Window in St Matthias Church?

a. Symmetrical balance
b. Asymmetrical balance
c. Radial balance

11. What type of balance is used in ​Vincent Van Gogh’s ​Starry Night​?

a. Symmetrical balance
b. Asymmetrical balance
c. Radial balance

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 Performance Section – Rubric
Students must demonstrate understanding through drawing with a graphite pencil.

1/4 2/4 3/4 4/4

Needs Improvement Developing Proficient Advanced

No concept of principle Little application of Partial application of Complete application

of balance principle of balance concept of of principle of balance
principle of balance

12. Draw an example of ​radial balance​:

13. Draw a composition with ​asymmetrical balance using the subject of trees​.

14. Draw a composition with ​symmetrical balance using the subject of shapes​.

15. Draw a simple ​composition with balance​.