Balance is a necessity of art, as in life. Without it, we feel off-kilter. As we begin to consider the Principles of Art, let’s do so by first considering balance and then emphasis.

The Sun (Edvard Munch, 1911-16) features asymmetrical balance in the shapes used to show the rocks and shoreline. But the painting is dominated by radial symmetry created by the lines of sunlight ...

The Sun (Edvard Munch, 1911-16) features asymmetrical balance in the shapes used to show the rocks and shoreline. But the painting is dominated by radial symmetry created by the lines of sunlight ...