A composition is considered balanced if its halves have the same weight: if theres about as much stuff on one side as the other. The most extreme example of this kind of balance is perfect symmetry. But thats a rarity; it looks too rigid, too mechanical. The trick for any artist is to create balance while maintaining the illusion that the composition just turned out that way. The key is to create balance by accident, or imbalance for a reason.
What, you might ask, does this have to do with creating internet pages?
Web design is all about composition: about positioning objects-blocks of text, images, advertising-in an appealing way. Balance is naturally appealing. You, therefore, want to be like the artist, and create balance on your web pages. But, also like the artist, you want the page to appear balanced by accident. If someone visits your page, the balance shouldnt be visible; your visitor should marvel at how nice-looking and functional your page is, while, only unconsciously, registering its compositional balance.
Eliciting this type of response takes skill, practice, and a special way of looking. So, naturally, lets cheat a little!
Take an image of your favourite painting-or, if you dont have a favourite painting, browse an online gallery and pick one. A still life is usually easiest, but any type of painting will do: portrait, landscape, etc. When youve made your choice, open the image of the painting as in Photoshop or any other image editing software that allows for layers. Set the painting as one layer.
Welcome to my Blog: Salvador Dali - Sleep 1937::
href=http://ornagee.blogspot.com/2007/10/salvador-dali-sleep-1937.html class=l onmousedown=return clk(this.href,,,res,80,)>Welcome to my Blog: Salvador Dali - Sleep 1937The crutches’ positioning in the painting is balanced and harmonic -- suggesting This Blog targets at technology and web design ideology and strategy,
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Now, decide what you want on your page. Separate your design into elements. Then, for each element create a new layer. For example: intro text, header, Adsense block, etc.
Next, the fun and creative part!
Using the original painting as a guide, try to mimic its composition using the elements at your disposal. What are the basic shapes in the painting, do you seen any that resemble your own shape? If so, try putting your own element in the same spot. Is there something about the painting that you notice first, a part that immediately catches your eye? If so, chances are the balance pulls your eyes toward that spot. Perhaps you should place whatever element you think is most important on your page and position it similarly. And, remember: never be too rigid. The painting is a web designer eric hoffman Resources on TechRepublic::
href=http://search.techrepublic.com.com/search/web+designer+eric+hoffman.html class=l onmousedown=return clk(this.href,,,res,58,)>web designer eric hoffman Resources on TechRepublicFrom standards-compliant Web design support to the new data editing outlined plans for three graphics programs: Acrylic Graphic Designer, a painting,
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Adobe Photoshop Filters, PlugIns, and Resources::
href=http://www.desktoppublishing.com/photoshopfilters.html class=l onmousedown=return clk(this.href,,,res,112,)>Adobe Photoshop Filters, PlugIns, and ResourcesAdjust lightness, contrast and color balance. Works well for enhancement and Including Paint Alchemy .. which transforms your images with painterly
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guide, not an exact form.
PS: Once you get the hang of it, try to fiddle with balance. And tip the scales in your favour, so to speak...
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Web Design as Painting: Balanced Compositions