Tutorial 75 - Symmetrical Composition (Patreon)

Symmetry in composition and design has been used for centuries or more and is still used today to assist artists. Commonly used in book and comic covers but more generally through all types of creative design from websites, film and photography.

Symmetrically balanced compositions must only consist of elements that mirror each other along an axis. Where your axis or axes are placed (horizontally, vertically or diagonally) and how many, will define what type of symmetry is being used. In this example the type of symmetry is rotational symmetry.

I find it doesn't matter how many times the areas are symmetrically divided, halves, thirds, quarters, etc... whatever amount feels best to suit your intentions. Diagonal lines serve to produce triangular divisions which are often pleasing to the eye but also do not need to be placed in any particular angle or at any particular frequency, as long as the symmetry is there.

We don't have to be strict about the symmetry of design elements for our painting to feel symmetrical. A tree on one side may be mirrored by a tower in the distance or the other side or the image and still be considered a symmetrical composition. This is know as near symmetry. Perfectly mirrored elements are called "pure".

Symmetry is probably attractive to us because of the way our bodies and faces are mirrored along the middle axis, as is the case with many natural forms. This familiarity can make a design feel boring or static, though symmetry is used often with religious, dominant and dignified subject matter.