CompositionCombining the

various elements into a visual whole.

Why is composition important?

◆ The point of a composition is to hold the viewer’s eye after the initial impact.

◆ It also causes the viewer to see the subject through your eyes.

https://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm

Why is composition important?

“Art begins with a concept: your idea, your interpretation of the essential qualities of a subject. You bring the diverse factors together by using design (a composition).”

-Nita Leland (The New Creative

Artist)

Formats◆ Rectangular

– Portrait– Landscape

◆ Oval◆ Irregular

Rectangular is the

most common format

Types of rectangular formats◆ Portrait:

– Appropriate for faces, figures, tall buildings, and other vertical structures

– Interesting balance would not place our subject in the middle of the paper, but rather off-center.

http://www.wikiart.org/en/charles-demuth/aucassin-and-nicolette-1921

Types of rectangular formats◆ Landscape:

– Appropriate for landscapes, a figure laying down, and any other subject that appears to be horizontal in nature.

– The horizon line placed directly in the middle of the paper would be symmetrical (boring). Instead place it in the upper or lower third.

http://www.johnlovett.com/morsund.htm

Golden Mean/Proportions◆ Begins with a simple mathematical

pattern called the Fibonacci Sequence.– 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc....This is a pattern that is found visually in

nature in flower petals, pine cones, shells, leaf arrangements,

Golden Mean/Proportions◆ The Golden Mean is a method of

organizing our artwork and its proportions in geometric patterns. These geometric patterns are found in nature in flowers, shells, and various other natural objects. They also make our artwork seem more unified and balanced, creating interest for the viewer.

Rule of Thirds◆ To simplify this

concept we will work with the Rule of Thirds. The rule of thirds will serve the same purpose as the Golden Mean, but is easier to understand for the beginner.

Focal Point◆ Focal point – center

of interest, the first place that the viewer looks on a painting.

◆ Artists use the “sweet spots” indicated by the intersections of the lines in the rule of thirds to choose an appropriate placement for their focal point.

Focal Point◆ The focal point is

rarely in the center of a composition and never at the edge of the composition.

http://emptyeasel.com/2008/11/11/the-focal-point-debate-should-every-painting-have-a-focal-point/

Dominance/Emphasis◆ Emphasis – The most

important principle, which used to attract attention to a certain area/object and communicate your idea to the viewer more clearly.

◆ Not all elements and principles are necessary in every composition. But one will be more important (dominant).

http://principles-of-design.weebly.com/dominance.html

Balance◆ Symmetry is boring

and draws less interest from the viewer.

◆ An asymmetrical design is unevenly divided, but are still balanced. The variety between the two sides of the composition create interest for the viewer.

http://spiritualdirection.com/2014/09/30/st-jerome-bethlehems-church-st-catherine

http://richard-hooker.com/sites/worldcultures/CHING/OPIUM.HTM

Movement◆ Visual movement –

directs the viewer’s eye around the composition, as well as controlling the speed the viewer of the eye around the composition.

Breakdown of Space◆ Don’t just think

about your composition as a flat surface, but remember to use the middleground and background also.