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Composition
Good composition is like a suspension bridge; each line adds strength
and takes none away... Making lines run into each other is not
composition. There must be motive for the connection. Get the art
of controlling the observer that is composition.
-Robert Henri
The arrangement of visual
elements of a painting into an ordered scheme or relational
organization is known as composition.
A composition contains an infinite number of variables. All of
these elements - color, shape, line, etc. interact with one another
- each has it's role in creating a good design. A change in one of these
elements can affect the entire painting.
Certain compositional strategies can focus the viewer's attention
to important elements in a painting. The basic "tools" utilized are
Circle, Line, Rule Of Thirds, Golden Section, etc.
The Rule Of Thirds:
We will focus on the Rule Of Thirds,
which is a simplified version of the
Golden Section.
It's a tool utilized by artists to visualize
the support as divided into thirds. The four lines intersecting are known as focal points. The center-of-interest
should be
placed at one of these points. For instance... A horizon line in a landscape painting
is often placed along one of the lines. An experienced painter may
break the rule-of-thirds in order to better express a certain emotional
or psychological message to the viewer.
The Rule Of Thirds
Place your center-of-interest in a pleasing location (a focal point)
and arrange pathways to draw the viewers eye to that "sweet spot".
This is what the viewer came for, so capture their attention!
To maintain the importance of the
center-of-interest, this area should not be blocked! You should not diminish its importance.
This is the most predominant spot in the painting - the surrounding
areas are subordinate.
One can further improve the composition by emphasizing
drama or emotion, etc. with the use of color at the center-of-interest.
Complementary and contrasting colors in and around this area
will lead the viewers eye to the focal point of the
composition.
If possible, use strong colors and
make the value contrast (Light to dark) strong.
In a landscape, value and contrast for the
center-of-interest are subtle for many compositions because of gaseous molecules and water
particals in the atmosphere - the color intensity is deminished.
Your message to the viewer is contained within this
middle-ground. This section contains the most important things in the painting.
If done correctly, this area will show its dominance in the
picture plane over the more subdued background.
When painting landscapes, the foreground is typically painted with the highest intensities - capturing the viewers attention.
Although the "sweet spot" is front and center, the foreground
should be treated with equal respect. It is
the doorway into the composition and should be painted strong in
value, color temperature and intensity. A strong foreground will
catch the viewers attention and invite them in.
More Tips:
Introduction Page
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| Translucent Water
| Color Contrasts
Hue, Value, Intensity, Color Temperature
| Technical Tips
| Value Scale
Red Power
| Keeping Acrylics Moist
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| Young/Helmholtz
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